the value of the vow?

Marriage in the early 1800s was a prospect of opportunity for young, unmarried middle-class women such as Jane and Elizabeth Bennet. Women possessing a small fortune were born into the struggling task of attaining "a single man in possession of a good fortune" (Austen 5). Without the support of a husband, there was no purpose in a women's life, as this time period called for women to be dutiful mothers and the lifelong companion of her male partner. The value of marriage was solely a quantitative value; the qualitative aspects cashed in an added bonus to the relationship. Love was a small factor that may present itself further on in the marriage if one was lucky enough.

Charlotte, Elizabeth's good friend, makes a decision that 21st century minds would find revolting and downright confusing. She marries the bothersome Mr. Collins without an inkling of love, but out of sheer opportunity. Charlotte knows that "his society was irksome," even that "his attachment to her must be imaginary" (Austen 116). Yet, she still pursues the marriage with the upmost determination, with even a hint of pride. Her decision would be considered empowering to young women of her day, taking independent responsibility in establishing a home and secure life for herself in the arms of a wealthy gentleman. Mr. Collins' supposed care was little more than the care one would have for a prized possession. A wife was an achievement that supplemented a wealthy man's respect in society. He could be a single wealthy man, or a fine gentleman with a complementary wife and a waiting heir to inherit his estate. 

While the value of marriage was merely a supplement to a man's character, it was the pinnacle of a woman's existence. An old maid had no place in the 1800s, and was seen as an unfulfilled waste of a lifetime. Women had no choice but to find a husband for which they could provide their domestic skills and a child. 

Unfortunately, love was an afterthought in 19^th century society, which justified Charlotte’s decision to establish a stable life with Mr. Collins. Her happiness, however, is questionable, as is Mr. Collins’ true feelings. Charlotte could now be content that she can fulfill her life’s duties as a women, and not be left in the dust as an old maid. She is at least assured that her “chance of happiness with [Mr. Collins] is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state,” and she should not be greedy to anticipate anything beyond inheritance value (Austen 119).

I believe that most women like Charlotte in the 1800s valued the qualitative aspects of marriage with the lowest expectations possible, and if they were fortunate, love would come as a significant bonus.