Compromise and Marriage in Pride and Prejudice It is not uncommon for an individual to disagree with social customs or expectations. Some people are only happy when they can rebel against society. Most mature adults eventually realize that compromise is necessary to achieve happiness. This is the case with the early 19th century English setting of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. In the novel, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is a spirited, independent woman whose family financial situation and strong mentality suggest she may never marry. Mr. Darcy, is a rigid and correct man, who falls in love with Elizabeth, despite their differences. At the end of the novel, Elizabeth and Darcy learn to compromise and, in doing so, become truly happy. By getting married they not only realize themselves as individuals, but also affirm the main values ​​of society. The wedding at the end of the novel shows Jane Austen's ideal vision of marriage as a social institution. Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice gives the reader a great idea of ​​how she views marriage, as well as society. The theme of marriage is set in the opening sentence of Pride and Prejudice; “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife” (Austen, 1) As Norman Sherry points out, this is Austen's way of implying that “a single man in possession of a good fortune" is automatically destined to be the object of desire of all unmarried women. The statement opens the topic of romantic courtship and marriage; marriage. Here suggests that many young women marry for money. The question... middle of paper... Jane Austen makes them 'all right'." (Sherry, 92) Having Darcy and Elizabeth at the end of the novel engage in an ideal marriage is a significant Jane Austen, in doing so, suggests that society would be better if it followed Elizabeth and Darcy's example. By controlling pride and prejudice and learning that compromise is sometimes the best path to happiness, society can hope to improve itself in the end, it is the perfect ending, as it is both an affirmation of society's values ​​and a personal fulfillment, which it is for both Elizabeth and Darcy as they improve themselves by being together. Works Cited: Austen, Jane. "Pride and Prejudice. New York. Bantam Books, 1813,1981. Butler, Marilyn. Jane Austen and the War of Ideas. Oxford. Claredon Press, 1975Sherry, Norman. Jane Austen. London. Casa Montegue, 1966