Mr. Collins ultimately marries Charlotte Lucas.
After his unsuccessful attempt to secure Elizabeth Bennet's hand in marriage, Mr. Collins swiftly turns his attention to Elizabeth's close friend, Charlotte Lucas. His proposal to Charlotte comes remarkably soon after Elizabeth's firm rejection, demonstrating his practical and immediate need for a wife rather than deep romantic affection.
From Unsuccessful Pursuit to a Practical Union
Mr. Collins, a clergyman and a distant cousin to the Bennet family, arrives at Longbourn with the explicit intention of finding a wife among the Bennet sisters. His initial focus is on Elizabeth Bennet, largely due to her being the eldest unmarried daughter after Jane.
- Elizabeth's Rejection: Despite Mr. Collins's lengthy and formal proposal, Elizabeth finds him pompous and unsuitable, unequivocally rejecting his offer. This rejection is met with relief by her father, who, despite the potential financial benefits for the family, would rather see his daughter happy.
- Charlotte's Acceptance: Following his rejection by Elizabeth, Mr. Collins wastes no time in proposing to Charlotte Lucas. Charlotte, a pragmatic and sensible young woman, accepts his proposal, viewing marriage as a practical necessity for her future security rather than a romantic ideal. She understands that at her age, and without a significant fortune, Mr. Collins offers a respectable establishment.
The Marriage and Its Implications
The marriage between Mr. Collins and Charlotte Lucas is a significant event within the narrative. It highlights the differing views on marriage prevalent in society at the time: Elizabeth's insistence on love and respect versus Charlotte's realistic acceptance of a financially secure, if unromantic, match.
| Character | Relationship to Mr. Collins | Outcome of Proposal | Marriage Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Bennet | Intended, Cousin | Rejected | Unmarried (at the time) |
| Charlotte Lucas | Friend of Elizabeth | Accepted | Married Mr. Collins |
Charlotte moves to Hunsford Parsonage, Mr. Collins's home, near Lady Catherine de Bourgh's estate, Rosings Park. Their marriage provides Charlotte with the stability and social standing she desires, even if it comes with the eccentricities of her new husband. Elizabeth later visits them, offering insights into their new life together and the compromises Charlotte has made.
This union underscores themes of social expectations, economic pressures, and personal choices regarding matrimony in the early 19th century.
