In Jane Austen's novel, Pride and Prejudice, matrimony is primarily viewed in two ways, as the result of falling in love or the means of securing one's future. The latter being important to those who are not financially set or do not place very high in the societal hierarchy. Throughout the novel, Charlotte Lucas is known as the pragmatic character, always acting practically in every situation and purporting logic above passion. She states herself that she is not a romantic and has no interest in marrying for love. This is in great contrast with her best friend Elizabeth Bennet who refuses the extremely fortunate alliance with Fitzwilliam Darcy and Mr. Collins. Miss Lucas, on the other hand, immediately accepted the offer of marriage made by Mr. Collins, knowing full well his flaws and having no real affection for him whatsoever. Yet, she knew that her position in life would be secured and therefore saw it as best a chance as any to be happy in marriage.
             Mr. Collins is in the fortunate position of not only being in line to inherit Longbourn as well as already being the master of Huntsford, but has secured the Lady Catherine de Bourgh as a patroness. Such a connection boasts highly in his favour for this will in all likelihood secure him financially for life and, in turn, his wife. Miss Elizabeth Bennet refuses him despite all this on the grounds that she does not love him. She is certain that he would not make her happy and more certain that she cannot make him so. However, Charlotte Lucas looks upon the situation quite differently. Being very practical, she realizes that Mr. Collins is secured and most likely she will not receive another offer from a man who may provide such stability and connections in the world. In addition he is not a cruel man though very stupid indeed. She believes that happiness in marriage is mostly a matter of chance and such her chances with Mr. Collins are as great
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