Analysis of Minor Characters in Pride And Prejudice
Analysis of Minor Characters in Pride And Prejudice
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 Collin’s and Darcy’s (first) proposals later in the novel. In response to the socially elite, Collins contrasts sharply with Eliz. Collins is a groveller 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 Rosing’s Eliz quickly spots Lady Catherine’s 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 doesn’t 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 Rosing’s park, and there she meets Darcy again.
They also help reinforce the themes in the novel. The contrast between Eliz’s and Charlotte’s 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 doesn’t she’ll become and old maid, and...