Images of Marriage: Mr. Collins and Miss Lucas

"I am not romantic you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins's character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair, as most people can boast on entering the marriage state" (123)

Despite the fact that Elizabeth sees her friend's marriage as a very "unsuitable match," Charlotte is certain that she will have a happy life with Mr. Collins (123). Mr. Collins also feels overjoyed at the prospect of this union and wants to marry as soon as possible because Charlotte will make him "the happiest of men" (126). When you look at this situation, the idea that "happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance" takes on another meaning than just the idea portrayed in the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet (24). Rather than it being entirely a matter of chance, Austen is suggesting that there are different types of happiness in marriage, and one must work to find or make as much of it as possible. Unlike the Bennet parents, Charlotte will be happy with Collins because, although she is compromising love for security, she expresses that she would rather have the security. Neither Collins nor Charlotte seeks the traditional idea of a romantic love, so their union will bring them happiness because it provides the security and comfortable life Charlotte desires and eliminates Mr. Collins' want of a wife.