How Does Jane Austen Present Relationships In Pride And Prejudice

In many modern societies, it is easy to believe that relationships can begin with a kiss; however, it has not always been this way. During the Regency period in England, many relationships, which were referred to as courtships, would begin at a much slower pace. In fact, it was even improper to hold hands when a young man and woman were courting. These rules of romance were very strict and often important, especially among the wealthier classes.This Georgian lifestyle is highlighted in Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice. Growing up in the upper class society, Jane Austen most likely experienced some sort of courting herself as a teenage girl. Because of her own experiences, Austen frequently mocked relationships in her novels. Within …show more content…
While courting offered a little more time together, the rules were still harsh and required very little physical contact. Women still had to be with their chaperone at all times, but could become better acquainted with their partner by straying away from the crowd on walks. Interaction was limited to gloved hands being held during dances and exchanged smiles, sighs, and blushes (Goddard). In fact, first names could not be used to recognize each other before they were engaged (Reynolds). When a man felt ready to take the next step, he asked the father for permission before asking the …show more content…
One of the most prominent examples of this in the novel is between two characters, Mr.Collins and Charlotte Lucas. While Austen quickly characterizes Mr.Collins as pompous and weak, it is clear that Charlotte is one of the older unwed women still in their society. Because of her fear of being unwed, Charlotte becomes engaged to Mr. Collins. Austen writes, “The possibility of Mr. Collins’s fancying himself in love with her friend had once occurred to Elizabeth within the last day or two; but that Charlotte could encourage him seemed almost as far from possibility as she could encourage him herself, and her astonishment was consequently so great as to overcome at first the bounds of decorum, and she could not help crying out: ‘Engaged to Mr. Collins! My dear Charlotte—impossible!’” (Austen). This quote helps further Austen’s satire because it shows the ridiculousness of the engagement. Mr.Collins is a very strange man, but Charlotte will do anything to make sure she is married. Elizabeth, who often doesn’t show much emotion and is usually characterized as level headed, is described as “crying out” the word “impossible” which shows how absurd the situation is. Elizabeth is the character who always takes things for what they are and thinks of things in a pragmatic manner. The fact that Elizabeth