The purpose of this essay is to explore and analyze Jane Austen's emphasis of Christian morals in Pride and Prejudice. Throughout the novel, Austen writes her characters into various situations concerning marriage and courtship. Inextricable from these scenes are the "lessons" they contain about major Christian teachings, including practicing universal kindness, humbleness before the lord god, not using deception to get something, that beggars can't be choosers, and that love (Enlightenment love that is reasonable and has merit) can overcome. Austen's critique of parents interfering in their children's marriage plans will be discussed.
In the opening scenes, Mr. Bingley's and Mr. Darcy's attitudes are juxtaposed to make for an awkward arrangement between themselves and some local girls, Jane and Elizabeth. Although Bingley, a young wealthy gentlemen, is sensitive and modest in the countryside surroundings, Mr. Darcy is immediately rude, haughty, and condescending. Mr. Darcy's attitude contradicts the Christian teaching that all are equal under god's eyes. Darcy's materialistic attitude is revealed later in the book when he admits his prejudice against Elizabeth's crazy mother and sisters because of their 'country' behaviors.
Mr. Collins serves as the archetypal show-off who does not realize the importance of humbleness. Collins is the sole heir to Mr. Bennet's estate since Bennet has no sons, and in this respect Collins has not earned his forthcoming fortune. He also boasts because of his patronage by Lady Catherine de Bourgh, though this was also an arrangement given to him; something he did not earn by merit. Austen, a big believer in merit, says that Mr. Collins is "not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society" (Austen).
Deception is a major theme of Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Darcy deceptively sabotages Bingley's relations with Jane. But George ...