I think it's pretty clear from the treatment of Mary Crawford and her harp that it was a newfangled instrument, just starting to be popular. Think also of Mrs. Elton, saying that Jane Churchill could mix with the family as much as she chose if she played the harp. So yes, I think it's fair to say it's a status symbol; not only do you have to buy the instrument, but hire an expensive/fashionable governess or master to teach it. And yes, of course, there's the appeal of novelty. I'm not sure that translates directly to "she must be rich." Perhaps you could equate it to a girl in a very fashionable and chic outfit. It may be used, it may have been bought at a discount store, it may be her one splurge for the year, but no matter how she got it, it makes her LOOK good, at least for the moment.
About Charlotte, I think that might be a mistake but I'm not sure. My gut says Charlotte was probably too busy to learn to play. Remember that Mrs. Bennet is quite disparaging about Charlotte needing to go home and help make pies, and makes a point of saying that she herself keeps adequate servants and her daughters aren't needed in the kitchen.
Poor Charlotte--but she really is a perfect wife for Mr. Collins! I hope she ended up with an income of two thousand a year to console her for him.
About Charlotte, I think that might be a mistake but I'm not sure. My gut says Charlotte was probably too busy to learn to play. Remember that Mrs. Bennet is quite disparaging about Charlotte needing to go home and help make pies, and makes a point of saying that she herself keeps adequate servants and her daughters aren't needed in the kitchen.
Poor Charlotte--but she really is a perfect wife for Mr. Collins! I hope she ended up with an income of two thousand a year to console her for him.