The Importance Of Love In Marriage In Jane Austen's Novel

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As mentioned in class, Jane Austen’s books were written during the 19th century so, women during this time period were considered second class citizens, were not able to work or own property. This resulted in the issue that women would at times marry a man based on their income to ensure a comfortable life. Thus, love in marriage was not necessary. However, in Jane Austen’s books the reader does see a few characters, for example, Jane Bennet from Pride and Prejudice married out of love but coincidentally the person she marries is wealthy. Similarly, in the book, Mansfield Park, it also has the same theme that women should try to marry well-off but marriage is more focused on business, more so, than simply living a comfortable life. For example, the quote, “There is not one in a hundred of either sex who is not taken in when they marry...it is, of all transactions…” (Austen 44). The quote reveals how marriage in Mansfield is more focused on the business aspect of marriage which was for money and status. As well as, because marriage is focused on the business aspect this one of the reason why Sir Thomas married Lady Bertram, Maria marries Mr. Rushworth because his income and Fanny marries Edmund out of love.
Dr. Grant, in Mansfield Park, speaking to Miss crawford says, “...everybody should marry as soon as they can do it to advantage” (Austen 41). The quote conveys the message that a person should marry out once a person has the money to do so. So, when Sir Thomas who is a

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