Charlotte is a warning to Lucy
Posted by Janette on February 19, 1998 at 18:11:21:
In response to sympathy for Miss Bartlett..., written by Kate on February 16, 1998 at 00:31:30
*** I can't think of any character in recent reading that I've liked less than Miss Bartlett. ***
*** I actually have some sympathy for Charlotte. She is a failure in the only thing that counts in her society (finding a husband) and she is trying to do her best by Lucy according to the rules she knows (or thinks she knows - she has some trouble fitting the Emersons into the rules). She is not malicious in her dealings - just misguided, and occasionally downright silly. ***
Charlotte is what Lucy could become if she denies her emtional life. This is more clearly stated in the book than the movie. After she breaks up with Cecil but is trying to deny her love for George, it says how the darkness closes over or receives (I don't have the book with me) Lucy, just as it did Charlotte 20 years earlier. In both the book and the movie, when Lucy screws up her mouth and makes some prissy remark, her mother says, "How you remind me of Charlotte Bartlett."
Charlotte herself saves Lucy from becoming her (Charlotte) by sending Lucy into Mr.Beebe's house to talk to Mr. Emerson, who makes her admit she loves George.
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