Is Lacking Social Connections a Problem?

As we read Jane Austin's novel "Pride and Prejudice", the readers feel the setting convey the story. Taking place in the 19th Century we find social classes, power, and plain superficiality all over the text giving the audience a flashback to what life was back then.

The fact that the Bennet's had five daughters and the only true desire their mother had was to find a rich and powerful spouse for them, let's us know immediately the lack of freedom and self-decision women had in those times. What if one daughter fell in love with the town's messenger boy? Would this mean the end of the relationship between her and her parents? It may sound cheesy, but one person doesn't choose with whom they fall in love with. "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife" (1). I believe the whole novel might just run on this first quote. This is exactly the intentions of Jane and Elizabeths mother, Mrs. Bennet, of course after we analyze and understand her, who insisted on Mr. Bennet on meeting the young, rich, single newcomer Charles Bingley who had just moved into Netherfield Park. This desperate need Mrs. Bennet feels to find a wealthy mate for her daughter is a perfect example of superficiality at its highest. We are talking about England, which through centuries has lived generations and generations of royal, famous, elegant monarchy. Had that culture of social ranking not existed in England, the needs of this snobby arrogant mother would not have been the same.

But even though marriages were fixed and love was forced, some feelings did exist between these couples. I am referring of course to Jane and Bingley as to Elizabeth and Darcy. The Bingley family was well aware that the Bennets were upper-middle class, and not as rich as they might had intended appear, but still the superficial desires these people felt, kept up the interest to continue meeting and mingling with each other. Mrs. Bennets mischievous plan to settle her daughters in the hands of rich men, unveils slowly making sure that every step to the goal is just right.

In the first 8 chapters of the novel, we get to understand most of the characters and how each person is defined by their social class. Back then superiority was a bold aspect in a person and relates very much to the setting in England around the 19th century. The readers will have to have that in mind as the story continues.