Comparing Elizabeth Bennet and Charlotte Lucas in Pride and Prejudice

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The intent of this essay is to compare and contrast the characters of Elizabeth Bennet and Charlotte Lucas. The main points that will be compared and contrasted include the relative beauty, age and the characters of Elizabeth Bennet and Charlotte Lucas. The similarities and differences in their families, position in society and their wealth, their differing attitudes to marriage, and finally, who has the better deal and why, will also be discussed. By the end of this essay, the reader will be able to discern the differences and similarities in both Elizabeth and Charlotte.

The physical appearance of Elizabeth Bennet is quite often referred to as pretty by many people. The first mentioning of her beauty is by Mr. Bingley , but she is also referred to as pretty by Sir William Lucas , Lady Catherine , and Colonel Fitzwilliam . Perhaps the most important person of all who comments on her beauty is Mr. Darcy. Although at first he only viewed Elizabeth as tolerable , his opinion of her later changed and grew. Mr. Darcy begins to admire her fine eyes, but he also begins to view her as pretty. This can be observed when he states ‘a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman’ . He even goes on to say that he considers her ‘one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance. ’

Unlike Elizabeth, Charlotte is not so fortunate in her physical appearance. She is referred to as plain by Mrs. Bennet and even her own mother views her as such, which can be seen when Mrs. Bennet states, ‘she is very plain. Lady Lucas herself has often said so, and envied me Jane’s beauty. ’ Charlotte is aware that she is not the most beautiful woman, and she states this when she describes herself as having never been handsome . These physical attributes of ...

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...mpossible to be happy. Marrying for love is the correct reason to marry, but even that is not enough. As Christians, we should look for godly spouses, so that God will always be the centre of the marriage, because like it says in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” Keeping God the centre is the only way you can have a truly successful marriage.

Bibliography

• Austen, Jane, Pride and Prejudice, copyright 2003 of Planet Three Publishing Network Ltd.

• http://www.teachit.co.uk/armoore/prose/prideandprejudice.htm

• http://www.wisegeek.com/how-has-the-average-age-at-marriage-changed-over-time.htm

• http://www.blurtit.com/q1683573.html

• http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_was_the_average_age_for_first-time_marriages_in_the_1800's

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