Choice Vs. Chance in Pride and Prejudice - 842 Words

Joel Weinsheimers article Chance and the hierarchy of marriages in Pride and Prejudice defines chance as ignorance of causes and consequences and supposes it to be the driving force behind the action and ending of the novel (405). Events such as Elizabeth and the Gardiners change of plans to Derbyshire and Darcys business that brings him to Pemberley are given great importance as chance happenings. I suppose too, that the relationships of Charlotte-Collins, Lydia-Wickham, Jane-Bingley, and even the nonexistent ones of Miss Bingley-Darcy, and Elizabeth-Wickham serve an important role in bringing together Darcy and Elizabeth by chance. But to believe that the action of the novel is dictated by chance seems foolhardy; it is a theory†¦show more content†¦But she had chosen it with her eyes open... (Austen 233). Charlotte is realistic and without romantic illusions of marriage. The fact that one can catch a whiff of desperation on her is not accidental: she is approximately 27 -28 years old, and in danger of becoming an old maid. Therefore it is perfectly logical that she wouldnt view love as a vital component in marriage and would much rather settle for a comfortable living. It is her deliberate choice of a comfortable home over love, acceptable character traits, and general attraction that cause her unhappiness. In submitting to the pressing claims of society Charlotte is capitulating to her own concerns of becoming a spinster. In no way in the novel is it presented as a chance event that Charlotte Lucas ends up with Mr. Collins, in fact it is mentioned that she schemed and chose deliberately to marry him. Nor can her choice be considered uninformed (and therefore chance) since we are given to understand that Charlotte is as intelligent and educated as Elizabeth. In short the narration leads one to think that she was well informed on her choice and was led by her desperation to be married. His affection for her soon sunk into indifference; hers lasted a little longer (Austen 384). Lydia on the other hand, is ruled by her general attraction for Wickham, which overwhelms any thoughts ofShow MoreRelatedThe Women of Brewster Place1495 Words   |  6 Pagesthe child was taken, the hole is representative of the void that will remain in Lucielia heart the rest of her life but with time an continuing life journey will become less painful, and Mattie knowledge of life tell her that Lucielia will have a chance at healing. Title: Healers in Gloria Naylors Fiction Author(s): Kathleen M. Puhr Publication Details: Twentieth Century Literature 40.4 (Winter 1994): p518. Source: Contemporary Literary Criticism. Ed. Janet Witalec. Vol. 156. Detroit: GaleRead MorePride and Prejudice vs Wuthering Heights3113 Words   |  13 Pages[pic] PRIDE AND PREJUDICE vs. WUTHERING HEIGHTS About structure and mood There are a number of differences. First of all, the narrative structure is very different. Pride and Prejudice is chronological, told by a limited 3rd person narrator. Wuthering Heights begins at present, and then is told as a series of flashbacks, sometimes through letters, but with two different first-person narrators. Pride and Prejudice reads chronologically, with someone telling youRead More Characterization and Irony in Pride and Prejudice Essay2991 Words   |  12 PagesCharacterization and Irony in Pride and Prejudice      Ã‚  Ã‚   Like all true literary classics, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is still capable of engaging us, both emotionally and intellectually (Twayne back flap) through its characters and themes. 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