Answer
Jane Austen portrays women in Pride and Prejudice as having limited options in life, primarily focused on marriage and motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of marrying for love, rather than for social status or financial gain, and suggests that women should be respected and valued for their intelligence and wit. Evidence from the text includes Elizabeth's refusal of Mr. Collins' proposal, despite the social and financial benefits it would bring, and Charlotte's decision to marry Mr. Collins for practical reasons.