Marrying Mr. Collins...
Posted by Liz M on November 20, 1997 at 15:46:17:
In response to Charlotte, written by Kate on November 20, 1997 at 13:45:06
] Is Charlotte in fact marrying "up" by marrying Mr Collins, given that he is a clergyman, (and therefore a gentleman) and is in line to inherit (not buy) an old and reasonably valuable estate? Has she in fact made a good marriage, by these lights, rather than settled for the best she could do?
Charlotte may have married up - or at least on her own level - socially by accepting Mr. Collins, but she certainly married down intellectually and emotionally! Charlotte herself tells Elizabeth that it is an eligible match.
However, Charlotte also recognizes that Mr. Collins is the best she can do, since she has no expectations of attracting someone like Mr. Bingley or Mr. Darcy. Gentlemen of that type would surely look askance on her father's position.
As for whether it was the right thing to do? Readers of P&P tend to think not, because we know what a moron Mr. Collins is. However, Charlotte may think otherwise.
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