CHARLOTTE LUCAS By Michaela Bulloch

 Charlotte Lucas is the eldest of 7 children to Sir William and Lady Lucas.  She 27 years old, and is still unmarried, which in the 1800's England was considered getting on in age, almost 'over the hill'. In those days to be above 25 and not particularly pretty or wealthy generally doomed you to becoming a spinster and as she was described as 'without having ever been handsome', and having little fortune to her name, her family had feared she would die an 'old maid'.

 Although 6 years older, Charlotte is the best friend to Elizabeth Bennet, with their residences neighbouring. Her initial description reveals that she is a 'sensible and intelligent woman', qualities that were valuable to both Elizabeth and Jane Austin. It is possible this is why she and Elizabeth do get along so well, as the other Bennet sisters were regarded as incredibly silly.

 She has a pretty good understanding on the realities of marriage in the 19th century, in a way that Elizabeth doesn't. Whereas Elizabeth has a romantic view towards matrimony, Charlotte views it the next stage of her life, moving from daughter to wife in her own home. This new life for her does not require love, nor necessarily guarantee any happiness, but will ensure her a roof over her head and someone who will provide for her. At her age and as a woman, being married, even in a loveless marriage is more advantageous than being a spinster.

 "happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance…It is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life”  "I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home."

 It is these fundamental values that cause Charlotte to accept Mr Collins proposal. In her marriage to Mr Collins, Charlotte spends as little time with his as possible and ignores his vexing qualities, in her way of optimising happiness in the household.  Whilst her accepting the proposal shocked her friend, given the times and circumstances, it would probably have been foolish to reject it. Being the daughter of a gentleman, work such as being a governess would not have been considered and she would probably have lived amongst her siblings once her parents pass away, being dependant on them.

 “Mr. Collins to be sure was neither sensible nor agreeable; his society was irksome, and his attachment to her (Charlotte) must be imaginary. But still he would be her husband. Without thinking highly either of men or of matrimony, 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. This preservative she had now obtained; and at the age of twenty-seven, without having ever been handsome, she felt all the good luck of it.”

She offers a voice of reason in the romantic endeavors of the Bennet sisters. In regards to Jane and Bingley at the ball, she understands what a good match he would be for her friend and encourages her to show more rather than less affection than felt, as a way to secure his good opinion and by extension him. In this way, she believes Jane would have a better opportunity of 'fixing him'. By referring to the ulterior motive as ‘fixing him’ really shows how she feels about marriage, not a union of love, but an advantageous joining of two people.

 She cautions Elizabeth as well when she goes off to dance with Darcy:  "not to be a simpleton, and allow her fancy for Wickham to make her appear unpleasant in the eyes of a man of ten times his consequence"  Wickham, though obviously more appealing to Elizabeth in personality is considerably poorer than Darcy, whose secured affection would result in a wealthy and comfortable life. Charlotte is aware that Elizabeth despises Darcy, but happiness is not a factor that is as important when considering potential marriages, so she sees Darcy a better match.

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