It's such a contrast to read about the treatment of women in 19th century society. "Women are at their best in the occupations God gave them - when sewing or in the kitchen." This statement, pronounced by Mr. Nicholls, causes Charlotte to immediately dislike the new curate. Her opinion of him is further eroded during a dinner party where Mr. Grant (the curate of Oxenhope), Mr. Nicholls and her father demean women until Charlotte can no longer contain herself. "If the great wish - the sole aim - of every woman is to be married, a state which at least gives them some occupation as cherished wives and mothers, and the only state in which they can be regarded with any respect by society - how can you blame them?" As she storms out of the room, she hears Mr. Nicholls proclaim, "The words, gentlemen, of an ugly old maid."
Reading this antiquated perception of women is frustrating, especially while being immersed in Charlotte's world and empathizing with her point of view. All of her sisters received an excellent education, yet the only jobs they could procure were those of governess, a slave to rich families who could afford someone to raise and educate their children. Now, to be told by Mr. Nicholls that the best they can hope for is marriage, is insulting. Even their own father agrees that women should be concerned only with taking care of the household, despite the fact his daughters have not followed any of these societal restrictions.
Charlotte is sensitive to the fact that she is not a beautiful woman, so it hurts her a great deal to be called ugly. It reminds her of a similar comment at boarding school, where the girls were mean to her at first due to her poor background, putting her last on a list of the most beautiful girls at the school. To hear Mr. Nicholls verify this fact deeply disturbs Charlotte and destroys her confidence.
As the story progresses, she may grow to like Mr. Nicholls. The tension between them reminds me of other novels like Pride and Prejudice where the main characters dislike each other greatly, only to discover a great love between them. Can Charlotte forgive Mr. Nicholls for his comments and change his point of view? It will be difficult for her to love him until he shows respect for women in general and Charlotte in particular.
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