“From Mr. Collins! and what can he have to say?”
“Something very much to the purpose of course. He begins with congratulations on the approaching nuptials of my eldest daughter, of which it seems he has been told, by some of the good-natured, gossiping Lucases. I shall not sport with your impatience, by reading what he says on that point. What relates to yourself, is as follows.” “Having thus offered you the sincere congratulations of Mrs. Collins and myself on this happy event, let me now add a short hint on the subject of another, of which we have been advertised by the same authority. Your daughter Elizabeth, it is presume, will not long bear the name of Bennet, after her elder sister has resigned it, and the chosen partner of illustrious personages in this land.”
“Can you possibly guess, Lizzy, who is meant by this?” “This young gentleman is blessed in a peculiar way, with every thing the heart of mortal can most desire, - splendid property, noble kindred, and extensive patronage. Yet in spite of all these temptations, let me warn my cousin Elizabeth, and yourself, of what man’s proposals, which, of course, you will be inclined to take immediate advantage of.”
“Have you any idea, Lizzy, who this gentleman is? But now it comes out.”
“My motive for cautioning you, is as follows. We have reason to imagine that his aunt, lady Catherine de Bourgh, does not look on the match with a friendly eye.”
“Mr. Darcy, you see, is the man! Now, Lizzy, I think I have surprised you. Could he, or the Lucases, have pitched on any man, within the circle of our acquaintance, whose name would have given the lie more effectually to what they related? Mr. Darcy, who never looks at any woman but to see a blemish, and who probably never looked at you in his life! It is admirable!”
Elizabeth tried to join in her father’s pleasantry, but could only force one most reluctant smile. Never had his wit been directed in a manner so little agreeable to her.
(Volume III, Chapter XV)
The part of the story takes place in Mr. Bennet’s room. Mr. Bennet had called Elizabeth into his room to talk to her about the letter that he had received from Mr. Collins. This also takes place after the visit from Lady Catherine, thus allowing Elizabeth to understand how Lady Catherine came to learn of Mr. Darcy’s proposal to her.
This part of the story concerns prejudices that the characters have for one another. One of which is Mr. Bennet’s prejudice against Mr. Darcy, though it was not emphasized upon as much as Elizabeth’s in the story. Mr. Bennet truly does care for Elizabeth, so he should have been offended by Mr. Darcy’s remark about Elizabeth being “tolerable, but not handsome enough”, and even though he was not there to witness it for himself, Mrs. Bennet told him about it. From what he had heard, he learned that Mr. Darcy is a disagreeable man, therefore, upon learning that Mr. Darcy is supposedly interested in Elizabeth, Mr. Bennet did not believe it. This is shown in the passage where “Mr. Darcy” was italicized when Mr. Bennet revealed who Mr. Collins was referring to in his letter. He claimed that Mr. Darcy “never looks at any woman but to see a blemish” and “probably never looked at you (Elizabeth) in his life!”. The words “never” and “in his life!” highlights how extremely prejudiced Mr. Bennet is against Mr. Darcy. Mr. Bennet’s prejudice against Mr. Darcy also brings us to recall how Elizabeth was also prejudiced against Mr. Darcy as well as how it was later resolved, and in this way, highlights the one of the main themes of the story, prejudice. It also shows us that even though Mr. Bennet tends to neglect his daughters, he still does love them and care for them.
Social caste was also emphasized in the passage. Mr. Collins describes Mr. Darcy as having “illustrious personages in this land”, “splendid property, noble kindred, and extensive patronage” and this only goes to illustrate Mr. Darcy’s wealth and his higher social standing as compared to Elizabeth. After which, Mr Collins goes on to caution Mr. Bennet from “take immediate advantage of” Mr. Darcy’s proposal as Lady Catherine is against it. This is with reference to an event, which took place not too long before this passage, where Lady Catherine paid a visit to Elizabeth to discuss about Mr. Darcy. We are also reminded of how Mr. Darcy had been trying to repress his feelings towards Elizabeth due to her social standing. Lady Catherine, Mr. Darcy as well as Mr. Collins’s concern about class effectively emphasizes how social caste is very important to the society in which Elizabeth lives in.
Overall, this passage, being one with more action from Mr. Bennet, allows us to have some insight on Mr. Bennet's character. It also lets us see how social class plays a part in marriage and how it is an obstacle in Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's marriage.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Favourite PnP Passage - Elithea 08s303
Volume 1 chapter 19
``You are too hasty, Sir,'' she cried. ``You forget that I have made no answer. Let me do it without farther loss of time. Accept my thanks for the compliment you are paying me, I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than decline them.''
``I am not now to learn,'' replied Mr. Collins, with a formal wave of the hand, ``that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second or even a third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said, and shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long.'' ….
``You must give me leave to flatter myself, my dear cousin, that your refusal of my addresses is merely words of course. My reasons for believing it are briefly these: -- It does not appear to me that my hand is unworthy your acceptance, or that the establishment I can offer would be any other than highly desirable. My situation in life, my connections with the family of De Bourgh, and my relationship to your own, are circumstances highly in its favor; and you should take it into farther consideration that in spite of your manifold attractions, it is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made you. Your portion is unhappily so small that it will in all likelihood undo the effects of your loveliness and amiable qualifications. As I must therefore conclude that you are not serious in your rejection of me, I shall chuse to attribute it to your wish of increasing my love by suspense, according to the usual practice of elegant females.''
``I do assure you, Sir, that I have no pretension whatever to that kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable man. I would rather be paid the compliment of being believed sincere. I thank you again and again for the honour you have done me in your proposals, but to accept them is absolutely impossible. My feelings in every respect forbid it. Can I speak plainer? Do not consider me now as an elegant female intending to plague you, but as a rational creature speaking the truth from her heart.''
This passage of the book narrates the process of Mr Collin's proposal to Elizabeth and the comic effect his proposal brings to readers. This passage is significant in the book as it shows Elizabeth's view on marriage and how it differs from that of her society. The character of Elizabeth and Mr.Collins can be seen from this passage as well.
The theme on marriage is clearly depicted here with Mr.Collin's proposal to Elizabeth. As both Mr.Collins and Elizabeth are of marriagable age, it only seemed natural for them to get married to each other sice Mr.Collins would inherit Longbourne when Mr.Bennet dies. Elizabeth and Mr.Collins however have very different views about marriage. Mr. Collins' reasons for marriage are to fufill his duty as a clergyman and beacause Lady Catherine urged him to find as wife soon as well. To Mr. Collins, marriage is merely an act of fufilling his duty and a desperate attempt to please Lady Catherine whom he reveres. Elizabeth on the other hand, wants to get married for love, rather than to fufill society archaic view on women, that women must be married so as not to bring shame to the family. Mr. Collins holds a very traditional view on marriage as he feels that finanicial stability is reason enough for two people to get married.
However, Elizabeth's view on marriage is very different from that of society as she believes in finding someone she loves and esteems rather than marrying for financial stability, hence explaining her absolute shock and horror when Mr.Collins proposed to her. As she is certain that he is unable to make her happy,neither can she, so marriage between them would just be a mistake.
This passage also highlights the character of Mr. Collins and Elizabeth. Mr.Collins can be perceived as being "a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility." He often make long and unnecessary speeches in an attempt to impress other people with his knowledge and ,as seen in this passage on how he tries to find reasons for Elizabeth's refusal for his proposal gives us the impress that his is a man full of pride as he tries to find excuses for his rejection. He is pompous too as he thinks that no woman would refuse him because of his "wealth" and connections to Lady Catherine De Bourgh. Mr. Collins does not have a mind of his own as he listens to whatever Lady Catherine De Bourgh asks him to do, even if it meant marrying someone he does not love just to please her.
Elizabeth, has a romantic nature and a firm image of her own value as a human being as she wants to marry someone she loves instead of just marrying a man for his wealth and status as many of the women of her time tend to do. She believed that love should be the basis of marriage, hence she rejected Mr. Collins proposal as she recognised that the marriage proposal was without love and even bereft of "mutal esteem". From Elizabeth's retort to Mr. Collins, ".... as a rational creature speaking truth from her heart" it implies that she views herself as equal to man as she is saying she is unlike many other "elegant ladies" that mean to torment man with the marriage proposal the first time round. Due to her firm image of herself as a human being, she cannot bring herself to marry someone she cannot stand even though she stand to gain from the marriage.
In conclusion, this passage highlights the different views on marriage from two different characters, and how Elizabeth is a woman with a view on marriage different from her time. This passage also sheds some light on how the people during that time view marriage.
``You are too hasty, Sir,'' she cried. ``You forget that I have made no answer. Let me do it without farther loss of time. Accept my thanks for the compliment you are paying me, I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than decline them.''
``I am not now to learn,'' replied Mr. Collins, with a formal wave of the hand, ``that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second or even a third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said, and shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long.'' ….
``You must give me leave to flatter myself, my dear cousin, that your refusal of my addresses is merely words of course. My reasons for believing it are briefly these: -- It does not appear to me that my hand is unworthy your acceptance, or that the establishment I can offer would be any other than highly desirable. My situation in life, my connections with the family of De Bourgh, and my relationship to your own, are circumstances highly in its favor; and you should take it into farther consideration that in spite of your manifold attractions, it is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made you. Your portion is unhappily so small that it will in all likelihood undo the effects of your loveliness and amiable qualifications. As I must therefore conclude that you are not serious in your rejection of me, I shall chuse to attribute it to your wish of increasing my love by suspense, according to the usual practice of elegant females.''
``I do assure you, Sir, that I have no pretension whatever to that kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable man. I would rather be paid the compliment of being believed sincere. I thank you again and again for the honour you have done me in your proposals, but to accept them is absolutely impossible. My feelings in every respect forbid it. Can I speak plainer? Do not consider me now as an elegant female intending to plague you, but as a rational creature speaking the truth from her heart.''
This passage of the book narrates the process of Mr Collin's proposal to Elizabeth and the comic effect his proposal brings to readers. This passage is significant in the book as it shows Elizabeth's view on marriage and how it differs from that of her society. The character of Elizabeth and Mr.Collins can be seen from this passage as well.
The theme on marriage is clearly depicted here with Mr.Collin's proposal to Elizabeth. As both Mr.Collins and Elizabeth are of marriagable age, it only seemed natural for them to get married to each other sice Mr.Collins would inherit Longbourne when Mr.Bennet dies. Elizabeth and Mr.Collins however have very different views about marriage. Mr. Collins' reasons for marriage are to fufill his duty as a clergyman and beacause Lady Catherine urged him to find as wife soon as well. To Mr. Collins, marriage is merely an act of fufilling his duty and a desperate attempt to please Lady Catherine whom he reveres. Elizabeth on the other hand, wants to get married for love, rather than to fufill society archaic view on women, that women must be married so as not to bring shame to the family. Mr. Collins holds a very traditional view on marriage as he feels that finanicial stability is reason enough for two people to get married.
However, Elizabeth's view on marriage is very different from that of society as she believes in finding someone she loves and esteems rather than marrying for financial stability, hence explaining her absolute shock and horror when Mr.Collins proposed to her. As she is certain that he is unable to make her happy,neither can she, so marriage between them would just be a mistake.
This passage also highlights the character of Mr. Collins and Elizabeth. Mr.Collins can be perceived as being "a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility." He often make long and unnecessary speeches in an attempt to impress other people with his knowledge and ,as seen in this passage on how he tries to find reasons for Elizabeth's refusal for his proposal gives us the impress that his is a man full of pride as he tries to find excuses for his rejection. He is pompous too as he thinks that no woman would refuse him because of his "wealth" and connections to Lady Catherine De Bourgh. Mr. Collins does not have a mind of his own as he listens to whatever Lady Catherine De Bourgh asks him to do, even if it meant marrying someone he does not love just to please her.
Elizabeth, has a romantic nature and a firm image of her own value as a human being as she wants to marry someone she loves instead of just marrying a man for his wealth and status as many of the women of her time tend to do. She believed that love should be the basis of marriage, hence she rejected Mr. Collins proposal as she recognised that the marriage proposal was without love and even bereft of "mutal esteem". From Elizabeth's retort to Mr. Collins, ".... as a rational creature speaking truth from her heart" it implies that she views herself as equal to man as she is saying she is unlike many other "elegant ladies" that mean to torment man with the marriage proposal the first time round. Due to her firm image of herself as a human being, she cannot bring herself to marry someone she cannot stand even though she stand to gain from the marriage.
In conclusion, this passage highlights the different views on marriage from two different characters, and how Elizabeth is a woman with a view on marriage different from her time. This passage also sheds some light on how the people during that time view marriage.
Favourite Scene in P&P - Zhi Min, 08S303
Volume 3 Chapter 1
Elizabeth, as they drove along, watched for the first appearance of Pemberley Woods with some perturbation; and when at length they turned in at the lodge, her spirits were in a high flutter.
The park was very large, and contained great variety of ground. They entered it in one of its lowest points, and drove for some time through a beautiful wood stretching over a wide extent.
Elizabeth's mind was too full for conversation, but she saw and admired every remarkable spot and point of view. They gradually ascended for half a mile, and then found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of a valley, into which the road with some abruptness wound. It was a large, handsome, stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; and in front a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal nor falsely adorned. Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. They were all of them warm in their admiration ; and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something !
They descended the hill, crossed the bridge, and drove to the door ; and, while examining the nearer aspect of the house, all her apprehension of meeting its owner returned. She dreaded lest the chambermaid had been mistaken. On applying to see the place, they were admitted into the hall; and Elizabeth, as they waited for the housekeeper, had leisure to wonder at her being where she was.
The housekeeper came; a respectable looking elderly woman, much less fine, and more civil, than she had any notion of finding her. They followed her into the dining- parlour. It was a large, well-proportioned room, handsomely fitted up. Elizabeth, after slightly surveying it, went to a window to enjoy its prospect. The hill, crowned with wood, from which they had descended, receiving increased abruptness from the distance, was a beautiful object. Every disposition of the ground was good; and she looked on the whole scene, the river, the trees scattered on its banks, and the winding of the valley, as far as she could trace it, with delight. As they passed into other rooms, these objects were taking different positions; but from every window there were beauties to be seen. The rooms were lofty and handsome, and their furniture suitable to the fortune of their proprietor ; but Elizabeth saw, with admiration of his taste, that it was neither gaudy nor uselessly fine,—with less of splendour, and more real elegance, than the furniture of Rosings.
" And of this place," thought she, " I might have been mistress ! With these rooms I might now have been familiarly acquainted ! Instead of viewing them as a stranger, I might have rejoiced in them as my own, and welcomed to them as visiters my uncle and aunt. But, no," recollecting herself, " that could never be ; my uncle and aunt would have been lost to me; I should not have been allowed to invite them."
This was a lucky recollection—it saved her from something like regret.
This passage depicts the feeling of Elizabeth as she first steps foot in Pemberley, revealing her affections for Darcy. This passage is important as it shows us how regretful Elizabeth was for treating Darcy the way she previously had. This scene is also highly significant as it causes Elizabeth to realise her true feelings towards Darcy and eventually allows her to meet Darcy unexpectedly, eventually leading to their union.
Elizabeth reveals her affections towards Darcy in this scene as she realises how “beautiful” Pemberley is and “admired every remarkable spot and point of view”. She was so enthralled that her mind was “too full for conversation”. The beautiful image of Pemberley is actually a parallel and metaphor of the character of Darcy. Hence, the fact that Elizabeth was so “delighted” by the “large, handsome, stone building” and thought that it was “neither formal nor falsely adorned” already reveals to us that her feelings of Darcy have already changed drastically and that she actually admires him greatly now. Elizabeth continued to enjoy the “prospects” of Pemberley and feels that “every disposition” “was good”, suggesting to us that she really admires Darcy’s character and disposition. She also realises that Darcy is different from Lady Catherine as Pemberley was “neither gaudy nor uselessly fine” and consisted of “real elegance”. This is significant in showing the change in Elizabeth as she used to treat Darcy with contempt, thinking that he was as proud as Lady Catherine. Therefore, this scene is significant as it reveals the extent of adoration that Elizabeth had for Darcy at this point of time.
Elizabeth also feels regretful for her previous behaviour towards Darcy. Upon arriving at Pemberley, Elizabeth watched on with “some perturbation” and her “spirits were in high flutter”, suggesting to us that Elizabeth was greatly disturbed about the idea of visiting Pemberley as it was the home of Darcy. It also shows us that she felt awkward and was afraid to face Darcy. She reveals her regret when she thinks that “to be mistress of Pemberley must be something” after seeing how beautiful Pemberley was. Even though she was enthralled by Pemberley, “her apprehension of meeting (Darcy) returned” and this shows us again that she felt sorry for what she had done and no longer had the courage to face Darcy. As Elizabeth reflects and thinks that she “might have been mistress” and “rejoiced in (the rooms) as (her) own”, we see that she was actually upset and wanted to be the mistress of Pemberley. This shows the difference in her affections for Darcy as Mr. Collins had previously tried to make her regret not marrying him by showing off his property to her. In that situation, she did not feel the least bit of regret. However, at Pemberley, she actually regrets and even wished that she was the mistress. With the parallel between the property and the owner, we can also infer that her attachment and longings for Pemberley actually reflects her inner desires to be with Darcy.
This scene also plays an important role as Elizabeth still has some misconceptions towards Darcy and his unexpected arrival later on actually allows those misconceptions to be corrected, hence allowing the eventual marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth. At this point of time, Elizabeth still believes that her “aunt and uncle would have been lost to (her)” if she had married Darcy. She is unaware that Darcy had changed and no longer minded her connections. When she meets Darcy later, she realises the change and falls completely in love with him. Therefore, this scene is important in allowing the correction of Elizabeth’s misconceptions towards Darcy.
In conclusion, this scene is highly important to the progression of the novel as it causes Elizabeth to realise her love for Darcy through her adoration of Pemberley. It also gives us a reflection of Darcy’s true character, that he is not proud and disagreeable. This trip to Pemberley also allows Elizabeth to meet Darcy unexpectedly, hence enabling her to find out how much Darcy had changed, thus catalysing the relationship and marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy.
Elizabeth, as they drove along, watched for the first appearance of Pemberley Woods with some perturbation; and when at length they turned in at the lodge, her spirits were in a high flutter.
The park was very large, and contained great variety of ground. They entered it in one of its lowest points, and drove for some time through a beautiful wood stretching over a wide extent.
Elizabeth's mind was too full for conversation, but she saw and admired every remarkable spot and point of view. They gradually ascended for half a mile, and then found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of a valley, into which the road with some abruptness wound. It was a large, handsome, stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; and in front a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal nor falsely adorned. Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. They were all of them warm in their admiration ; and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something !
They descended the hill, crossed the bridge, and drove to the door ; and, while examining the nearer aspect of the house, all her apprehension of meeting its owner returned. She dreaded lest the chambermaid had been mistaken. On applying to see the place, they were admitted into the hall; and Elizabeth, as they waited for the housekeeper, had leisure to wonder at her being where she was.
The housekeeper came; a respectable looking elderly woman, much less fine, and more civil, than she had any notion of finding her. They followed her into the dining- parlour. It was a large, well-proportioned room, handsomely fitted up. Elizabeth, after slightly surveying it, went to a window to enjoy its prospect. The hill, crowned with wood, from which they had descended, receiving increased abruptness from the distance, was a beautiful object. Every disposition of the ground was good; and she looked on the whole scene, the river, the trees scattered on its banks, and the winding of the valley, as far as she could trace it, with delight. As they passed into other rooms, these objects were taking different positions; but from every window there were beauties to be seen. The rooms were lofty and handsome, and their furniture suitable to the fortune of their proprietor ; but Elizabeth saw, with admiration of his taste, that it was neither gaudy nor uselessly fine,—with less of splendour, and more real elegance, than the furniture of Rosings.
" And of this place," thought she, " I might have been mistress ! With these rooms I might now have been familiarly acquainted ! Instead of viewing them as a stranger, I might have rejoiced in them as my own, and welcomed to them as visiters my uncle and aunt. But, no," recollecting herself, " that could never be ; my uncle and aunt would have been lost to me; I should not have been allowed to invite them."
This was a lucky recollection—it saved her from something like regret.
This passage depicts the feeling of Elizabeth as she first steps foot in Pemberley, revealing her affections for Darcy. This passage is important as it shows us how regretful Elizabeth was for treating Darcy the way she previously had. This scene is also highly significant as it causes Elizabeth to realise her true feelings towards Darcy and eventually allows her to meet Darcy unexpectedly, eventually leading to their union.
Elizabeth reveals her affections towards Darcy in this scene as she realises how “beautiful” Pemberley is and “admired every remarkable spot and point of view”. She was so enthralled that her mind was “too full for conversation”. The beautiful image of Pemberley is actually a parallel and metaphor of the character of Darcy. Hence, the fact that Elizabeth was so “delighted” by the “large, handsome, stone building” and thought that it was “neither formal nor falsely adorned” already reveals to us that her feelings of Darcy have already changed drastically and that she actually admires him greatly now. Elizabeth continued to enjoy the “prospects” of Pemberley and feels that “every disposition” “was good”, suggesting to us that she really admires Darcy’s character and disposition. She also realises that Darcy is different from Lady Catherine as Pemberley was “neither gaudy nor uselessly fine” and consisted of “real elegance”. This is significant in showing the change in Elizabeth as she used to treat Darcy with contempt, thinking that he was as proud as Lady Catherine. Therefore, this scene is significant as it reveals the extent of adoration that Elizabeth had for Darcy at this point of time.
Elizabeth also feels regretful for her previous behaviour towards Darcy. Upon arriving at Pemberley, Elizabeth watched on with “some perturbation” and her “spirits were in high flutter”, suggesting to us that Elizabeth was greatly disturbed about the idea of visiting Pemberley as it was the home of Darcy. It also shows us that she felt awkward and was afraid to face Darcy. She reveals her regret when she thinks that “to be mistress of Pemberley must be something” after seeing how beautiful Pemberley was. Even though she was enthralled by Pemberley, “her apprehension of meeting (Darcy) returned” and this shows us again that she felt sorry for what she had done and no longer had the courage to face Darcy. As Elizabeth reflects and thinks that she “might have been mistress” and “rejoiced in (the rooms) as (her) own”, we see that she was actually upset and wanted to be the mistress of Pemberley. This shows the difference in her affections for Darcy as Mr. Collins had previously tried to make her regret not marrying him by showing off his property to her. In that situation, she did not feel the least bit of regret. However, at Pemberley, she actually regrets and even wished that she was the mistress. With the parallel between the property and the owner, we can also infer that her attachment and longings for Pemberley actually reflects her inner desires to be with Darcy.
This scene also plays an important role as Elizabeth still has some misconceptions towards Darcy and his unexpected arrival later on actually allows those misconceptions to be corrected, hence allowing the eventual marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth. At this point of time, Elizabeth still believes that her “aunt and uncle would have been lost to (her)” if she had married Darcy. She is unaware that Darcy had changed and no longer minded her connections. When she meets Darcy later, she realises the change and falls completely in love with him. Therefore, this scene is important in allowing the correction of Elizabeth’s misconceptions towards Darcy.
In conclusion, this scene is highly important to the progression of the novel as it causes Elizabeth to realise her love for Darcy through her adoration of Pemberley. It also gives us a reflection of Darcy’s true character, that he is not proud and disagreeable. This trip to Pemberley also allows Elizabeth to meet Darcy unexpectedly, hence enabling her to find out how much Darcy had changed, thus catalysing the relationship and marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy.
Favourite Passage in P&P- Siqi 08A201
But this idea was soon banished, and her spirits were very differently affected, when, to her utter amazement, she saw Mr. Darcy walk into the room. In an hurried manner he immediately began an enquiry after her health, imputing his visit to a wish of hearing that she were better. She answered him with cold civility. He sat down for a few moments, and then getting up, walked about the room. Elizabeth was surprised, but said not a word. After a silence of several minutes, he came towards her in an agitated manner, and thus began,
"In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.''
Elizabeth's astonishment was beyond expression. She stared, coloured, doubted, and was silent. This he considered sufficient encouragement, and the avowal of all that he felt and had long felt for her immediately followed. He spoke well, but there were feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed, and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride. His sense of her inferiority -- of its being a degradation -- of the family obstacles which judgment had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence he was wounding, but was very unlikely to recommend his suit.
In spite of her deeply-rooted dislike, she could not be insensible to the compliment of such a man's affection, and though her intentions did not vary for an instant, she was at first sorry for the pain he was to receive; till, roused to resentment by his subsequent language, she lost all compassion in anger. She tried, however, to compose herself to answer him with patience, when he should have done. He concluded with representing to her the strength of that attachment which, in spite of all his endeavours, he had found impossible to conquer; and with expressing his hope that it would now be rewarded by her acceptance of his hand. As he said this, she could easily see that he had no doubt of a favourable answer. He spoke of apprehension and anxiety, but his countenance expressed real security. Such a circumstance could only exasperate farther, and when he ceased, the colour rose into her cheeks, and she said,
"In such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they may be returned. It is natural that obligation should be felt, and if I could feel gratitude, I would now thank you. But I cannot -- I have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly. I am sorry to have occasioned pain to any one. It has been most unconsciously done, however, and I hope will be of short duration. The feelings which, you tell me, have long prevented the acknowledgment of your regard, can have little difficulty in overcoming it after this explanation.''
(Volume II, Chapter XI)
In this particular chapter of the book where the passage is found, it speaks of Darcy's declaration of love to Elizabeth. Even though he spoke ardently about his admiration for her, he also clearly expresses the inferiority of her connections and the family obstacles which prevented him from proposing sooner. Elizabeth turns down his proposal rather harshly, and he is both surprised and resentful. Elizabeth broke down after the fierce rebuke between them. She is flattered that he should have proposed to her, but any softness which she feels toward him because of his affection is quickly dissipated.
This passage best relates to one of the main themes in Pride and Prejudice. That is, as the title suggests, the brutality of pride and prejudice. Elizabeth's pride drove her to cast countless misjudgments upon Darcy whereas prejudice blinded Darcy to the many assets of Elizabeth's character.
In Pride and Prejudice, it is evidently portrayed that everyone yearns and is adamant on marrying into a higher social rank. However, in the case of Elizabeth, her pride halted her from succumbing to just blindly accepting Darcy's proposal as she rejected Darcy in this passage. She was annoyed by Darcy's arrogant proposal and rejected him outrightly out of her egoism. Elizabeth demonstrated the opposite of this social norm.
Darcy's prejudice against Elizabeth's lowly social standing made him insult Elizabeth during the proposal, just to inform her of what he has to go through in order to stoop to someone of her level. He thought his high social status would make Elizabeth accept his proposal in spite of the insults. But he was wrong. That situation wasn't one when insults are like to bring results. His prejudice stirred up a huge scene of rebukes and hostility which is totally opposite of how a proposal should be- sweet and lovely.
This passage is a crucial turning point in the novel as it is also part of the process of self-discovery for Elizabeth and Darcy. It was a long journey of self-discovery before Darcy and Elizabth finally fell in love with each other. Before that, they were overwhelmed by misjudgments about one another as both of them were contained within their own pride and prejudice. This journey of self-discovery throughout the whole book is very important because it eventually lead to them realizing that each other was actually the love that they ahd been searching for.
In this chapter, Elizabeth's straightforward and daring character coupled with her disregard for considerations of rank is showed through her reaction to Darcy's proposal. Her pride is also evidently brought forth, for the lack of civility in her refusal is due primarily to her pride being hurt resulting from Darcy's frank explanation of his reservations about proposing to her because of her inferior social standing.
Darcy's pride and prejudice are also clearly simulated in the course of this scene. As he is proposing to her, Elizabeth could tell that he has "no doubt of a favorable answer." In spite of the fact that he is actually proposing to a girl who barely knows him well and actually dislikes him, he assumes that she will accept his proposal simply because of his great wealth and rank. Further, his strong class prejudices are shown in the way in which he speaks about the inferiority of her social stand and his desire to avoid proposing to her because of that. His insensitivity to her in spelling out these objections in such a tactless manner clearly brought out his chauvinistic nature and high sense of pride. Elizabeth's comment to him--"had you acted in a more gentlemanlike manner"--makes him start, and as will be seen later in the novel, has a resounding effect on him.
"In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.''
Elizabeth's astonishment was beyond expression. She stared, coloured, doubted, and was silent. This he considered sufficient encouragement, and the avowal of all that he felt and had long felt for her immediately followed. He spoke well, but there were feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed, and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride. His sense of her inferiority -- of its being a degradation -- of the family obstacles which judgment had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence he was wounding, but was very unlikely to recommend his suit.
In spite of her deeply-rooted dislike, she could not be insensible to the compliment of such a man's affection, and though her intentions did not vary for an instant, she was at first sorry for the pain he was to receive; till, roused to resentment by his subsequent language, she lost all compassion in anger. She tried, however, to compose herself to answer him with patience, when he should have done. He concluded with representing to her the strength of that attachment which, in spite of all his endeavours, he had found impossible to conquer; and with expressing his hope that it would now be rewarded by her acceptance of his hand. As he said this, she could easily see that he had no doubt of a favourable answer. He spoke of apprehension and anxiety, but his countenance expressed real security. Such a circumstance could only exasperate farther, and when he ceased, the colour rose into her cheeks, and she said,
"In such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they may be returned. It is natural that obligation should be felt, and if I could feel gratitude, I would now thank you. But I cannot -- I have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly. I am sorry to have occasioned pain to any one. It has been most unconsciously done, however, and I hope will be of short duration. The feelings which, you tell me, have long prevented the acknowledgment of your regard, can have little difficulty in overcoming it after this explanation.''
(Volume II, Chapter XI)
In this particular chapter of the book where the passage is found, it speaks of Darcy's declaration of love to Elizabeth. Even though he spoke ardently about his admiration for her, he also clearly expresses the inferiority of her connections and the family obstacles which prevented him from proposing sooner. Elizabeth turns down his proposal rather harshly, and he is both surprised and resentful. Elizabeth broke down after the fierce rebuke between them. She is flattered that he should have proposed to her, but any softness which she feels toward him because of his affection is quickly dissipated.
This passage best relates to one of the main themes in Pride and Prejudice. That is, as the title suggests, the brutality of pride and prejudice. Elizabeth's pride drove her to cast countless misjudgments upon Darcy whereas prejudice blinded Darcy to the many assets of Elizabeth's character.
In Pride and Prejudice, it is evidently portrayed that everyone yearns and is adamant on marrying into a higher social rank. However, in the case of Elizabeth, her pride halted her from succumbing to just blindly accepting Darcy's proposal as she rejected Darcy in this passage. She was annoyed by Darcy's arrogant proposal and rejected him outrightly out of her egoism. Elizabeth demonstrated the opposite of this social norm.
Darcy's prejudice against Elizabeth's lowly social standing made him insult Elizabeth during the proposal, just to inform her of what he has to go through in order to stoop to someone of her level. He thought his high social status would make Elizabeth accept his proposal in spite of the insults. But he was wrong. That situation wasn't one when insults are like to bring results. His prejudice stirred up a huge scene of rebukes and hostility which is totally opposite of how a proposal should be- sweet and lovely.
This passage is a crucial turning point in the novel as it is also part of the process of self-discovery for Elizabeth and Darcy. It was a long journey of self-discovery before Darcy and Elizabth finally fell in love with each other. Before that, they were overwhelmed by misjudgments about one another as both of them were contained within their own pride and prejudice. This journey of self-discovery throughout the whole book is very important because it eventually lead to them realizing that each other was actually the love that they ahd been searching for.
In this chapter, Elizabeth's straightforward and daring character coupled with her disregard for considerations of rank is showed through her reaction to Darcy's proposal. Her pride is also evidently brought forth, for the lack of civility in her refusal is due primarily to her pride being hurt resulting from Darcy's frank explanation of his reservations about proposing to her because of her inferior social standing.
Darcy's pride and prejudice are also clearly simulated in the course of this scene. As he is proposing to her, Elizabeth could tell that he has "no doubt of a favorable answer." In spite of the fact that he is actually proposing to a girl who barely knows him well and actually dislikes him, he assumes that she will accept his proposal simply because of his great wealth and rank. Further, his strong class prejudices are shown in the way in which he speaks about the inferiority of her social stand and his desire to avoid proposing to her because of that. His insensitivity to her in spelling out these objections in such a tactless manner clearly brought out his chauvinistic nature and high sense of pride. Elizabeth's comment to him--"had you acted in a more gentlemanlike manner"--makes him start, and as will be seen later in the novel, has a resounding effect on him.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
My favourite passage in PnP - Amelia, 08S303
“Mr. Darcy, I am a very selfish creature; and, for the sake of giving relief to my own feelings, care not how much I may be wounding your’s. I can no longer help thanking you for your unexampled kindness to my poor sister. Ever since I have known it, I have been most anxious to acknowledge to you how gratefully I feel it. Were it known to the rest of my family, I should not have merely my own gratitude to express.”
“I am sorry, exceedingly sorry,” replied Darcy, in a tone of surprise and emotion, “that you have ever been informed of what may, in a mistaken light, have given you uneasiness. I did not think Mrs. Gardiner was so little to be trusted.”
“You must not blame my aunt. Lydia’s thoughtlessness first betrayed to me that you had been concerned in the matter; and, of course, I could not rest till I knew the particulars. Let me thank you again and again, in the name of all my family, for that generous compassion which induced you to take so much trouble, and bear so many mortifications, for the sake of discovering them.”
“If you will thank me,” he replied, “let it be for yourself alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you might add force to the other inducements which led me on, I shall not attempt to deny. But your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you.”
Elizabeth was too much embarrassed to say a word. After a short pause, her companion added, “You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.”
Elizabeth, feeling all the more than common awkwardness and anxiety of his situation, now forced herself to speak; and immediately, though not very fluently, gave him to understand that her sentiments had undergone so material a change, since the period to which he alluded, as to make her receive with gratitude and pleasure his present assurances. The happiness which this reply produced, was such as he had probably never felt before; and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do. Had Elizabeth been able to encounter his eye, she might have seen how well the expression of heartfelt delight, diffused over his face, became him; but, though she could not look, she could listen, and he told her of feelings, which, in proving of what importance she was to him, made his affection every moment more valuable.
In this passage, Elizabeth and Darcy finally reach an impasse where their love is resolved, when both characters finally brave their true feelings towards each other. This passage serves as an essential turning point in the novel as it can be seen that the pride and prejudice of both Elizabeth and Darcy have been set aside in order for them to love each other. As such, we are able to see how Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s characters have been changed for the better through the course of the novel.
At the beginning of their courtship, Elizabeth was convinced that nothing Darcy did could have “tempted (her) to accept” his hand in marriage. It was only through Darcy’s persistence and his actions that he eventually won her over. Elizabeth had been convinced later that he would have been the exact man that would suit her temperament. It is an irony in this passage that Elizabeth could still not see that Darcy’s truest “inducement” of his acts of kindness was her. She even thanked him, “in the name of all my family”, for his kindness. However, this irony only helps to build on to the tension of the later paragraphs, in which their misunderstandings of each other are resolved.
In fact, it can be seen that Elizabeth is still very much in love with Darcy when she describes herself as a “very selfish creature”. The only reason in which she would call herself a “selfish creature” when she is not is due to the fact that she is afraid of putting Darcy in an awkward situation by braving her feelings. Her concern for Darcy’s welfare, to protect him even from her own feelings, proves that she cares for him. This is in contrast to the beginning of the novel, where she acts abominably towards Darcy, not caring about how he would feel. By calling herself “selfish” so as to “(give) relief to (her) own feelings”, it shows that Elizabeth cannot help but express her emotions, as she still harbours hopes of meaning something to him. To Elizabeth, Darcy’s need for secrecy when helping Lydia must have been an indication of not wanting to be associated with them anymore, and yet by thanking him, Elizabeth inadvertently causes it. Thus, it can be seen that by building suspense through Elizabeth’s ignorance of Darcy’s feelings despite her love for him, their triumph over the many obstacles faced throughout the novel is further emphasized.
On the part of Darcy, this passage mainly serves to portray his character in a much better light in comparison to the rest of the novel. It adds on to his acts of kindness, especially when he apologises for not keeping the matter properly from Elizabeth “in a tone of surprise and emotion”. His image of a Good Samaritan is highlighted by the fact that he does not want his good deeds publicised. In fact, he was dismayed once he was exposed by Elizabeth, since he did not want to give her any “uneasiness”. His concern over the welfare of Elizabeth is very much evident since he only wanted to help her in a way that does not make her feel obligated to repay him.
To further show the depth of his love for Elizabeth, it is made evident later in the novel that his sole purpose in visiting this time was to “see (her), and to judge, if (he) could … ever hope to make (her) love (him)”. This is justified especially when he reveals in this passage that “(she) might add force to the other inducements which led (him) on” since he only “thought of (her)”. Thus it shows that his love for her is not to be thwarted, despite having been rejected once. His bravery to gain her love is shown through the second proposal where he bares his feelings once more, yet leaving Elizabeth to back out of it gracefully if she refused by telling her that “one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever”. As such, from this passage, Darcy’s love for Elizabeth can be seen as one undaunted by challenges, yet magnanimous enough to only want her to be happy, and not forcing her into anything she despises.
Lastly, this passage shows that love can overcome all boundaries and challenges, bringing happiness and fulfilment to a couple ultimately. The significance of Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s love which is portrayed here is highlighted through the objections voiced against their union throughout the novel. For one, Darcy himself was unsure of his love for her in the beginning of the novel. In his first proposal, it can be seen that although he accepts the fact he loves her, he is not fully comfortable with loving someone as significantly beneath him as her. Lady Catherine seconds that opinion as she visits Elizabeth not too long before this instance of the novel, trying to force Elizabeth to agree not to marry her nephew. Therefore, this passage is especially important as it signals the resolution of Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s relationship and the subsequent happy ending after having to face many obstacles and trails to reach this point.
“I am sorry, exceedingly sorry,” replied Darcy, in a tone of surprise and emotion, “that you have ever been informed of what may, in a mistaken light, have given you uneasiness. I did not think Mrs. Gardiner was so little to be trusted.”
“You must not blame my aunt. Lydia’s thoughtlessness first betrayed to me that you had been concerned in the matter; and, of course, I could not rest till I knew the particulars. Let me thank you again and again, in the name of all my family, for that generous compassion which induced you to take so much trouble, and bear so many mortifications, for the sake of discovering them.”
“If you will thank me,” he replied, “let it be for yourself alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you might add force to the other inducements which led me on, I shall not attempt to deny. But your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you.”
Elizabeth was too much embarrassed to say a word. After a short pause, her companion added, “You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.”
Elizabeth, feeling all the more than common awkwardness and anxiety of his situation, now forced herself to speak; and immediately, though not very fluently, gave him to understand that her sentiments had undergone so material a change, since the period to which he alluded, as to make her receive with gratitude and pleasure his present assurances. The happiness which this reply produced, was such as he had probably never felt before; and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do. Had Elizabeth been able to encounter his eye, she might have seen how well the expression of heartfelt delight, diffused over his face, became him; but, though she could not look, she could listen, and he told her of feelings, which, in proving of what importance she was to him, made his affection every moment more valuable.
In this passage, Elizabeth and Darcy finally reach an impasse where their love is resolved, when both characters finally brave their true feelings towards each other. This passage serves as an essential turning point in the novel as it can be seen that the pride and prejudice of both Elizabeth and Darcy have been set aside in order for them to love each other. As such, we are able to see how Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s characters have been changed for the better through the course of the novel.
At the beginning of their courtship, Elizabeth was convinced that nothing Darcy did could have “tempted (her) to accept” his hand in marriage. It was only through Darcy’s persistence and his actions that he eventually won her over. Elizabeth had been convinced later that he would have been the exact man that would suit her temperament. It is an irony in this passage that Elizabeth could still not see that Darcy’s truest “inducement” of his acts of kindness was her. She even thanked him, “in the name of all my family”, for his kindness. However, this irony only helps to build on to the tension of the later paragraphs, in which their misunderstandings of each other are resolved.
In fact, it can be seen that Elizabeth is still very much in love with Darcy when she describes herself as a “very selfish creature”. The only reason in which she would call herself a “selfish creature” when she is not is due to the fact that she is afraid of putting Darcy in an awkward situation by braving her feelings. Her concern for Darcy’s welfare, to protect him even from her own feelings, proves that she cares for him. This is in contrast to the beginning of the novel, where she acts abominably towards Darcy, not caring about how he would feel. By calling herself “selfish” so as to “(give) relief to (her) own feelings”, it shows that Elizabeth cannot help but express her emotions, as she still harbours hopes of meaning something to him. To Elizabeth, Darcy’s need for secrecy when helping Lydia must have been an indication of not wanting to be associated with them anymore, and yet by thanking him, Elizabeth inadvertently causes it. Thus, it can be seen that by building suspense through Elizabeth’s ignorance of Darcy’s feelings despite her love for him, their triumph over the many obstacles faced throughout the novel is further emphasized.
On the part of Darcy, this passage mainly serves to portray his character in a much better light in comparison to the rest of the novel. It adds on to his acts of kindness, especially when he apologises for not keeping the matter properly from Elizabeth “in a tone of surprise and emotion”. His image of a Good Samaritan is highlighted by the fact that he does not want his good deeds publicised. In fact, he was dismayed once he was exposed by Elizabeth, since he did not want to give her any “uneasiness”. His concern over the welfare of Elizabeth is very much evident since he only wanted to help her in a way that does not make her feel obligated to repay him.
To further show the depth of his love for Elizabeth, it is made evident later in the novel that his sole purpose in visiting this time was to “see (her), and to judge, if (he) could … ever hope to make (her) love (him)”. This is justified especially when he reveals in this passage that “(she) might add force to the other inducements which led (him) on” since he only “thought of (her)”. Thus it shows that his love for her is not to be thwarted, despite having been rejected once. His bravery to gain her love is shown through the second proposal where he bares his feelings once more, yet leaving Elizabeth to back out of it gracefully if she refused by telling her that “one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever”. As such, from this passage, Darcy’s love for Elizabeth can be seen as one undaunted by challenges, yet magnanimous enough to only want her to be happy, and not forcing her into anything she despises.
Lastly, this passage shows that love can overcome all boundaries and challenges, bringing happiness and fulfilment to a couple ultimately. The significance of Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s love which is portrayed here is highlighted through the objections voiced against their union throughout the novel. For one, Darcy himself was unsure of his love for her in the beginning of the novel. In his first proposal, it can be seen that although he accepts the fact he loves her, he is not fully comfortable with loving someone as significantly beneath him as her. Lady Catherine seconds that opinion as she visits Elizabeth not too long before this instance of the novel, trying to force Elizabeth to agree not to marry her nephew. Therefore, this passage is especially important as it signals the resolution of Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s relationship and the subsequent happy ending after having to face many obstacles and trails to reach this point.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
My favourite passage from Pride And Prejudice - Sabri Izzuddin 08S303
Passage:
While settling this point, she was suddenly roused by the sound of the door-bell, and her spirits were a little fluttered by the idea of its being Colonel Fitzwilliam himself, who had once before called late in the evening, and might now come to inquire particularly after her. But this idea was soon banished, and her spirits were very differently affected, when, to her utter amazement, she saw Mr. Darcy walk into the room. In an hurried manner he immediately began an inquiry after her health, imputing his visit to a wish of hearing that she were better. She answered him with cold civility. He sat down for a few moments, and then getting up, walked about the room. Elizabeth was surprised, but said not a word. After a silence of several minutes, he came towards her in an agitated manner, and thus began:
"In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."
Elizabeth's astonishment was beyond expression. She stared, coloured, doubted, and was silent. This he considered sufficient encouragement; and the avowal of all that he felt, and had long felt for her, immediately followed. He spoke well; but there were feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed; and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride. His sense of her inferiority — of its being a degradation — of the family obstacles which had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence he was wounding, but was very unlikely to recommend his suit.
In spite of her deeply-rooted dislike, she could not be insensible to the compliment of such a man's affection, and though her intentions did not vary for an instant, she was at first sorry for the pain he was to receive; till, roused to resentment by his subsequent language, she lost all compassion in anger. She tried, however, to compose herself to answer him with patience, when he should have done. He concluded with representing to her the strength of that attachment which, in spite of all his endeavours, he had found impossible to conquer; and with expressing his hope that it would now be rewarded by her acceptance of his hand. As he said this, she could easily see that he had no doubt of a favourable answer. He spoke of apprehension and anxiety, but his countenance expressed real security. Such a circumstance could only exasperate farther, and, when he ceased, the colour rose into her cheeks, and she said:
"In such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they may be returned. It is natural that obligation should be felt, and if I could feel gratitude, I would now thank you. But I cannot — I have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly. I am sorry to have occasioned pain to anyone. It has been most unconsciously done, however, and I hope will be of short duration. The feelings which, you tell me, have long prevented the acknowledgment of your regard, can have little difficulty in overcoming it after this explanation."
Mr. Darcy, who was leaning against the mantelpiece with his eyes fixed on her face, seemed to catch her words with no less resentment than surprise. His complexion became pale with anger, and the disturbance of his mind was visible in every feature. He was struggling for the appearance of composure, and would not open his lips till he believed himself to have attained it. The pause was to Elizabeth's feelings dreadful. At length, with a voice of forced calmness, he said:
"And this is all the reply which I am to have the honour of expecting! I might, perhaps, wish to be informed why, with so little endeavour at civility, I am thus rejected. But it is of small importance."
Analysis:
Love and reputation are two of the major themes in this novel.
Firstly,love is mainly portrayed through the courtship between Darcy and Elizabeth. As in any good love story, the lovers must elude and overcome numerous stumbling blocks, beginning with the tensions caused by the lovers' own personal qualities. Elizabeth's pride makes her misjudge Darcy on the basis of a poor first impression, while Darcy's prejudice against Elizabeth's poor social standing blinds him, for a time, to her many virtues. Austen, meanwhile, poses countless smaller obstacles to the realization of the love between Elizabeth and Darcy, including Lady Catherine's attempt to control her nephew, Miss Bingley's snobbery, Mrs. Bennet's idiocy, and Wickham's deceit. In each case, anxieties about social connections, or the desire for better social connections, interfere with the workings of love. Darcy and Elizabeth's realization of a mutual and tender love seems to imply that Austen views love as something independent of these social forces, as something that can be captured if only an individual is able to escape the warping effects of hierarchical society. Austen does sound some more realist notes about love, using the character of Charlotte Lucas, who marries the buffoon Mr. Collins for his money, to demonstrate that the heart does not always dictate marriage. Yet with her central characters, Austen suggests that true love is a force separate from society and one that can conquer even the most difficult of circumstances.
Pride and Prejudice depicts a society in which a woman's reputation is of the utmost importance. A woman is expected to behave in certain ways. Stepping outside the social norms makes her vulnerable to ostracism. This theme appears in the novel, when Elizabeth walks to Netherfield and arrives with muddy skirts, to the shock of the reputation-conscious Miss Bingley and her friends. At other points, the ill-mannered, ridiculous behavior of Mrs. Bennet gives her a bad reputation with the more refined Darcys and Bingleys. Austen pokes gentle fun at the snobs in these examples, but later in the novel, when Lydia elopes with Wickham and lives with him out of wedlock, the author treats reputation as a very serious matter. By becoming Wickham's lover without benefit of marriage, Lydia clearly places herself outside the social pale, and her disgrace threatens the entire Bennet family. The fact that Lydia's judgment, however terrible, would likely have condemned the other Bennet sisters to marriageless lives seems grossly unfair. Darcy's intervention on the Bennets' behalf thus becomes all the more generous, but some readers might resent that such an intervention was necessary at all.
Character Analysis:
It was Fitzwilliam Darcy's ideal of nobility makes him truly change in the novel. When Elizabeth flatly turns down his marriage proposal and tells him that it was ungentlemanly, Darcy is startled into realizing just how arrogant and assuming he has been. He reflects later on why he was that way: "I was spoiled by my parents, who though good themselves . . . allowed, encouraged, almost taught me to be selfish and overbearing . . . to think meanly of all the rest of the world." Darcy's humbling makes him more sensitive to what other people feel. In the end, he is willing to marry into a family with three silly daughters, an embarrassing mother, and Wickham as a brother-in-law. It may be that he becomes more easygoing about other people's faults because he is now aware of his own.
As for Elizabeth Bennet,In spite of her mistake in misjudging Wickham and Darcy, and her more blamable fault of sticking stubbornly to that judgment until forced to see her error, Elizabeth is usually right about people. For example, she painfully recognizes the inappropriate behavior of most of her family, and she quickly identifies Mr. Collins as a fool and Lady Catherine as a tyrant. However, this ability to size people up leads her too far at times. She proceeds from reasonable first impressions of Darcy and Wickham to definite and wrong conclusions about their characters. Her confidence in her own discernment, a combination of both pride and prejudice, is what leads her into her worst errors,like the one in the above passage.
THANK YOU! :D
While settling this point, she was suddenly roused by the sound of the door-bell, and her spirits were a little fluttered by the idea of its being Colonel Fitzwilliam himself, who had once before called late in the evening, and might now come to inquire particularly after her. But this idea was soon banished, and her spirits were very differently affected, when, to her utter amazement, she saw Mr. Darcy walk into the room. In an hurried manner he immediately began an inquiry after her health, imputing his visit to a wish of hearing that she were better. She answered him with cold civility. He sat down for a few moments, and then getting up, walked about the room. Elizabeth was surprised, but said not a word. After a silence of several minutes, he came towards her in an agitated manner, and thus began:
"In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."
Elizabeth's astonishment was beyond expression. She stared, coloured, doubted, and was silent. This he considered sufficient encouragement; and the avowal of all that he felt, and had long felt for her, immediately followed. He spoke well; but there were feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed; and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride. His sense of her inferiority — of its being a degradation — of the family obstacles which had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence he was wounding, but was very unlikely to recommend his suit.
In spite of her deeply-rooted dislike, she could not be insensible to the compliment of such a man's affection, and though her intentions did not vary for an instant, she was at first sorry for the pain he was to receive; till, roused to resentment by his subsequent language, she lost all compassion in anger. She tried, however, to compose herself to answer him with patience, when he should have done. He concluded with representing to her the strength of that attachment which, in spite of all his endeavours, he had found impossible to conquer; and with expressing his hope that it would now be rewarded by her acceptance of his hand. As he said this, she could easily see that he had no doubt of a favourable answer. He spoke of apprehension and anxiety, but his countenance expressed real security. Such a circumstance could only exasperate farther, and, when he ceased, the colour rose into her cheeks, and she said:
"In such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they may be returned. It is natural that obligation should be felt, and if I could feel gratitude, I would now thank you. But I cannot — I have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly. I am sorry to have occasioned pain to anyone. It has been most unconsciously done, however, and I hope will be of short duration. The feelings which, you tell me, have long prevented the acknowledgment of your regard, can have little difficulty in overcoming it after this explanation."
Mr. Darcy, who was leaning against the mantelpiece with his eyes fixed on her face, seemed to catch her words with no less resentment than surprise. His complexion became pale with anger, and the disturbance of his mind was visible in every feature. He was struggling for the appearance of composure, and would not open his lips till he believed himself to have attained it. The pause was to Elizabeth's feelings dreadful. At length, with a voice of forced calmness, he said:
"And this is all the reply which I am to have the honour of expecting! I might, perhaps, wish to be informed why, with so little endeavour at civility, I am thus rejected. But it is of small importance."
Analysis:
Love and reputation are two of the major themes in this novel.
Firstly,love is mainly portrayed through the courtship between Darcy and Elizabeth. As in any good love story, the lovers must elude and overcome numerous stumbling blocks, beginning with the tensions caused by the lovers' own personal qualities. Elizabeth's pride makes her misjudge Darcy on the basis of a poor first impression, while Darcy's prejudice against Elizabeth's poor social standing blinds him, for a time, to her many virtues. Austen, meanwhile, poses countless smaller obstacles to the realization of the love between Elizabeth and Darcy, including Lady Catherine's attempt to control her nephew, Miss Bingley's snobbery, Mrs. Bennet's idiocy, and Wickham's deceit. In each case, anxieties about social connections, or the desire for better social connections, interfere with the workings of love. Darcy and Elizabeth's realization of a mutual and tender love seems to imply that Austen views love as something independent of these social forces, as something that can be captured if only an individual is able to escape the warping effects of hierarchical society. Austen does sound some more realist notes about love, using the character of Charlotte Lucas, who marries the buffoon Mr. Collins for his money, to demonstrate that the heart does not always dictate marriage. Yet with her central characters, Austen suggests that true love is a force separate from society and one that can conquer even the most difficult of circumstances.
Pride and Prejudice depicts a society in which a woman's reputation is of the utmost importance. A woman is expected to behave in certain ways. Stepping outside the social norms makes her vulnerable to ostracism. This theme appears in the novel, when Elizabeth walks to Netherfield and arrives with muddy skirts, to the shock of the reputation-conscious Miss Bingley and her friends. At other points, the ill-mannered, ridiculous behavior of Mrs. Bennet gives her a bad reputation with the more refined Darcys and Bingleys. Austen pokes gentle fun at the snobs in these examples, but later in the novel, when Lydia elopes with Wickham and lives with him out of wedlock, the author treats reputation as a very serious matter. By becoming Wickham's lover without benefit of marriage, Lydia clearly places herself outside the social pale, and her disgrace threatens the entire Bennet family. The fact that Lydia's judgment, however terrible, would likely have condemned the other Bennet sisters to marriageless lives seems grossly unfair. Darcy's intervention on the Bennets' behalf thus becomes all the more generous, but some readers might resent that such an intervention was necessary at all.
Character Analysis:
It was Fitzwilliam Darcy's ideal of nobility makes him truly change in the novel. When Elizabeth flatly turns down his marriage proposal and tells him that it was ungentlemanly, Darcy is startled into realizing just how arrogant and assuming he has been. He reflects later on why he was that way: "I was spoiled by my parents, who though good themselves . . . allowed, encouraged, almost taught me to be selfish and overbearing . . . to think meanly of all the rest of the world." Darcy's humbling makes him more sensitive to what other people feel. In the end, he is willing to marry into a family with three silly daughters, an embarrassing mother, and Wickham as a brother-in-law. It may be that he becomes more easygoing about other people's faults because he is now aware of his own.
As for Elizabeth Bennet,In spite of her mistake in misjudging Wickham and Darcy, and her more blamable fault of sticking stubbornly to that judgment until forced to see her error, Elizabeth is usually right about people. For example, she painfully recognizes the inappropriate behavior of most of her family, and she quickly identifies Mr. Collins as a fool and Lady Catherine as a tyrant. However, this ability to size people up leads her too far at times. She proceeds from reasonable first impressions of Darcy and Wickham to definite and wrong conclusions about their characters. Her confidence in her own discernment, a combination of both pride and prejudice, is what leads her into her worst errors,like the one in the above passage.
THANK YOU! :D
Monday, February 9, 2009
Your Favourite Passage from PnP
Dear Students,
In the spirit of independent learning, this will be our first "e-learning assignment" for the year. It really should not be a chore, but an interesting and enjoyable process whereby you share your love for the Pride and Prejudice, and deepen your understanding of the book.
So here are the instructions:
1) Select your favourite passage from Pride and Prejudice, the passage should be between 300 - 400 words.
2) Post it up and highlight the important themes, characterisation and concerns in the passage.
3) Highlight the language features in the passage, and show how language is used to bring out the themes/characterisation/concerns that you have identified.
4) Having done that, you should comment on one other student's post. Remember to be civilised! =)
Your post should be up by 22nd February and your comment should be up by 28th February.
In the spirit of independent learning, this will be our first "e-learning assignment" for the year. It really should not be a chore, but an interesting and enjoyable process whereby you share your love for the Pride and Prejudice, and deepen your understanding of the book.
So here are the instructions:
1) Select your favourite passage from Pride and Prejudice, the passage should be between 300 - 400 words.
2) Post it up and highlight the important themes, characterisation and concerns in the passage.
3) Highlight the language features in the passage, and show how language is used to bring out the themes/characterisation/concerns that you have identified.
4) Having done that, you should comment on one other student's post. Remember to be civilised! =)
Your post should be up by 22nd February and your comment should be up by 28th February.
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