nd without an especially large "portion", and so decides to marry Mr. Collins "from the pure anddisinterested desire of an establishment".All this has more point because Jane Austen herself was relatively "portionless" (which apparently prevented one early mutualattraction from becoming anything serious), and once turned down a proposal of marriage from a fairly prosperous man.In addition to all these reasons why the woman herself might wish to be married, there could also be family pressure on her tobe married. In Pride and Prejudice this issue is treated comically, since Mrs. Bennet is so silly, and so conspicuouslyunsupported by her husband, but that such family pressure could be a serious matter is seen from Sir Thomas's rantings toFanny Price to persuade her to marry Henry Crawford in Mansfield Park.There are also the more trivial attractions of the married state: Isabella Thorpe of Northanger Abbey "knew enough [aboutwhat her father-in-law-to-be would contribute] to feel secure of an honourable and speedy establishment, and her imaginationtook a rapid flight over its attendant felicities. She saw herself at the end of a few weeks, the gaze and admiration of every newacquaintance at Fullerton, the envy of every valued old friend in Putney, with a carriage at her command, a new name on hertickets [visiting cards], and a brilliant exhibition of hoop rings on her finger."Similarly, according to Mr. Collins: "This young gentleman [Darcy] is blessed with every thing the heart of mortal can mostdesire, -- splendid property, noble kindred, and extensive patronage". And when Lydia is to be married, Mrs. Bennet's"thoughts and her words ran wholly on those attendants of elegant nuptials, fine muslins, new carriages, and servants". And onElizabeth's marriage she exclaims: "What pin-money, what jewels, what carriages you will have! ... A house in town! ... Tenthousand a year! ... I shall go distracted!" (See also The Three Sisters.)Jane Austen...
