connect to one another. Austen effectively shows how Charles Musgrove withstands his wife's annoying ways and acts as the confidant she needs to counteract her low self-esteem. Charles endures his wife's personality to also counteract his own low self-esteem. Charles realizes that Mary is his last hope for a committed relationship after Anne's marriage refusal, and he does not want to risk losing her. The love and devotion that he harbors for Mary shows an understanding of the high moral character and values that he possess. Abidance directly enhances the level of devotion one feels towards another person. Commitment outlasts all other aspects of character. It illuminates the inner quality of thoughtfulness inside one's soul. Joseph M. Duffy agrees that "Mary is a self-centered and irritable woman" who is responsible for Charles's "submergence of useful qualities." Duffy believes that Mary's actions result in a depletion of Charles's attributes as a caring husband. Mary should respect Charles for the sacrifices he commits in exchange for their matrimonial status. Through the abidance and commitment between two people, love outlasts personal flaws and self-imper
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