Temperateness in Pride and Prejudice
6th June 2018
Temperateness, what does it mean? Temperateness means neither hysterical nor infirm. A proposal is put forward mildly when one trys to be temperate. It is different from what traditional Chinese saying “be moderate”, which requests people to stay away from standing out, and not to one’s definite idea. It is more about how to present your ideas in an amicable way.
Temperateness in Pride and Prejudice, what is it? Jane Austen expressed her idea of matrimony through narrating the stories in Pride and Prejudice. Her standpoint is clear—— marriage derived from love is much valueable than that based on money, which is embedded in the stories. Austen didn’t try to pursuade with all her might, listing the reasons one by one. Instead, she told us the stories of five couples. Reading these stories, we can just judge by ourselves. These five stories are sufficient to testify her oppinion.
My ideas of the five couples are as below,
1, Mr Bennet and Mrs Bennet
Surely, Mr Bennet and Mrs Bennet’s wisedom isn't equal. Mr Bennet takes delight in vexing Mrs Bennet. One’s character is always teasing around with his sarcastic humour while the other is getting her daughters married with news and gossips.
It can be inferred that young Mrs Bennet married Mr Bennet largely out of Mr Bennet’s family’s fortune and gentry status. They’re perfectly matched couple, but they lived together for a long time.
2, Collins and Charlotte
Their marriage is completely on account of money. Mr Collins seems to be boring, flattery and a bit spineless. Charlotte, plain but sensible, decides to marry Mr Collins to make life better. She is prepared for the tedious life ahead.
3, William and Lydia
William and Lydia’s marriage appears to come from love. But actually, it is the result erotic feelings. A man’s handsome shape doesn’t necessarily make him a good husband. If a girl chooses to marry a man with no consideration for his moral character or economic capability, she may end up like Lydia, not having dignity or happiness.
4, Bingley and Jane
Mr Bingley and Jane are Jack finally has Jill. They love each other and their marriage is well propped up by economic foundation. It seems to be perfect couple. But if you dig deeper, you’ll notice that it is actually a risky marriage. Mr Bingley is indecisive and easily influenced by people around. Jane is not determined to pursue her happiness.
5, Darcy and Elizabeth
Mr Darcy and Elizabeth fall in love with each other finally. Elizabeth refuses Mr Darcy’s proposal when she doesn’t love Darcy at all. Despite her persistence that marriage’s priority should be love, she still fancys that being Mrs Darcy is a good idea. It makes her resemble a real person more, having illusions for something that is rejected.
When Elizabeth lost her heart to Darcy, she accepts Darcy’s second time proposal. Even though money is important, it only ranks second. The first is always love. However, love is not the only sufficiency.
This is Jane Austen’s fantastic pursuasive device. None of the couples goes extreme. None of the characters suffer. And none of the characters behave like a saint. The readers read these stories just like gossiping with their neighbors but will side with Darcy and Elizabeth’s marriage principle involuntarily. And in turn, will accept Jane Austen’s marital beliefs. In Austen’s era, Britain is a place where money is viewed as the first or even only criterion for marriage. Jane Austen insinuates her idea with her temperate but clear way of narrating stories.
