Chapter 50 shows this in the gossip and the interest people partake in of the relationship of Mr. Wickham and Lydia. "How Wickham and Lydia were to be supported in tolerable independence, she could not imagine. But how little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue, she could easily conjecture." (Austen, 596) Good marriages, at least in the eyes of the characters, were comprised of people who were careful in selecting their partner, but were also aware of their responsiblities in their relationship. Jane and Mr. Bingley are very similar in their viewpoints and mannerisms and thought well of everyone and were kind, sociable, and respectful of themselves and each other. Going into the marriage they knew what was expected and what they could offer. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, opposites in certain ways, (he is more reserved and serious, she is more outgoing humorus) still shared things in common. For instance, they are both intelligent, generally understood other people, and remained cautious when dealing with others. Knowing each other before hand and knowing what they themselves were capable of, in Austen's eyes, allowed for a marriage to work. Not to be confused with the previous quote, Austen didn't believe so much that a good marriage led to happiness, but that a good marriage led to a decent life.

She shows that if marriages entered into by both parties were made for the betterment of everyone and not just as a sole obligation or business deal lasted because everyone knew from the beginning what they wanted and what they could offer. Rushing into relationships for convenience, passion, or money, like with Lydia and Wickham, created shallow foundations for relationships. In chapter 19 Austen references this in the charater's refusal to marry quickly and rather, waiting until she found the right person. "I do assure you that I am not one of those young ladies (if such young ladies there are) who are so daring as to risk their...

I am perfectly serious in my refusal. You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world who could make you so." (Austen 210)
It is prudence and awareness of social expectations that leads, in Austen's eyes, to a successful marriage along with love and common interest. People could not simply jump into marriage because it felt right, but had to realize the effort needed to sustain the marriage, which meant getting along with the immediate circle of people around the marriage and the family of the spouse."If Mr. Darcy is neither by honour nor inclination confined to his cousin, why is not he to make another choice? And if I am that choice, why may not I accept him?" "Because honour, decorum, prudence, nay, interest, forbid it. Yes, Miss Bennet, interest; for do not expect to be noticed by his family or friends, if you wilfully act against the inclinations of all. You will be censured, slighted, and despised, by everyone connected with him. Your alliance will be a disgrace; your name will never even be mentioned by any of us." (Austen 260) it was a mixture of business and connection that yielded a successful marriage. And that is what Austen delivered throughout her book.

In conclusion, marriage was, is, and always will be a serious matter to undertake. It affects not only the immediate people involved, but everyone around them. It can be a means of upward mobility or a way to end up with a miserable life. Because of this, it was seen as a serious and important decision. And like with most important decisions required patience, prudence, and wisdom.

Works Cited

Austen, Jane, and David M. Shapard. The Annotated Pride and Prejudice. New York: Anchor Books, 2012. Print.

Butler, Nancy, Hugo Petrus, and Jane Austen. Pride & Prejudice. New York: Marvel, 2009. Print.

Reid, Kerry. "THEATER REVIEW: Pride and Prejudice at Lifeline Theatre." Chicago Tribune. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2013.