This document discusses the limited options and role of women in early 19th century British society as context for Pride and Prejudice. It explains that unmarried women had few choices for their future besides finding a husband, as they could not support themselves through careers, education, or independent living. Their social standing depended on the protection of their family. The importance of marriage for Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters is presented as a result of this context, where the only way for Lydia to avoid rejection after running off with Wickham is for Darcy to arrange their marriage.