Lizzy in Pride and Prejudice

Charlotte Lucas' and Elizabeth Bennet's discussion in chapter six reveals their feelings on how Jane should act towards Mr. Bingley, their feelings on marriage in general, and also foreshadows Charlotte's marriage.   While, Charlotte's view reflects the ideas about marriage of the majority of the characters in this novel, Elizabeth feels very differently.   In addition, Charlotte's ideas show us why she will eventually come to marry Mr. Collins.   In all, Elizabeth's argument is much more reasonable, and would insure Jane a much more sensible marriage if she listened to her.   In contrast, Charlotte most likely only believes what she says because it is an accepted way for a woman to insure her financial and social life.  
Charlotte argues that they should encourage Jane to be more outgoing in respect to her feelings for Mr. Bingley.   She argues that if Jane does not show more emotion towards Bingley and continues to hide her feelings of love, "...she may lose the opportunity of fixing him..."   (p. 18)   She also says that if Jane and Bingley spend a little more time together, alone, and are pushed to show great emotion towards each other, they will realize that they want to get married.   Charlotte believes that this is not a difficult task, and that it should only take 4 evenings together before they decide to marry.   Charlotte also says that it is unnecessary for them to spend too much time together before deciding to marry, because "Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance." (p. 19)   According to Charlotte, Jane should not try to find Bingley's faults, because it is enough to marry someone with a good amount of money.   Charlotte sees marriage as a way of securing one's financial stability, and believes that one should not think too hard about marrying someone if he is wealthy.  
Elizabeth, on the other hand, does not think that Jane should change her habits at all.   Elizabeth argues that Jane is showing her admiration, and that Mr. Bingley should be... [continues]

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