Pride and Prejudice. A Marxist Analysis.

Marxism is basically the idea that society is driven by money and the economy. In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice for example, Mrs. Bennett is the height of Marxism since her singular goal is to marry off all her daughters to wealthy men. Another example is that almost every character except Elizabeth and Darcy is preoccupied with the income of their potential partner. Since the Bennetts are brought up within an upper class society, the illusion of power is found within their characters. They have the freedom to do what they want and make their own decisions because they are not controlled by a higher power. Of course, the Bingleys and the Darcys have a much greater wealth and could influence other characters within the novel more, such as Mr. Darcy’s influence on Wickham concerning money in exchange for an agreement to marry Lydia. However, their acquaintances and communities intertwine in some way hence leading to Elizabeth and Darcy’s marriage, even with the opposition of someone of a higher rank, Lady Catherine.

The plot revolves around the need described in the very first sentence of the novel: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." This opening statement already emphasises a Marxist perspective about money’s influence on a man’s goal to find a suitable wife and vice versa.

The driving force of the plot also centres on the very idea of class. Not only does the novel concern itself with what class the characters belong to, but also by what means, or means of production, each character gained their status.