Open Prompt 1

1992. In a novel or play, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is a character, often a friend or relative of the hero or heroine, whose role is to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in. Frequently the result is, as Henry James remarked, that the confidant or confidante can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's." However, the author sometimes uses this character for other purposes as well. Choose a confidant or confidante from a novel or play of recognized literary merit and write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work. You may write your essay on one of the following novels or plays or on another of comparable quality. Do not write on a poem or short story.

     When one thinks of Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice, the first thing that pops into most people's head is the unlikely romance between Elizabeth Bennett, a free-thinking  woman in the middle class, and Mr. Darcy, and extremely wealthy man high in society.  Rightfully so, since that is the main story line of the plot, though there are minor characters in the story who play just as an important of a part.  Specifically, Charlotte Lucas is not only Elizabeth's best friend and confidant, she also plays a role in delivering the message of the story.

     Elizabeth Bennett is a  feminist and romantic minded girl who does not play by the rules of her time, while Charlotte Lucas is much more realistic and obedient of societies rules.  By making Charlotte a foil for Elizabeth, Austen emphasizes Elizabeth's qualities.  These qualities are emphasized because they bring out the message that women should not be prisoners of society.  Charlotte is not just there to return Elizabeth's dialogue, she contrasts her to make Elizabeth stand out as a free-thinking and independent woman.  This function of Charlotte's is very important because Elizabeth's unusual qualities are what drives the main plot and message of the story.

     If the story was an experiment, Charlotte could be called the control group.  Charlotte obeys and even desires to become the average woman of the time.  At a mature age, she is eager to settle down and have a family even if it means she will not find love.  This scenario was common for the time period, and is the example of exactly what Elizabeth is running from.  Charlotte functions as the everyday wife who follows orders and social norms and gives the audience a picture to compare Elizabeth with.  The reader is able to see what Elizabeth is fighting, and why.

   Why does Elizabeth want to fight it at all?  Again, Charlotte holds the answer.  By today's standards, Charlotte (most likely at age 26)  would not be considered old, or too old to be single, however, in Jane Austen's era Charlotte was verging on becoming a spinster if she did not marry soon.  She gives an example of how unforgiving society was towards women.  Even more so because Charlotte was willing to give in to society.  The world was so cruel against an unmarried woman of a certain age that women were willing to give up their lives for men who they did not love.  

     In the end of Pride and Prejudice, love conquers all including society's power over people and relationships.  If the story consisted of only the main characters, however, this message would not have come through as clearly.  The supporting characters and plot lines are there to hold up the main idea of the plot and emphasize important themes.  Even though a character might just be seen as the "best friend", look closer and a new meaning will most likely be presented.  A story cannot have full meaning with only the obvious, the smaller things are what bring the message home.