Themes:
* Marriage and Society: The sentence establishes the societal pressure for marriage, especially for women. The focus on a man's "good fortune" immediately highlights the importance of financial security in this society and how it dictates marital prospects.
* Pride and Prejudice: The word "want" hints at the potential for prejudice and preconceived notions about a man's intentions. It sets the stage for the novel's exploration of how pride and prejudice can cloud judgment and affect relationships.
* Class and Status: The sentence underscores the importance of social standing and wealth in determining desirability. The idea that a "single man in possession of a good fortune" *must* be in want of a wife highlights the societal expectations placed upon those with wealth and influence.
Narrative Characteristics:
* Satire: The sentence uses ironic humor to highlight the absurdity of societal expectations. The statement is presented as a universal truth, yet it is clearly a societal construct, revealing the novel's satirical tone.
* Irony and Subversion: The sentence's seemingly straightforward assertion, "must be in want of a wife," is quickly subverted by the rest of the novel. It establishes a framework for the reader to anticipate the complexities of marriage and love that will unfold.
* Setting the Stage: The sentence establishes the setting of the novel, a world where marriage is a central concern and social status plays a significant role. It immediately immerses the reader in the social environment that will shape the characters' actions and relationships.
In essence, the opening sentence of "Pride and Prejudice" is more than just a beginning. It is a carefully crafted introduction that succinctly encapsulates the novel's themes, narrative strategies, and the world it will explore. It sets the reader up for a story that will challenge societal norms, explore the complexities of love, and ultimately, reveal the folly of prejudice and the importance of understanding.