Mr Collins Pride And Prejudice Essay

The pragmatic Charlotte Lucas does not have a romantic concept of matrimony, however deems marriage to the most disagreeable, pompous, Mr Collins as the best alternative for a ‘woman of small fortune’ in her society. Through her dispassionate materialistic rhetoric she states; ‘I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr Collins 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.’ (Austen, 1984) Consequently Sir William Lucas and Lady Lucas give their consent with a ‘most joyous alacrity’ (Austen, 1984) Mr Collins is financially established respectably connected and will inherit Longbourne on Mr Bennet’s death. Austen illustrates that their ‘joy’ has been presented from their own mercenary considerations. For Charlotte’s male siblings her
Charlotte even indulged Lady Catherine in the interest of her husband advancement as well as her own. Austen therefore has arguably tried to restore balance by allowing Charlotte to employ her pragmatism to construct diversions for her husband, by encouraging him to ‘cultivate his garden, which draws him outside for many hours’. She also ensures he has a better parlour for his study, one that faces the road and gives him the amusement of watching the highway. (Donagh, p. 35). Charlotte is therefore comparable to Mr Bennet who has taken refuge in his library from his silly wife. Charlotte has created emotional and physical distance from her husband, and succeeded in generating her own inner space within the possible stifling confinement of marriage. However ‘success’ is arguably a compensation when one has sacrificed love for social and economic gain. Consequently it is evident that a pragmatic marriage ‘In a prudential light, it is certainly a very good match for her’ (Austen, p.