In the novels Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, although very different, have similarities similar ideas regarding their desire for social class. Many characters do their best to marry into a higher social class, regardless of the cost to those they love. The moral of both stories is that having money and land does not bring happiness, but rather being with the one you love. First, in every relationship, one person seems more attractive than the other because of the amount of land obtained. In Pride and Prejudice, Mrs. Bennet's goal was to marry all of her children to a wealthy person, regardless of her daughters' feelings for that person. For example: “An unfortunate alternative presents itself to you, Elizabeth. From this day on, you must be a stranger to either of your parents. Your mother won't see you again if you don't marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again. if you do." (18.20). As a result, the characters in many cases do what they must do in order not to dishonor their family due to being of a lower class. Catherine married Edgar even though she did not didn't really love him, because if she married Heathcliff instead it would have lowered her social class, but she later regrets this, as shown in "I have no more to marry Edgar Linton than I have to be". in heaven; and if the wicked man there had not put Heathcliff so low, I would not have thought of it. It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now. (9.92). Later, when Mr. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, he tells how he will refuse in class because of this, as we understand in: “He spoke well but there were feelings other than those of the heart to detail and he did not; not been more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than pride...... middle of paper...... grace which causes an abundance of unexpected marriages just to raise their level even if they do not love each other not really anything else. This causes conflict in both novels between those who truly love each other. Manipulation ensues because characters want to make the most of situations to improve themselves. However, top-down action and resolution move in two different directions. Austen chose the path of uplifting resolution. Conversely, Bronte ended up being depressing as most of the characters died, but left Hareton and Cathy with some optimism. Regardless, it was established that social class did not bring them happiness. Works CitedBrontë, Emily, Fritz Eichenberg and Bruce Rogers. Wuthering Heights. New York: Random House, 1943. Print.Austen, Jane. Pride and prejudice. West Haven, CT: Academic Industries, 1984. Print.