Singles Take Notice: 19th Century Novels Offer More Than Just Fancy Dialogue

Believe it or not, modern singles can learn quite a bit from Pride and Prejudice. Yes, contemporary dating advice can be drawn from a 19^th century romance novel. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are an stellar example of how singles can find “the one”. The tricky part is bringing their relationship dynamics to the 21^st century.

The first advice one can take from Lizzy and Darcy is simple: don’t rush.  No one is simply struck by Cupid’s arrow in real life, and there is no exception in this novel. In fact, it takes almost the entire length of the novel for Lizzy and Darcy to truly discover feelings for each other. Elizabeth and Darcy took the time to get to know each other before rushing into a relationship, and find genuine happiness in one another’s presence because of this. By learning more about one another, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy become more positive of their feelings towards one another.  And think about it, even in the 21^st century, one can see couples are marrying later and later in their lifetimes, and it isn’t just because they are living longer, it’s because they are taking the time to make sure they know who they are meeting down the aisle.

Another piece of advice from Elizabeth and Darcy is to be open-minded.  The classic phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is a major player in the dynamics of finding a happy relationship, albeit it isn’t always easy. Elizabeth and Darcy detest one another for their social status and great pride.  Hence Pride and Prejudice. If one only read the first few chapters of the novel, he or she would never expect the characters romantic ending. It took the mortification of each character’s pride to realize who the person under such pretensious or prideful airs actually was. So all modern singles may learn, next time the weird person in the cubicle next to you asks you out for a drink on Friday, don’t just say no.  He or she may have a totally different personality outside the office.

A final piece of advice to all modern singles: Elizabeth and Darcy consider more than just finances when they decide to tie the knot. Though money was one of the most important factors of a marriage in the days of Pride and Prejudice, and continues to be today in unfriendly economics, these two characters consider their love for each other above all to be the most important factor for a marriage. Love and understanding triumphs social class and materialistic desires in this relationship together. This is seen in successful marriages even today. Love provides where money cannot. The advice is simple. Happy relationships are not based on the price of someone's shoes.