Charlotte is prudent but not selfish

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Charlotte is prudent but not selfish Written by Susan L (5/16/2007 12:13 a.m.) in consequence of the missive, Prudence, prudence, penned by Robbin

If prudence, as described by the Merriam-Webster online dicionary, can be described as "shrewd in the management of practical affairs" then Charlotte is extremely shrewd. (I am not aware of the definition at that time and I wonder how it has changed).

Being selfish, by constrast, requires somebody to be concerned excessively or exclusively with themselves, without regard for others, which I do not believe to be a reasonable description of Charlotte. Charlotte is concerned about her future and she should be. Her future as a spinster is likely to be one of dependence on others at home with her parents, with married siblings after the death of her parents or as a governess (if she has the skills). And this is a future she apparently did not welcome, based on her comments to Lizzy that Jane should secure Mr Bingley, and her actions in securing Mr Collins as a husband.

So I believe Charlotte's actions in securing herself a secure future to be prudent, and I have observed nothing that would suggest she put her interests here before anybody elses (that is obtained this aim through selfish means).

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

Charlotte at the Netherfield ball Robbin (5/13/2007 10:58 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.)
        
        Exactly! LOL;-) (nfm)   Moni (5/15/2007 11:18 a.m.)
        
        The entail...   Rose G (5/18/2007 10:53 a.m.)
        
        Once again I note...   William D (5/21/2007 1:28 p.m.)
- I was struck by the same thought! Rose G (5/18/2007 10:49 a.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.)
  - Perhaps Geri-Lynn is referring to the line in chpt 22 Tracy W (5/14/2007 4:04 a.m.)
    - Mr. Collins' benefits ... Reeba (5/14/2007 8:59 a.m.)
    - Is Charlotte trifling with Mr. Collins happiness? Robbin (5/14/2007 9:05 a.m.)
      - That may be   Tracy W (5/14/2007 4:29 p.m.)
        
        Prudence, prudence   Robbin (5/15/2007 10:28 a.m.)
        
        Prudence or foolhardiness?   Tracy W (5/15/2007 6:05 p.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.)
        
        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.)
        
        Excellent post, Barbara. Thank you. :-) nfm   Reeba (5/21/2007 5:11 p.m.)
        
        Situation and temper (long)   Robbin (5/17/2007 3:06 a.m.)
        
        in total agreement   Lisa Dalrymple (5/17/2007 8:18 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.)
        
        I admire Charlotte for her approach.   Susan L (5/18/2007 3:31 a.m.)
        
        Excellent post, Robbin :-)   Reeba (5/18/2007 7:10 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 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.)
        
        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.)
        
        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.)
        
        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.)
        
        Elizabeth's standards   Line (5/20/2007 11:00 a.m.)
        
        I am!! ;-)   Reeba (5/20/2007 11:11 a.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.)
        
        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.)
        
        Mr Collins or spinsterhood   Susan L (5/18/2007 3:25 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   Robbin (5/19/2007 3:06 p.m.)
        
        I agree also. Good point nfm   Susan L (5/19/2007 7:02 p.m.)
        
        Spinsterhood   Susan L (5/18/2007 12:02 a.m.)
        
        Charlotte is prudent but not selfish   Susan L (5/16/2007 12:13 a.m.)
      - I agree; after all, nan duval (5/16/2007 8:47 p.m.)
    - Yes, you are right Geri-Lynn (5/15/2007 3:57 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.)
        
        Surely Elizabeth is thinking about her own opinions?   Tracy W (5/14/2007 6:09 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.)
  - 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.)
      - 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.)
      - Options   Robbin (5/19/2007 6:03 p.m.)
        
        I absolutely do not equate Charlotte's marrying Mr. Collins   nan duval (5/19/2007 10:53 p.m.)
        
        Yep - that's what I'm doing   Tracy W (5/20/2007 7:37 a.m.)
      - "Gainful employment" was not an attractive option. Helen Halstead (5/20/2007 6:52 p.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.)

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