Pride and Prejudice 4

Throughout Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, the conflict between reason and emotion is conveyed through the marriage of several different characters. In the marriage between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, it is quite clear that the two have never experienced much love and is done mostly for financial benefit and out of infatuation. Similarly, the marriage between Charlotte and Mr. Collins is done out of convenience, but unlike Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, the two do not …

…to present the struggle between reason and emotion. The unity of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet as well as Mr. and Mrs. Collins demonstrate the lack of rationalism and sentiment within these marriages. On the contrary, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's marriage is a perfect example of matrimony where reason and emotion are at equilibrium. Through these marriages, Jane Austen shows how the only acceptable marriage is one where there is a balance between respect and love.