Jane Austen's portrayal of marriage

Marriage is the desired goal and ultimate destiny of Austen's heroines. Austen presents a pivotal couple in each novel, consisting of deeply moral, intelligent individuals who are capable of genuine selfless affection. The man and woman experience growth and maturation before the relationship culminates in matrimony. The featured couple of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth and Darcy, embody all the essential characteristics of an extraordinary pair. Initial dislikes mask attraction, while self-awareness heightens as one learns more of the other. This evolvement is unparalleled in Pride and Prejudice. Representations of couples in this novel range from the very low (Lydia and Wickham) to the mundane (Charlotte and Mr. Collins) to the quite acceptable (Jane and Bingley). Each pair falls short of Elizabeth and Darcy in profoundness of feeling. Within the confines of society and the ranks of humanity in Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth and Darcy are a "perfect match."