The path to marriage begins in the very first paragraph of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. This courtship novel begins with the premise that "a single man in possession of a fortune must be in search of a wife" (p. 5). During the competition for single men, the characters are naturally divided by the norms of their social position. However, the use of social conventions and civility divides them further. The characters in need of the most moral reform remain unchanged, leaving the reformers a path to travel in each other's company. Austen uses stagnant characters and their flaws as a line that must be crossed to bring about a dynamic marriage of mutual respect. Three of the Bennet daughters get married in the novel. Only two are in need of moral reform, Miss Elizabeth and Miss Lydia. Elizabeth is quick to judge others and has a harsh spirit that accompanies that judgment, while Lydia is a flirt. Before Lydia's expedition with the Forsters, her faults are exposed by Elizabeth to her father: “If you, my dear father, will not take the trouble to control her… Her character will be corrected; and she, at sixteen, will be the most determined coquette who ever made her family ridiculous” (226). Hints of his flirtations are present throughout the novel, but not expressed as eloquently. Elizabeth tries to keep her family's reputation from falling and needs her father to exercise some parental control. Fortunately for her, Mr. Bennet's nature does not allow him to be sensible and allows Lydia to remain uncontrolled. Men with faulty morality pave Elizabeth's path to growth and marriage. Wickham, Mr. Collins, and Mr. Darcy are all marriage possibilities. Everyone has a respectable profession and some attractive characteristic.......middle of paper......before breeding. Bennet women rise and fall according to the disposition and capacity for change in themselves and their matches. Mr. Wickham and Lydia maintain their bad qualities and have the audacity to continue asking for assistance even after they get married. Mr. Collins and Charlotte are unassuming and stuck under Lady Catherine's influence; with no complaints from Mr. Collins. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth grow to be more understanding of each other, thus allowing their understanding of others to expand as well. Romance and respect in marriage for love overshadow traditional marriages of convenience. This courtship novel presents many possibilities but allows only one path. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth top the list with the most progress. Works Cited Austen, Jane. Pride and prejudice. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics. 2003.