Pride and Prejudice

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Pride and Prejudice

Charlotte Lucas is the eldest daughter of Sir William and Lady Lucas. Her connection with Elizabeth Bennet goes back a long time. Her family are ‘particularly intimate’ with the Bennett’s and are often guests at Longbourn. Charlotte is frequently seen visiting Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice.

We first read about Charlotte in chapter 5 where Mrs Bennet is congratulating her on being ‘Mr Bingley’s first choice’. She comes across as being calm and well balanced. Charlotte seems to have as much common sense as Elizabeth but not quite so much wit.

Charlotte is in the situation that many women in the nineteenth century ended up in. She is plain and not very forward when in the company of men. Never before has anyone asked for her hand in marriage and she is beginning to wonder if they ever will. Her family are beginning to worry because they are a middle class family with no wealth that could be given to Charlotte should she end up ‘an old maid’. Instead if Charlotte never gets married she will have to live with one of her siblings (if they will have her) and she will probably look after the children or help with the house keeping. Ending up a maid is hardly an option as it is very tough work.

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Charlotte has ‘never been romantic’, she never was, all that she asks out of a marriage is ‘a comfortable home’. She feels that her match with Elizabeth’s cousin is a good one. ‘Considering Mr Collins character, connections, and situation in life’ she has a ‘fair chance of happiness’ with him. Charlotte is very much afraid of rejection, she is not at all sure that another offer of marriage will ever come her way.

To Elizabeth this is no reason to accept the hand of a person whom you do not, and feel you never could love. When Elizabeth first ...

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