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ourunderstanding about universal values and how they change and mould over time. The
comparative
study between Jane Austen’s novel
Pride and Prejudice (1813) and Fay Weldon
’s
text Letters to Alice(1984) provides the reader with links between the contexts of Regency
England and thecontemporary society to emphasise the ever-changing nature of values such as
gender expectationsand marriage while simultaneously showcasing timeless values through the
importance ofeducation.Pride and Prejudice presents marriage as a union not necessarily based
solely on affection but rather
as a tool used to propel one’s economic status. Patriarchal values restricted a Regency woman’s role
and ability for success outside of marriage seen in
Austen’s ironic tone in the opening sentence
, “asingle man in possession of good fortune, must be in want of a wife”
which foreshadows the wider
significance of marriage in Austen’s time as not only a union
of two people but something that couldbe advantageous for the entire family. This is perhaps
most strongly highlighted through Lady
Catherine’s dialogue that marriage is a
“matter of public interest”
. The concept that marital successwas based on practicality and social stabilisation is shown
through Mr. Collins
’
proposal to Elizabethwhich is supposedly
“right thing for every clergyman”
as he would
“
inherit this estate
”
. Hismarriage to Charlotte highlights the sacrifice of independence of most women in the period
seenthrough her confident tone in
“happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance”
. However,Austen juxtaposes this relationship against the
“prudent marriage”
of Elizabeth and Darcy todemonstrate the importance of mutual respect and
independence. These opposing depictions of
relationships aid Austen’s
subtle aim to criticise the Regency idea of marriage as simply a means ofgaining wider social and
economic connections.In contrast, through Letters to Alice
, Weldon’s more egalitarian society allows her to examine theissues with marriage within Austen’s time and
in doing so, provide readers with insight into the
major shift in gender roles and expectations. As the context and times changed, the wave of
feminism had increased a woman’s need and potential for individual success,
as seen through themetaphorical statement
“success kicks away the stool of masochism”
which showcases thediminishing dependence on males for guidance and support as female
roles become more accepted.This increased sense of independence is epitomised by Aunt Fay in
her didactic overstatement toAlice,
“you will have decided to have no babies at all”
, suggesting Weldon as an antithesis toRegency ideals
. Feminism’s promotion of
“strong women”
with
“independent habits”
consequentlyevolved the prospect of marriage from a necessity to a choice. Aunt Fay also
in regards to their behaviour. However, this expectation of proper etiquette andbehaviour also
extended to males as the consequences of an absence of this essential moraleducation are seen
through Darcy who is characterised as
“the proudest, most
disagreeable man in
the world”