In this novel, what do you think Austen suggests are the features of a good marriage? Support your ideas with details from the writing.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2010). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [25] There is no easy answer to this so be prepared to accept a wide range of possibilities.
2. [25] Clearly at the centre of the novel is the union of Elizabeth and Darcy and from that it is easy to argue that loves conquers all.
3. [25] Jane Austen seems equally approving of Jane's steady and loyal love for Bingley.
4. [25] However, it is to be noted that both pairs have ample funds and she never condones the romantic notion that love conquers all and removes the need to consider day to day living.
5. [25] The starry-eyed Lydia is portrayed as a silly wilful girl who pays the price for her unthinking and lustful actions.
6. [25] Conversely we do not seem to be encouraged to dismiss Charlotte's choice of a comfortable existence over feeling.
7. [25] At least Mrs. Bennet is not wrong about one thing; in this society it is highly desirable for a girl to marry.
8. [25] However, comfortable is all that Charlotte's life is and she pays a heavy price in human terms.
9. [25] Compare her dreary daily existence with the vivacity of Elizabeth's life with her new husband at the end of the novel.
10. [25] She cannot respect her husband and on another plane her opportunism is contrasted with Elizabeth's clear grasp of the moral principles which she demands in a husband.
11. [25] Hopefully there should be many who can make some basic sensible comments and it should not be difficult to discern those who range widely enough to see that ultimately the novelist declines to offer simple answers.
12. [25] Refer to the band descriptors in arriving at your mark.