How do the lives of the upper-class English in Austin’s day differ from our contemporary American society? Write a paragraph.

In Austen's day, most upper-class families placed wealth as the most important requirement for a potential partner. This theme is used throughout the book and plays a major part in the characters' conversations and preoccupations. Willoughby cannot consider Marianne as a spouse because she is not wealthy enough. Mrs. Ferrars pressures her sons, unsuccessfully, to marry wealthy women. The sisters' different attitudes toward love are contrasted in how they fall in love and deal with rejection. Romantic, passionate love, exemplified by Marianne's philosophies, is contrasted with the more sensible reasons for choosing a spouse, which are illustrated by Elinor's more rational approach.

In your opinion... how does this differ from the rich, famous, or both... that you read about today?