"It is always incomprehensible to a man that a woman should ever refuse an offer of marriage"

This quote by Jane Austen speaks to the traditional view of marriage in the 19th century, when it was seen as a female's primary purpose in life. Austen is recommending that it is incomprehensible to a male that a female would ever decline a deal of marital relationship, as it was seen as a female's responsibility to wed and offer her household. This quote also speaks with the power characteristics between men and women in the 19th century, as males were viewed as the ones with the power to make choices and ladies were anticipated to comply. Austen is highlighting the unfairness of this system, as it is not always in a lady's benefit to accept a deal of marriage. She is recommending that females must can make their own decisions and not be forced into a marital relationship they do not want.