plantdokta on The Austen Connection

For me, these chapters definitely were a vivid reminder of a theme I think many of us have been touching on the last few weeks. When I was in my 20's, Charlotte's choice seemed unthinkable. Although I understood the careful logic of her rationale, I could not understand it on an emotional level. But now, older and presumably wiser :), I am far more sympathetic to her. It's agonizing to consider the situation she was in and the choice she had to make. Marianne's final choice was also pragmatic, but Colonel Brandon is a far better person than Mr. Collins!