This post has moved here: https://bethanydellemanwriter.com/how-does-jane-austen-the-narrator-feel-about-charlotte-lucas/
How Does Jane Austen/the Narrator Feel About Charlotte Lucas?
5 responses to “How Does Jane Austen/the Narrator Feel About Charlotte Lucas?”
-
It’s realpolitik. We’ll never know what we’d have done, especially those of us who married young (was a child-bride, lol). Some women would have been that hard-headed – some wouldn’t. People are incalcuable. Female friend of mine got dumped, after 30 years of happy marriage, and for an OLDER woman, too. Anyway, about a year later, her ex-husband decided he’d made a big mistake and told her he wanted to come back. My friend said, no way, she was having far too much fun as a single fifty-something. I can imagine Charlotte as having far too much fun in 2025 as a single fifty-something… in the early 1800s not so much.
In some time periods, having a man matters more than in others!!
-
I assume Mr Collins would use the same proposal as it mostly consisted of his own happiness and Lady Catherine’s approval and condescension! I also think Charlotte would have accepted him anyway as she would still have her own comfortable home (and she wasn’t aware at the time of Lady Catherine’s interference). As for myself accepting Mr Collins I think I could never have made myself accept such a man, whatever the circumstances!
-
Great point on #1 – I agree that he would have used the same language and may very well have tripped up! Too bad that Austen didn’t give us a full scene of that!
I am sure that Charlotte will have many instances to become weary of Collins and to be aggrieved about the choice she makes, but she is shown as a very practical person and will be able to talk herself out of her mental funk. She may however start further isolating herself, especially after having children.
-
I think too he would have used the same words,as he doesn’t seem a very creative man!lol I suppose if I were in the same position as Charlotte I probably would have accepted Mr Collins, begrudgingly!lol
-
I think the ‘Yet’ is Lizzy’s POV. She cannot make herself believe that anyone could manage to make a life with Collins. (I hope the new Pride and Prejudice has a better cast Collins than the 1995’s greasy old guy. OK, Middle aged, but still.)
Charlotte is practical, sensible, and accustomed to managing silly men. Collins likely had a pretty good salary (Lady Catherine wouldn’t want to be seen as cheap) and she can keep herself busy. Besides, she will likely have kids.
And never underestimate the advantage of having a Room of One’s Own.
Leave a Reply