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The functions of minor characters in Pride and Prejudice are very important. They add color, tone and interest to the novel, and they also add to our understanding of the main characters, reinforce the theme and advance the plot. Jane Austen develops several minor characters that help perform these functions very well. Collins and Charlotte show contrasts with Elizabeth that plays a key role in our understanding of her.
Charlotte believes that in nine cases out of ten a woman had better show more affection that she feels and that it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person you are to pass the rest with. This shows her mercenary, unemotional driven motives towards securing a husband, so as to secure a comfortable living. Eliz is shown on the other hand as someone who does not disregard emotion and cannot believe that Charlotte sacrificed every better feeling to worldly advantage. This contrast helps us understand her reactions to Collins and Darcy's (first) proposals later in the novel.
In response to the socially elite, Collins contrasts sharply with Eliz. Collins is a grovelled and will anything and everything to please the great and condescending Lady Catherine. Collins went to Hertfordshire because Lady Catherine told him to go find himself a wife; this shows his absolute devotion to her. Elizabeth on the other hand judges on quality and not on money and rank. This is shown when at Rosings Eliz quickly spots Lady Catherines faults, if I had ever learnt I should have been a great proficient. She is never directly rude to her; this shows that she is mature and tactful.
However when Lady Catherine ask Eliz her age, she doesnt give a direct answer- I am not more than one and twenty, - much to the astonishment of Collins. Collins and Charlotte help advance the plot by getting married. Visiting Charlotte is the main purpose of her visit to Rosings park, and there she meets Darcy again. They also help reinforce the themes in the novel. The contrast between Eliz's and Charlottes views on marriage reinforces the marriage theme. Collins and Charlottes marriage also reinforces the marriage theme.
Collins and Charlotte need to marry, Charlotte because if she doesnt shell become and old maid, and Collins because Lady Catherine instructed him to. It shows us that marriages of convenience, for comfort and status, rather than love. We also get an idea of the social codes of the period as this sort of marriage was perfectly acceptable, even expected. Collins also adds color and interest to the novel for being extremely stupid, his proposal to Eliz being a particular comic highlight to the novel. Lady Catherine shows Elizabeth's attitude towards stupid aristocrats, namely Lady Catherine. Eliz will not give unearned respect even to people of a higher social rank.
This is shown clearly when Lady C comes to Longbourne to dissuade Eliz from marrying Darcy. Lady C is extremely rude, This is a very small room. Eliz is shows she is defiant, and tough, refusing to answer Lady Cs I do not pretend to possess equal frankness with your Ladyship. You may ask questions which I shall not choose to answer.
However rude Lady C gets during this confrontation, are the shades of Pemberly to be thus polluted? , I am ashamed of you, Eliz is never actually rude, and this shows her maturity and tactfulness. Lady Catherine reinforces the abuse of social position theme. She is shown in a satirical light. Jane Austen makes it clear that presumptuous, stupid, interfering (though an attentive neighbor) people should not be respected or are no better than anyone else no matter what their social position.
Lady Catherine advances the plot by going to see Eliz at Longbourne. Eliz refuses to say that she will not marry Darcy, Darcy later hears of this and this is what prompts him into approaching Eliz once more into the breach. This is rather ironic considering Lady Cs intentions, and once again reinforces the social position abuse theme. You reap what you sew. Clearly J.
A. uses minor characters extensively and successfully to make Pride and Prejudice and excellent, highly complex novel.
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Research essay sample on Analysis Of Minor Characters In Pride And Prejudice
