Hard to tell
Posted by Constanza on May 29, 1998 at 17:50:45:
In response to Happy marriages, written by Helen on May 29, 1998 at 10:47:39
For one, I believe it is going to be a happy match.
About good characters having happy marriages, I object to the words "good characters". In general terms, in JA's novels, there are not "good" and "bad" people, but people with faults, and the one to be most punished seems "imprudence" and "lack of common sense". You may say then that "sensible characters" make good matches, but then there would arise the "Charlotte - Collins" issue. Charlotte is sensible and intelligent (and "good" if you like). Does she have a happy marriage? I dare say she has the happiest she could ever had, though if you compare her "domestic felicity" with that of Marianne, Jane, Mrs. Gardiners (not to mention the heroines) it comes out very much impaired.
And what about Musgrove (cannot remember his name) who married Anne's brother because Anne would not have him? He is a "good man", yet he got himself a rather spoiled, irritating woman. However, I don't think he would qualify as "sensible".
And then there is Lucy Steele, who is deceiptful and artful and gets herself an heir whom she seems to like. I am sure she has a good marriage (that is, according to her terms). And the same applies to John Dashwood and his wife: they are horrible, yet they like the life they have.
Just a few thoughts. Perhaps, on the whole, you are right, and it is just that I am feeling "quite contrary" today. I hope you'll excuse me, for I have had a hell of a week. :-)
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