The character of Charlotte Lucas plays an important role in Pride and Prejudice due to Jane Austen’s
effective manipulation of narrative voice and dialogue. Attitudes towards
marriage differ between characters throughout the novel; when Charlotte’s views
are presented in contrast to those of Elizabeth and Jane Bennet, her character
proves to be of importance. The narrative voice allows for the reader to
understand and accept Charlotte’s appeal: “ . . . marriage had always been her
object; it was the only honourable provision for well-educated young women of
small fortune, and however uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleasantest
preservative from want” (p.120). On the contrary, both Elizabeth and Jane feel
that it is in one’s best favour to marry for love, as is often shown in
conversations shared between the two Bennet sisters. Upon Elizabeth revealing
her engagement to Mr Darcy, Jane responds, “Oh, Lizzy! do anything rather than
marry without affection” (p.353). Similarly through the use of dialogue,
Charlotte presents a differing view of marriage when she discusses her engagement
to Mr. Collins with Elizabeth, “ . . . considering Mr. Collins’s character,
connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness
with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state”
(p.123). Charlotte’s character positions the reader to make comparisons between
her attitude towards marriage and those of Elizabeth and Jane, a comparison
otherwise lacking were it not for her role in Pride and Prejudice.
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