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” (9). 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]” (109). 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 (109).” 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