of her family. She is described as being 'a sensible, intelligent young woman, about twenty-seven' and was Elizabeth Bennet's 'intimate friend'. She was considered mature in the era and because of this she realised marriage could well pass her by. Although she realises her chances of true happiness are limited, she marries Mr Collins in the hope that she will avoid poverty and loneliness in old age:
             'Without thinking highly of men or of matrimony, marriage had always been her object; it was the only honourable provision for well-educated young women of small fortune, and however uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleasantest preservative from want'
             Through 'Pride and Prejudice' we can see the result of typical marriages at this time through the use of characters such as Mr and Mrs Bennet. Their marriage has resulted in an unsatisfactory relationship between them and through this we can see their very different personalities which have been reflected in their children.
             They are clearly incompatible, Mrs Bennet's 'business of her life was to get her children married, its solace was visiting and news'. While, in heavy contrast, Mr Bennet concerns himself with reading and countryside pursuits and finds his wife 'foolish' and finds amusement at her expense.
             Jane Austen confirms with the reader that the Bennet's' marriage does not form 'a very pleasing picture of co
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