Final answer:
Darcy's inquiry about Elizabeth's thoughts on Charlotte's distance from her family after marriage reflects his interest in Elizabeth's views on marriage and familial sacrifices, which were significant considerations during the social context of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason why Darcy asks Elizabeth her thoughts about Charlotte's distance from her family after marrying Mr. Collins is a subject of discussion among scholars and enthusiasts of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'. A plausible interpretation could be that Darcy is attempting to understand Elizabeth's views on marriage and the sacrifices it entails, particularly in terms of proximity to one's family. Such inquiries might also be indicative of his growing interest in Elizabeth and his desire to comprehend her values better, especially given the social norms of the period which emphasized the importance of marriage as a means of economic and social stability for women. It reflects the broader themes in Austen's work, where marriage is a crucial component in the lives of women and often comes with consequential trade-offs, such as being separated from one's family.