The dynamic process of comparing and finding connections between texts can enrich

ourunderstanding about universal values and how they change and mould over time. The
comparative
study between Jane Austen’s novel
Pride and Prejudice (1813) and Fay Weldon
’s
text Letters to Alice(1984) provides the reader with links between the contexts of Regency
England and thecontemporary society to emphasise the ever-changing nature of values such as
gender expectationsand marriage while simultaneously showcasing timeless values through the
importance ofeducation.Pride and Prejudice presents marriage as a union not necessarily based
solely on affection but rather
as a tool used to propel one’s economic status. Patriarchal values restricted a Regency woman’s role
and ability for success outside of marriage seen in
Austen’s ironic tone in the opening sentence
, “asingle man in possession of good fortune, must be in want of a wife”
which foreshadows the wider
significance of marriage in Austen’s time as not only a union
of two people but something that couldbe advantageous for the entire family. This is perhaps
most strongly highlighted through Lady
Catherine’s dialogue that marriage is a
“matter of public interest”
. The concept that marital successwas based on practicality and social stabilisation is shown
through Mr. Collins
’
proposal to Elizabethwhich is supposedly
“right thing for every clergyman”
as he would
“
inherit this estate
”
. Hismarriage to Charlotte highlights the sacrifice of independence of most women in the period
seenthrough her confident tone in
“happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance”
. However,Austen juxtaposes this relationship against the
“prudent marriage”
of Elizabeth and Darcy todemonstrate the importance of mutual respect and
independence. These opposing depictions of
relationships aid Austen’s
subtle aim to criticise the Regency idea of marriage as simply a means ofgaining wider social and
economic connections.In contrast, through Letters to Alice
, Weldon’s more egalitarian society allows her to examine theissues with marriage within Austen’s time and
in doing so, provide readers with insight into the
major shift in gender roles and expectations. As the context and times changed, the wave of
feminism had increased a woman’s need and potential for individual success,
as seen through themetaphorical statement
“success kicks away the stool of masochism”
which showcases thediminishing dependence on males for guidance and support as female
roles become more accepted.This increased sense of independence is epitomised by Aunt Fay in
her didactic overstatement toAlice,
“you will have decided to have no babies at all”
, suggesting Weldon as an antithesis toRegency ideals
. Feminism’s promotion of
“strong women”
with
“independent habits”
consequentlyevolved the prospect of marriage from a necessity to a choice. Aunt Fay also

“thinks back to Prideand Prejudice”

to consider parallels with her own society where
“rich landowners import Asian girlsas wives”
. Here, the disdainful tone subtly displays how marriage as a means for survival is still avalue that
lives on.
Weldon’s criticism of female roles in the past but praise for the
modernachievement of women to search for individual success displays the continually growing
andadapting relationship between the value of marriage and the times.Austen also guides her
readers through promoting self-development and education in Pride andPrejudice, mainly
through the need for moral and social awareness. The nineteenth centuryaristocratic society was
characterised by social structure but the idea of the importance of educationwas one widely
accepted. The

“knowledge of music, singing and drawing”

was seen as necessary towhat Weldon describes in her text as an
“accomplished woman”
. Being educated morally was thebasis of social acceptance during the time and females were
expected to
“possess a certain
something
”

in regards to their behaviour. However, this expectation of proper etiquette andbehaviour also
extended to males as the consequences of an absence of this essential moraleducation are seen
through Darcy who is characterised as
“the proudest, most
disagreeable man in
the world”

due to a lack of this public awareness. This is contrasted against

Elizabeth’s self
-evaluation where she lists herself as
“blind, partial, prejudiced, and absurd”
and this educated self-knowledge and introspection is the reason she is held in high regard
despite not being very wealthy.Through presenting the societal expectations regarding moral
education in the Regency period,Austen is able to highlight the importance of education and
common etiquette.Weldon similarly encourages the need for education, this time however,
mainly in regards toliterature and individual development, rather than manners and morals.
Aunt Fay encourages andaims to guide Alice towards good literature with its
“capital L”
in order to expose her to moral andintellectual guidance. The extended metaphor of the
“City of Invention”
is used to convince andteach Alice to
“swim against the stream of communal ideas”
and create something that has greatermeaning. Weldon stresses the need for authors to be
educated about literature through
“works oflowbrow fiction don’t enlighten, they are unimportant”
. Eventually, however it is Alice’s
neglect ofthese conventions that allows her to use her individuality and self-awareness to
produce a potential
“
world
bestseller”.
Fay Weldon’s insights into ‘good’ literature continues to show the importance ofbeing educated but it is Alice’s
success by disregarding these insights that
, similar to Elizabeth, reallyemphasises the need for education in terms of self-knowledge and
understanding.Hence, the comparative study between the two texts highlights the shifting and
varying nature ofcontextual values such as marriage but also the values such as education that
remain timelessdespite major changes in society and culture.