Lizzy and Charlotte compared and contrasted

They were friends at first because of the similarities in their social position. They grew up together, were neighbors, were about the same age and at a time when social contacts were limited, by lack of good roads and communication, were more or less thrown in the same social situations. Assemblies, balls and so forth. It should be noted that their financial situations were somewhat similar. Both were not wealthy and if not married well, faced the possiblity of a dependent spinsterhood. The Bennett entail didn't help Eliz. Bennett much. And Sir WIlliam Lucas could give Charlotte little. Elizabeth Bennett simply erred in her understanding of Charlotte Lucas' character. Charlotte Lucas has a low opinion of (perhaps) men and views marriage simply as a source of financial security. Charlotte's statement of happiness in marriage considered as simply a matter of chance is treated as a joke at the dinner party given by at Lucas Lodge. As Eliz. finds out later, it is no joke. I am more in sympathy with Charlotte Lucas, and to a certain extent with Jane, than Eliz. Bennett, on the question of her marriage to Mr Collins. It's not stated directly, but the thought of the reversionaty interest in Longbourne going to the Collins's really made Elizabeth's relationship for Charlotte even more strained. Perhaps even more than Mr COllin's stupidity. Charlotte I suspect can deal with Mr Collins. But Eliz. is powerless against the entail.

Carl -- Charlotte was actually about six years older than Lizzy...

Charlote declares that she is not a romantic and never was. She doesn't expect romance out of marriage. In contrast, Lizzy says it would take a great love to persuade her into matrimony. Why are they friends? besides the similarites that Lassale (Carl Goss?) mentioned, there is also attraction of opposites or complementary characters, looking for things you miss in your friends. I've had several relationships like that with women friends. I think it works less for couples.

Charlote declares that she is not a romantic and never was. She doesn't expect romance out of marriage. In contrast, Lizzy says it would take a great love to persuade her into matrimony. Why are they friends? besides the similarites that Lassale (Carl Goss?) mentioned, there is also attraction of opposites or complementary characters, looking for things you miss in your friends. I've had several relationships like that with women friends. I think it works less for couples.

I think Elizabeth and Charlotte are friends for the reasons that Carl mentioned above (same social position, close location, etc). However Elizabeth believed her friend was like minded with her in that one should at least respect her marriage partner. I think we have all had friends whom we assumed we shared common values with a later in the relationship found this was not true. In some situations this can be over looked. However, if you were very close, this type of discovery can cause a breach in th relationship (as it did here). I don't think Elizabeth is harsh in her assesment and reaction to Charlotte. Jane of course is being too forgiving (to me). Though Charlotte claims not to be romantic though she seems to notice attraction in everyone else. I think the issue is respect. Charlotte does not respect her spouse and that is a huge problem. And even worse, she knew she would not respect him before she married him. And her avoidance of him after they are married makes me scream why did you bother (yea though she claims she s content).

Karen, it is somewhat ironic when Charlotte tells Lizzy that there are days when she and Mr. Collins rarely see each other, and she encourages him to spend time in the garden. It does make one ask, "then why choose to spend your life with him?!"

[ I think the issue is respect. ] I think that Elizabeth lost a little respect for Charlotte, and that made their relationship a little strained. As time passed, Elizabeth kinda got over it, but I do not think their relationship will be as it was before Charlotte accepted Collins.