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 seem to mind the lack of passion in their relationship. However, the marriage of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy is a perfect example of matrimony where there is a strong bond of love. The unity of Elizabeth and Mr.Darcy is Austen's ideal marriage because of their inherent passion and mutual respect for one another.
The marriage between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet demonstrates the struggle amid reason and emotion, or lack there of.
Jane Austen, Watercolour and pencil portrait by he...
English: Back View of Jane Austen, Watercolor
English: Français : Une gravure de 1833 illustran...Mrs. Bennet's motivation in marrying Mr. Bennet is knowing that he will be able to provide for her with his wealth. Their marriage is extremely dull since the two cannot even communicate with each other. "Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three and twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character" (Austen 5). In fact, Mr. Bennet entertains himself with witty comments that Mrs. Bennet can never seem to comprehend. For example, when one of the Bennet's daughters, Kitty, is coughing, Mrs. Bennet foolishly scolds her and asks to "have a little compassion on my nerves" (Austen 5). Mr. Bennet humorously replies by claiming that "Kitty has no discretion in her coughs. She times them ill" (Austen 5). While, Mrs. Bennet married for money, it is evident that Mr. Bennet chose to...