Pride and Prejudice (pg. 85)

14. "I see what you are feeling," replied Charlotte. "You must be surprised, very much surprised--so lately as Mr. Collins was wishing to marry you. But when you have had time to think it over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. I am not romantic, you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins's character, connection, 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.” (Page 85):
According to the Notes on Education, Marriage, Status of Women, women in Austen’s time had no way of becoming independent during this time period. Women would always rely on someone whether it was their families or their husband. Society also considered it a very bad thing if women did not get married. They would become spinsters if they did not find a husband and would be considered a nuisance or burden. Charlotte realized that since she would not inherit an estate or enough money to live on, she would have to find a husband to support her. Austen depicts the choices of this time had to make; sometimes, women had to choose between poverty or marriage. Marriage was not always for love during this time, sometimes it was for survival. Austen writes about this situation for women so clearly in Pride and Prejudice and she shows that women can be smart, creative, and talented (like Elizabeth) and still be at the mercy of social rules.

"Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice -- Notes on Education, Marriage, Status of Women, Etc." Jane Austen | The Republic of Pemberley. Web. 11 Mar. 2010. http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/pptopic2.html#protofem1.