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How Does Bronte Present Charlotte's Character

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Another aspect which reveals something of Charlotte's character is the way she dresses. Her clothing is simple and without the slightest hint of good taste. Charlotte's garments, which are not in the least bit attractive, are chosen for only the most practical reason—in order to clothe her. Although her clothing is modest and "commonsensical," she has forgotten what Lolita knows so well that clothing can be used in order to captivate the opposite sex. Charlotte tries to maintain certain "airs" in order to appear to be something she is not. As a wife, a mother, and a member of the community, she always acts as she believes she is expected to act. Her values are heavily influenced by this attitude, and therefore, they are hypocritical and ambiguous; yet Charlotte seems inanely unaware of the hypocrisy and contradiction in her life. …show more content…

What exists in reality is of little consequence to Charlotte, as long as it appears meaningful. Humbert points out: "Oh, she was very genteel: she said 'excuse me' when talking to her lady friends referred to me as Mr. Humbert" (p. 77).
Her acceptance into the Ramsdale society pleases her tremendously. Her bridge clubs and book clubs, her involvement in church work, and her conversations with other mothers in the neighborhood contribute to Charlotte's exaggerated sophistication. Hiring a German maid, sending Lolita off to boarding school, and visiting Europe are plans which fit into her new lifestyle and social

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