Quote overview table

"Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter..."

Quote

"Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance." (Chapter 6)

Context

During a conversation at a social gathering, Charlotte shares her views on courtship with Elizabeth, advising that one should seize opportunities without overthinking compatibility, as outcomes are unpredictable.

Analysis

• This reveals Charlotte's early character as a realist who prioritises opportunity over idealism, showing her steady temperament in contrast to Elizabeth's passion.
• Austen uses declarative syntax and the abstract noun "chance" to convey detachment, employing irony to underscore how social norms reduce marriage to a gamble.
• No overt symbolism, but the phrasing foreshadows Charlotte's later pragmatic decisions, hinting at women's limited agency.
• It connects to marriage by illustrating practical approaches, while tying into social class through implied economic pressures.
• Within the narrative, it structurally introduces contrasting philosophies, building tension for future plot developments around proposals.

Contextual connection

Charlotte's outlook reflects Regency-era constraints on women, where marriage was often a financial necessity rather than a romantic choice, influenced by limited inheritance rights under laws like primogeniture.

"I am not romantic, you know. I never..."

Quote

"I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home." (Chapter 22)

Context

After accepting Mr Collins's proposal, Charlotte confides in Elizabeth, justifying her decision by emphasising her lack of romantic inclinations and desire for basic security.

Analysis

• It develops Charlotte as pragmatic and self-aware, transforming her from a background figure into a model of rational adaptation to societal limits.
• The repetitive first-person pronouns ("I... I... I") and simple, direct syntax create a confessional tone, with Austen using understatement to highlight quiet resolve.
• "Comfortable home" acts as a symbol of stability, foreshadowing her contentment in a loveless marriage despite others' horror.
• Links to marriage by showing it as a transaction, and to social class via the implicit need for economic protection.
• Narratively, this moment advances the plot post-Elizabeth's rejection, creating contrast that deepens character dynamics.

Contextual connection

This echoes the economic realities for middle-class women in early 19th-century England, where Austen's own experiences with spinsterhood informed critiques of marriage as a path to avoid poverty.

"Without thinking highly either of men or of..."

Quote

"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." (Chapter 22)

Context

The narrator describes Charlotte's mindset right after her engagement, explaining her long-held view of marriage as essential for security despite her low expectations of men or wedded bliss.

Analysis

• This shows Charlotte's consistent realism, with no major transformation but reinforcement of her as a foil to romantic characters.
• Austen employs balanced antitheses ("uncertain of giving happiness" vs "preservative from want") and free indirect discourse to blend narration with thoughts, adding ironic depth.
• "Preservative from want" symbolises marriage as a shield against destitution, foreshadowing themes of economic survival.
• Connects to social class by exposing class-based pressures, and to marriage as a necessary institution despite flaws.
• Structurally, it bridges proposal scenes, providing insight that heightens the novel's social commentary.

Contextual connection

Influenced by the Napoleonic Wars' economic impacts, which left many women without prospects, this reflects Austen's era where marriage was often the sole "honourable provision" for genteel poverty.

"When you have had time to think it..."

Quote

"When you have had time to think it over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done." (Chapter 22)

Context

In a letter to Elizabeth, Charlotte addresses potential disapproval of her marriage, expressing hope that reflection will lead to acceptance of her practical choice.

Analysis

• It highlights Charlotte's maturity and foresight, showing development in her ability to navigate friendships amid differing views.
• The conditional clause ("When you have had time") and hopeful verb "hope" use polite, persuasive syntax to soften confrontation, typical of Austen's epistolary style.
• No direct symbolism, but it foreshadows evolving prejudices, as Elizabeth later reconsiders her judgements.
• Ties to prejudice by challenging snap opinions, and to marriage through defence of non-romantic unions.
• In the narrative arc, this letter form varies pacing, building Elizabeth's growth while advancing relational tensions.

Contextual connection

Letter-writing was a key social tool in Regency England, reflecting Austen's use of epistolary elements from 18th-century novels to reveal character indirectly amid strict etiquette norms.

Example analysis paragraph

Quote used: "Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance." (Chapter 6)

Grade 9 PEE paragraph

Point

• Austen employs declarative syntax to establish Charlotte's pragmatic characterisation, using the abstract noun "chance" to subvert romantic conventions and highlight marriage's unpredictability through ironic detachment.

Evidence

• "Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance."

Explanation

• The emphatic adverb "entirely" underscores absolute uncertainty, creating irony that critiques societal ideals by reducing wedlock to randomness rather than destiny.
• This word choice reveals Austen's authorial method of using concise dialogue to expose gender constraints, inviting alternative interpretations of Charlotte as either wise or cynical.
• Overall, it deepens the novel's exploration of how language shapes perceptions of social institutions in Regency England.

Grade 7 PEE paragraph

Point

• Through straightforward declarative language, Austen portrays Charlotte as realistic, with "chance" emphasising marriage's risks over romance.

Evidence

• "Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance."

Explanation

• The word "chance" suggests unpredictability, showing how Charlotte's tone contrasts idealistic views and highlights practical necessities.
• Austen's technique of direct speech reveals character motivations, linking to broader critiques of women's options.
• This contributes to Charlotte's role as a foil, advancing the narrative's social commentary.

Grade 5 PEE paragraph

Point

• The quote shows Charlotte's practical view that marriage depends on luck, not love.

Evidence

• "Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance."

Explanation

• Words like "chance" mean outcomes are random, explaining why Charlotte focuses on security.
• It reveals her sensible personality in contrast to others.