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Rank and consequence...   Written by Moni (5/23/2007 9:23 a.m.) in consequence of the missive, Charlotte grows like Mr. Collins, penned by Robbin
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Thanks for this post, as I wasn't sure if I was putting two and two together to make five. I looked back at CH. 18 and found the part where Charlotte advises Lizzy not to miss out on the opportunity of dancing with Darcy because of his lofty "consequence" over Wickham:

CH. 18: "Charlotte could not help cautioning her in a whisper 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***." Which is true, according to Charlotte's values, and at least her friend was thinking of her best interests. She is aware highly in her mind the cache it affords Lizzy, even if Lizzy is not totally convinced by the honour, that Mr Darcy is of much higher consequence that Wickham, in spite of the difference in temperament evident.

Lizzy's values seem to clash with Charlotte's ideas here:
CH. 18: "She danced next with an officer, and had the refreshment of talking of Wickham, and ***of hearing that he was universally liked***." It seems important to Lizzy that any man she is aligned with be "liked" or "likeable", and never mind the consequence he might afford. Earlier in the novel, she "knows" Mr Darcy is not generally liked in the neighbourhood, but is moreso awed for "who" he is. Lizzy's values and Charlotte's are not the same, as Charlotte values "consequence".

"Charlotte had seen them from her ***husband's room*** crossing the road, and immediately running into the other, told the girls what an honour they might expect… (Chapter 30)" -- Robbin's post.

I couldn't believe it when I read the part again you posted, where Charlotte acts as Mr Collins in looking out the window and fussing about the visitors of consequence, just as her husband does. Before this had just been "his" room, or his job to do. Dare I say this shows it, and I would even add that Charlotte is more retiring before she spends time at the Parsonage. Marriage seems to define her real character, that of aligning herself with consequence, which is highly practical in her situation, and is most like her father;-)


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