In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen criticizes society's construct of marriage and questions the traditional stereotypical gender roles which considered women as objects and beautiful statues who have no rights. Through the Bennetts, the Collins and the Wickhams she portrays negative models of marriage based on long-established understanding of gender roles and the deire to meet pragmatic social needs. They fall short of of an ideal marriage. On the other side, in the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy and through the strong independent heroine, she suggests a new model that is built on understanding, love equality and respect.