The Power of Love Transcending Economics in Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice is a story about how other cultural institutions (like marriage) can transcend economics. It’s a novel that illustrates the power of love and how it can rise above class distinctions and social norms. “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife” . This first sentence of Pride and Prejudice introduces the idea that economics and social status affects cultural institutions such as marriage. The boundaries of love is restricted by the social and economic differences amongst the characters in the novel. The situation between Mr. Bingley and Jane Bennet is a prime example of the power of love in the novel. The two have contrasting background in which one is an aristocrat while the other is but a mere bourgeoisie. Such difference in monetary wealth and social class is highlighted throughout the novel. Miss Bingley is a character that supports the separation of classes. Her sarcastic letter towards Jane explaining Bingley’s, Darcy’s and her departure from Hertfordshire is a revelation of how love is hindered by socioeconomic boundaries. In her letter, Miss Bingley states “he Mr. Bingley will be in no hurry to leave London” .

She is insinuating to Jane that Bingley is by no means attracted to anything in Hertfordshire. Miss Bingley’s letter also contains disparaging remarks about Jane’s inferiority. She states that “Many of my acquaintances are already there London for the winter; I wish that I could hear that you had any intentions of making one in the crowd, but of that I despair . ” These words says that Miss Bingley does not believe that Jane can afford to travel to London; she is putting off the idea before Jane can even think of going to London. However, even with the efforts of Miss Bingley in trying to prevent the marriage of Jane and Mr. Bingley, love in the end conquers all and the two are united. The two main characters in Pride and Prejudice plays a vital role to the “love transcending economics and social norms” motif. On one side stands the highly prideful, aristocrat Mr. Darcy, and on the other is the rebellious bourgeoisie Elizabeth Bennet. Two very contrasting figures who happen to fall for one another. However, their love is also hindered by money and class distinctions. Darcy first proposal to Elizabeth reveals his love goes beyond any socioeconomic boundaries he is tied down to. “In vain have I struggled. It will not do.

My feelings will not be repressed . ” This statement highlights the strength of Darcy’s feelings towards Elizabeth. The word “repressed” alludes to the difference in social class between him and Elizabeth. Society in Pride and Prejudice would consider the rich marrying the rich a social norm and anything less is a disgrace to aristocracy. Evident of this is Lady Catherine’s confrontation of Elizabeth. “Because honor, decorum, prudence, nay interest forbid it. Your alliance will be a disgrace)” Lady Catherine’s words of inclinations show how important boundaries are for the aristocrats in the novel.

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However, her words have an opposite effect and instead of building a gap between Elizabeth and Darcy, Lady Catherine pushes Elizabeth closer to Darcy. The union between Elizabeth and Darcy shows the surpassing of class distinctions. Pride and Prejudice is truly a literary wonder in which readers are shown that money and fame is not everything; that true love can rise above social norms and economic differences. Even today, with interracial couples and same sex marriages, love is a force to be reckoned with.

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