Yes, you are right

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Yes, you are right Written by Geri-Lynn (5/15/2007 3:57 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, Perhaps Geri-Lynn is referring to the line in chpt 22, penned by Tracy W

I've never thought that Charlotte was evil in her scheming, but the fact that she was contriving to win (secure) Mr. Collins out of her desire to not be a burden on her parents makes me think that perhaps she's concerned only for her own situation and happiness (or at least more concerned for herself) than she is about the feelings of the man she intends to marry.

This also stood out to me: "I see what you are feeling," replied Charlotte; "you must be surprised, very much surprised -- so lately as Mr. Collins was wishing to marry you. But when you have had time to think it all over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. I am not romantic, you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins's character, connexions, 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."

Her focus is definitely not on romance here, rather, she looks to satisfly her own creature comforts and secure her future. Mr. Collins is merely a means to an end.

But, perhaps I am too hard on Charlotte here. I always thought she meekly hooked up with Mr. Collins and that it was a good thing because we didn't want poor Charlotte to end up a lonely old maid. Now I'm beginning to wonder if perhaps I need not have feared for Charlotte at all because she had a plan (scheme) of her own to prevent that -- and she certainly pulled it off! :-)

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Charlotte after the proposal Cheryl (5/13/2007 1:19 a.m.)

I think Charlotte did the right thing. Cathy Allen (5/15/2007 2:57 p.m.)
- And it's not as if... Reeba (5/15/2007 5:15 p.m.)
JA's use of the word "scheme" Geri-Lynn (5/13/2007 8:36 p.m.)
- Charlotte is a manipulator with a heart Robbin (5/14/2007 12:49 a.m.)
  - I think I agree nan duval (5/16/2007 8:33 p.m.)
    - Didn't eliminate gainful employment Tracy W (5/19/2007 2:06 a.m.)
      - "Gainful employment" was not an attractive option. Helen Halstead (5/20/2007 6:52 p.m.)
      - Options   Robbin (5/19/2007 6:03 p.m.)
        
        Yep - that's what I'm doing   Tracy W (5/20/2007 7:37 a.m.)
        
        I absolutely do not equate Charlotte's marrying Mr. Collins   nan duval (5/19/2007 10:53 p.m.)
      - Charlotte and Mr Collins Susan L (5/19/2007 6:41 a.m.)
        
        Good points! nfm :D Robbin (5/19/2007 5:56 p.m.)
  - The meaning of the word "scheme"? Line (5/14/2007 8:17 a.m.)
    - According to Johnson's dictionary... Reeba (5/14/2007 8:54 a.m.)
      - If it means a contrivance...   Moni (5/14/2007 12:11 p.m.)
        
        I think Elizabeth also fears for Charlotte's happiness   Tracy W (5/14/2007 4:36 p.m.)
        
        I see Elizabeth's feelings here...   Reeba (5/14/2007 5:36 p.m.)
        
        I see it the other way round! :-)   Line (5/14/2007 6:23 p.m.)
        
        You're welcome, Line :-) nfm   Reeba (5/15/2007 4:30 a.m.)
        
        Surely Elizabeth is thinking about her own opinions?   Tracy W (5/14/2007 6:09 p.m.)
  - Perhaps Geri-Lynn is referring to the line in chpt 22 Tracy W (5/14/2007 4:04 a.m.)
    - Yes, you are right Geri-Lynn (5/15/2007 3:57 p.m.)
    - Is Charlotte trifling with Mr. Collins happiness? Robbin (5/14/2007 9:05 a.m.)
      - I agree; after all, nan duval (5/16/2007 8:47 p.m.)
      - That may be   Tracy W (5/14/2007 4:29 p.m.)
        
        Prudence, prudence   Robbin (5/15/2007 10:28 a.m.)
        
        Charlotte is prudent but not selfish   Susan L (5/16/2007 12:13 a.m.)
        
        "Mr. Bennet-like behavior"   Maria Liourdi (5/15/2007 8:59 p.m.)
        
        Charlotte has self-esteem   Robbin (5/16/2007 1:46 a.m.)
        
        I see...   Maria Liourdi (5/16/2007 2:28 p.m.)
        
        Spinsterhood   Susan L (5/18/2007 12:02 a.m.)
        
        Spinsterhood not so bad?   Robbin (5/17/2007 8:01 p.m.)
        
        That doesn't mean marriage is better   Tracy W (5/18/2007 12:05 a.m.)
        
        Escape options   Robbin (5/19/2007 12:19 p.m.)
        
        Actually the selection of the boss...   Reeba (5/19/2007 2:28 p.m.)
        
        I agree also. Good point nfm   Susan L (5/19/2007 7:02 p.m.)
        
        I agree   Robbin (5/19/2007 3:06 p.m.)
        
        Mr Collins or spinsterhood   Susan L (5/18/2007 3:25 a.m.)
        
        No, it doesn't, but...   Kathi (5/18/2007 12:28 a.m.)
        
        To change the topic somewhat - Elizabeth's views   Tracy W (5/19/2007 2:57 a.m.)
        
        Is Charlotte right? & Lizzy’s views   Robbin (5/19/2007 5:05 p.m.)
        
        Judging Elizabeth by your standards?   Tracy W (5/20/2007 8:29 a.m.)
        
        If Mr. Bennett had not married Mrs Bennett   nan duval (5/20/2007 6:59 p.m.)
        
        Tragic indeed :)   Tracy W (5/20/2007 8:47 p.m.)
        
        Lizzy is safe from me…   Robbin (5/20/2007 6:12 p.m.)
        
        Ex post vs ex ante   Tracy W (5/21/2007 4:32 p.m.)
        
        Its time to stop   JulieW (5/21/2007 4:46 p.m.)
        
        I am!! ;-)   Reeba (5/20/2007 11:11 a.m.)
        
        Elizabeth's standards   Line (5/20/2007 11:00 a.m.)
        
        Think of their fathers.   Rachel G (5/19/2007 6:46 a.m.)
        
        I agree. This is a situation...   Reeba (5/19/2007 8:03 a.m.)
        
        In general...   Maria Liourdi (5/21/2007 7:15 p.m.)
        
        Prudence or foolhardiness?   Tracy W (5/15/2007 6:05 p.m.)
        
        Situation and temper (long)   Robbin (5/17/2007 3:06 a.m.)
        
        Excellent post, Robbin :-)   Reeba (5/18/2007 7:10 a.m.)
        
        I admire Charlotte for her approach.   Susan L (5/18/2007 3:31 a.m.)
        
        My email address   Tracy W (5/17/2007 7:31 p.m.)
        
        I am ok Tracy. I am sorry I misunderstood your intent. nfm :D   Robbin (5/17/2007 8:09 p.m.)
        
        Nevertheless, Robin, an excellent post   BarbaraB (5/17/2007 11:04 p.m.)
        
        in total agreement   Lisa Dalrymple (5/17/2007 8:18 a.m.)
        
        Dads   nan duval (5/16/2007 9:13 p.m.)
        
        An illiterate father   Line (5/16/2007 9:44 p.m.)
        
        Good point, but   nan duval (5/16/2007 10:25 p.m.)
        
        Assuming Charlotte lives (nfm)   Tracy W (5/17/2007 7:28 p.m.)
        
        Well, that would solve Charlotte's problem at least ;-)   Adrian (5/18/2007 1:00 p.m.)
        
        Not just what-ifs   Tracy W (5/20/2007 8:40 a.m.)
        
        The thing is...   BarbaraB (5/20/2007 3:06 p.m.)
        
        Excellent post, Barbara. Thank you. :-) nfm   Reeba (5/21/2007 5:11 p.m.)
        
        I think we will have to agree to disagree   Tracy W (5/20/2007 5:04 p.m.)
        
        :) nfm   BarbaraB (5/20/2007 5:16 p.m.)
    - Mr. Collins' benefits ... Reeba (5/14/2007 8:59 a.m.)
Charlotte at the Netherfield ball Robbin (5/13/2007 10:58 a.m.)
- I was struck by the same thought! Rose G (5/18/2007 10:49 a.m.)
- Perhaps she *is* laying the groundwork... Line (5/13/2007 6:46 p.m.)
  - Fair to Lizzy… Robbin (5/13/2007 7:21 p.m.)
    - And he is most suited... Moni (5/14/2007 12:26 p.m.)
      - The violence of his affections   Robbin (5/14/2007 1:42 p.m.)
        
        Once again I note...   William D (5/21/2007 1:28 p.m.)
        
        The entail...   Rose G (5/18/2007 10:53 a.m.)
        
        Exactly! LOL;-) (nfm)   Moni (5/15/2007 11:18 a.m.)

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