The Marital Capital in Pride and Prejudice

• Main Authors: Chia-Yu Liu, 劉珈語
• Other Authors: Shan-Hsiung Ting
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2010
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/nj26kx

碩士 === 中國文化大學 === 英國語文學系 === 98 === Owing to the drastic social changes, massive shifts in world view and value system could be perceived in eighteenth century. Individual autonomy was rather valued, and parental interruption in marital decision was relatively powerless. Most characters, for example, are allowed to make their own marital decisions according their free will. At the same time, it means that they should be responsible for their decisions and future. It is especially crucial for a woman to choose a husband prudently because she hands over nearly complete legal control to a man. In order to acquire happiness in marital life, young people should always prudently select their life partner. It is important for young people to tell the difference between unrealistic fancy to romantic love and earnest affection. Pride and prejudice are the two paramount characteristics of Darcy and Elizabeth, and it is these two forces trigger the conflict. However, the conflict is actually the best chance for them to recognize each other. My thesis emphasizes on decoding human weakness, revealing the process of cultivating virtues, and exploring how the improvements on humanity promise an ideal marriage. The process of their courtship illustrates their progress towards maturity. While modifying their mistakes, Elizabeth and Darcy redefine marital relation as well. They challenge the intrinsic system of value, overcome the internalized social value, and redefine the traditional role of man and woman and the relation of husband and wife.