“Without thinking highly either of men or of matrimony, marriage had always been her object; it was the only honourable provision for well-educated young women of small fortune, and, however uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleasantest preservative from want.”
This powerful statement from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice perfectly captures the pragmatic, and perhaps cynical, worldview of Charlotte Lucas. It serves as a stark reminder of the social and economic realities facing women in Regency England. The quote dismantles the romantic ideal of marriage. Instead, it presents matrimony as a calculated financial and social strategy. For women like Charlotte, with education but without wealth, marriage was not a matter of the heart. It was a matter of survival.
This perspective provides a crucial counterpoint to the novel’s protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, who seeks a union based on love and mutual respect. Through Charlotte, Austen explores the difficult choices women had to make. Consequently, this single sentence offers a profound commentary on the limitations placed upon an entire class of women.
A Pragmatist’s Manifesto
Let’s break down the layers of this densely packed observation. The opening clause, “Without thinking highly either of men or of matrimony,” immediately establishes Charlotte’s unsentimental mindset. She does not harbor illusions about finding a soulmate or achieving romantic bliss. This practicality sets her apart from many of her contemporaries in fiction. Her goal, or “object,” was clear and unwavering: marriage.
Why was this her primary objective? Source Austen explains it was the “only honourable provision” available. This phrase is key. For a woman of the gentry, options for self-support were virtually nonexistent. Therefore, a respectable marriage was the only socially acceptable path to financial security. It provided a home, social standing, and a husband to manage her affairs. Without it, a woman of small fortune faced the grim prospect of becoming a governess or relying on the charity of relatives, both precarious positions.
Finally, the concluding phrase, “pleasantest preservative from want,” is a masterpiece of understated realism. Marriage is not a source of joy but a shield against poverty. The word “pleasantest” suggests it is merely the best of a bad set of options. Charlotte chooses security over the uncertain pursuit of happiness, a decision that shapes her entire future.
The Economic Reality for Regency Women
To fully grasp Charlotte’s decision, we must understand the world she inhabited. In early 19th-century England, a woman’s economic fate was almost entirely tied to the men in her life. First, her father, and later, her husband. The system of entailment, a major plot point in Pride and Prejudice, prevented daughters from inheriting family estates. This meant the Bennet sisters would lose their home upon their father’s death.
This legal and social framework created immense pressure on women to marry, and marry well. A good match secured not only one’s own future but could also elevate the status of the entire family. Society viewed unmarried women over a certain age, often called spinsters, with a mixture of pity and scorn. They were seen as a burden on their families. Consequently, the pursuit of a husband was not just a romantic endeavor but an urgent economic necessity.
Charlotte Lucas, at twenty-seven, felt this pressure acutely. She recognized that her chances were diminishing with time. Her choice to marry the foolish and sycophantic Mr. Collins, therefore, was not an act of desperation. It was a calculated move to secure her own establishment and escape the undesirable fate of spinsterhood. She traded the possibility of romantic love for the certainty of a comfortable home and a respectable position in society.
The Contrast with Elizabeth Bennet
Charlotte’s pragmatic approach stands in stark contrast to Elizabeth Bennet’s idealism. Elizabeth famously declares, “I am determined that only the deepest love will induce me into matrimony.” She rejects two financially advantageous proposals—one from Mr. Collins and another from the wealthy Mr. Darcy—because she does not love or respect the men offering them. For Elizabeth, personal happiness and mutual esteem are non-negotiable.
Austen uses this contrast to explore different philosophies of life and marriage. Neither character is presented as wholly right or wrong. Elizabeth represents a modern, romantic ideal that the novel ultimately endorses. However, Austen treats Charlotte’s practical choice with understanding and sympathy. She does not condemn Charlotte for her decision but rather uses it to critique the society that made such a compromise necessary. Charlotte’s story highlights the privilege inherent in Elizabeth’s romanticism; Lizzy can afford to wait for love, while Charlotte feels she cannot.
Is the Quote Still Relevant Today?
Centuries after Austen penned these words, one might ask if they still hold any meaning. While women in most parts of the world now have access to education, careers, and financial independence, the core themes of the quote continue to resonate. Economic considerations remain a significant factor in major life decisions, including marriage and long-term partnerships.
Societal pressures have changed, but they have not vanished. The expectation to partner up, though less rigid, still exists. Furthermore, financial stability is a common and practical goal for individuals forming a life together. The rising cost of living and housing prices often makes a dual-income household a necessity rather than a choice. People may not call marriage a “preservative from want” today, but financial compatibility and security are certainly important aspects of modern relationships.
In summary, while the landscape of opportunity for women has transformed dramatically, Charlotte Lucas’s dilemma is not entirely alien. Her choice reminds us that life is often a series of compromises. The tension between idealism and pragmatism, between the desires of the heart and the needs of the head, remains a timeless human experience. Jane Austen’s brilliant insight into these complexities is what makes her work eternally relevant and endlessly fascinating.