Charlotte Lucas quotations✅

h i m i e a m o c

Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance

Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance

Flat and factual tone reflects Charlotte's pragmatic and almost emotionless attitude towards love

W M C c b f, t w r a g a o c t

When Mr Collins could be forgotten, there was really a great air of comfort throughout

When Mr Collins could be forgotten, there was really a great air of comfort throughout

• Euphemism of 'forgotten' implies that they want Mr Collins gone

• “great air of comfort” shows how Charlotte Lucas did not marry him for love, so she only feels free without him

H p, s M L, d n o m s m a p o d, b t i a e f i

"His pride," said Miss Lucas, "does not offend me so much as pride often does, because there is an excuse for it."

"His pride," said Miss Lucas, "does not offend me so much as pride often does, because there is an excuse for it."

• The word 'excuses' hints that his pride is justified

• Charlotte Lucas rationalises Darcy's pride because of his social status

• Her accepting tone highlights how social class can soften judgements

i i m s e i, h h a r t b p

If I may so express it, he has a right to be proud.

If I may so express it, he has a right to be proud.

• The word 'right' suggest that pride is earned through wealth and status

• Austen uses irony to show are the elite are excused for their poor traits

Y; b h s t l h s b

Yes; but he seemed to like his second better.

Yes; but he seemed to like his second better.

• There is a tone of quiet disappointment in this statement

• Charlotte Lucas is too proud and too polite to admit her feelings outright

• The verb 'seemed' doesn't express certainty, perhaps showing that she is hoping Bingley might not prefer Jane over her

i n c o o t, a w h b s m a t s f

In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels.

In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels.

• The generalisation of the word 'woman' suggests collective societal expectations

• Emphasises how societal norms dictate how women express their emotions

• Irony critiques the superficiality of social interactions in the Regency era