Pride and prejudice themes

Two themes: and Wealth Two Groups The Wealthy • • • Mr Darcy Mr Bingley Lady Catherine de Bourgh The Not – So – Wealthy • • • Mr Bennett Mr Collins Mr Wickham The First group The Wealthy mr Darcy • wealthy owner of the renowned family estate of Pemberley in Derbyshire • among the 400 wealthiest families in the country • having £10,000 a year Mr Charles Bingley • His family acquired fortune in trade; can afford to rent an estate; his wealth is noted to be about 5,000 pounds a year • • Lady Catherine de Bourgh • inherit the property Rosings Park and great wealth from late husband • her wealth is noted that just the glazing on her estates windows costs 800 pounds The second group The Not – So Wealthy Money plays a key role in the marriage market, not only for the young ladies seeking a well-off husband, but also for men who wish to marry a woman of means Mr Bennett • his wealth is about 2000 pounds a year derived almost from his estate of Longbourn; Mr.Collins • works for Lady Catherine and lives in the parsonage on her estate • was to inherit the family farm upon Mr Bennett's death George Wickham • grew up the son of a revered steward at Mr Darcy's estate, Pemberley • exchanged the money that the clergy position was worth for a one-time payment of 3,000 pounds • took advantage of Georgiana to seduce her, hoping to steal her away and marry her, getting his hands on the young girl's ₤30,000 dowry • married Lydia only because Darcy provides a financial incentive SociAL class Social class - In countryide - Middle class - young daughters - On the edge of losing their home to a relative, Mr Collins Social class vs Social class * Mr Collins - Relative of the Bennets A clergyman Consider the importance of class - Spend most of his time toadying his upper class patron, Lady Catherine de Bourgh Social class Lady Catherine de Bourgh - Upper- class Mr Darcy’s aunt Lady Catherine wished to marry her own daughter Anne to Mr Darcy - Tried unsuccessfully to dissuade Elizabeth from marrying Darcy VS “ In marrying your nephew , I should not consider myself as quitting that sphere He is a gentle man; I am a gentleman’s daughter; so far we are equal” Social class * Mr Darcy - wealthy gentleman with an income exceeding £10,000 a year - Upper- class Initially, he is an arrogant and selfish snob; Tried to rid himself of his feelings for someone who is far below him socially -> Failed->capable of change/ natural generosity+ integrity Thank you for listening ... Two themes: and Wealth Two Groups The Wealthy • • • Mr Darcy Mr Bingley Lady Catherine de Bourgh The Not... 5,000 pounds a year • • Lady Catherine de Bourgh • inherit the property Rosings Park and great wealth from late husband • her wealth is noted that just the glazing on her estates windows costs 800... 3,000 pounds • took advantage of Georgiana to seduce her, hoping to steal her away and marry her, getting his hands on the young girl's ₤30,000 dowry • married Lydia only because Darcy provides