"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a..?

Question

...good fortune must be in want of a wife"

What do you think this quote means? Do you agree?

I disagree because I think this quote is saying that every rich man wants a woman but I don't think that's true. I'm sure there are men out there who are content without a wife and vice versa.

I want to know your opinion..

Answer 1

No.

What it is actually saying, is that if you can aquire a fortune, you must not be married.

A wife would have drained that bank account.

You misinterpreted the quote.

In auld english, the term "in want", simply meant "without".

Answer 2

I think in the book pride and prejudice this opening line is rather tongue in cheek.  The Bennett's are in a race for eligible men who come along as if they (the men) are all desperate for wives, and the women are rather inclined to help them out!  In a way, to convince herself that she is 'helping' the men she eases her conscience.

Of course the truth of the matter is that men who do not have money may also want a wife....but women like Mrs. Bennett do not worry about them.

Answer 3

This quote is from Pride and Prejudice which was written a long time ago. At the time I think the quote accurately represented society, but I don't think it can be applied to life now.

Answer 4

It means that everyone else assumes that since he has money, they can fix someone/themselves up with him. Undoubtedly many well off men are happy single. This quote refers to everyone else's assumption that he's theirs for the taking because he'd make a good, rich husband. Keep in mimnd that this WAS the Jane Austen years, not today........

Answer 5

I think it means that once you have money in order you stop worrying about that and worry instead about your romantic life whether you want to marry them or not.

it's not a very good quote though. Who said it? or is it more of one of those proverbs.

Answer 6

It is ironic and it was made at a time when pretty much a woman's only way of securing her future was to marry.

Its like saying 'gossip says.........

Plenty of men are content alone and plenty of rich men enjoy the company of many ladies and don't choose to narrow down their options by marriage!