Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
Since the novel has come to a close, it would be an opportune time to reflect on the more general and consistent themes and concepts of the work. Specifically, two motifs that appear in the title (pride and prejudice) obviously relate quite directly to some main themes. Although the development of the relevance of pride and prejudice occurs throughout the novel, the final chapters see their end and what can be gained through disavowing them.
Since the title creates two distinct ideas, I originally believed the duality to translate to the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy with Darcy representing pride and Elizabeth representing prejudice. However, the two characters exhibit both qualities from time to time largely because one leads to the other. In Elizabeth's case, her pride caused her to side with Wickham without knowing the circumstances and her prejudice caused her to reject Darcy's proposal because she had believed him to be incapable of love-just to enumerate a few examples. Likewise, Darcy's pride caused him to alienate Elizabeth by his attitude and his prejudice against her family caused him to dash Jane's marriage temporarily and make securing his own difficult.
Gradually, both characters gradually overcome their vices. Elizabeth accepts her false and confident accusations while Darcy strives to act more civilly to Elizabeth and her family. Eventually, they abate their pride and prejudice to the point that they can see their love for each other: "Elizabeth...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," (Austen, 289). In these last scenes, the result rather than the action of forsaking pride and prejudice is revealed. Elizabeth reveals that change, the bane of pride and prejudice, brought her to realize all Darcy could offer her. Therefore, Austen's theme is realized: releasing pride and prejudice will bring happiness previously hidden by themselves.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Pride & Prejudice: Chapters 55-57
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
It seems there is nothing Mrs. Bennet will not do to get her daughters married. Today, such a characterization might bring with it heart-warming connotations, but "anything" includes all things sinister as well as all things lovely. When Mr. Bingley comes before the girls are ready, a succinct hyperbole reinforces the idea that Mrs. Bennet cares more for wealth than her daughters' happiness.
"Oh! hang Kitty! what has she to do with it? Come be quick, be quick! where is your sash my dear," (Austen, 271).
Apparently, Mrs. Bennet has unwittingly condoned the murder of her daughter. Obviously, this is just an expression, but the hyperbole still reveals her character, especially in the circumstance.
Since Bingley was at the house, it should have been a time for celebration of the impending wedding. However, instead of speaking words of love to match the occasion, she spoke out of anxiety and frustration. If she had only hoped for Jane's happiness, then she would not have fretted at all to get ready for Bingley; it would not be her responsibility to win him over. Instead, she reveals her desire for wealth once again by attempting to take complete control of the situation and eliminating all obstacles. Just like when Jane fell ill at Netherfield, Mrs. Bennet showed little concern for her daughters' well-being if it meant that a fruitful marriage could be secured. She would not let even her own daughters' get in the way of their own wealth.
Jane Austen
It seems there is nothing Mrs. Bennet will not do to get her daughters married. Today, such a characterization might bring with it heart-warming connotations, but "anything" includes all things sinister as well as all things lovely. When Mr. Bingley comes before the girls are ready, a succinct hyperbole reinforces the idea that Mrs. Bennet cares more for wealth than her daughters' happiness.
"Oh! hang Kitty! what has she to do with it? Come be quick, be quick! where is your sash my dear," (Austen, 271).
Apparently, Mrs. Bennet has unwittingly condoned the murder of her daughter. Obviously, this is just an expression, but the hyperbole still reveals her character, especially in the circumstance.
Since Bingley was at the house, it should have been a time for celebration of the impending wedding. However, instead of speaking words of love to match the occasion, she spoke out of anxiety and frustration. If she had only hoped for Jane's happiness, then she would not have fretted at all to get ready for Bingley; it would not be her responsibility to win him over. Instead, she reveals her desire for wealth once again by attempting to take complete control of the situation and eliminating all obstacles. Just like when Jane fell ill at Netherfield, Mrs. Bennet showed little concern for her daughters' well-being if it meant that a fruitful marriage could be secured. She would not let even her own daughters' get in the way of their own wealth.
Pride & Prejudice Chapters 52-54
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
Mr. Bingley is returned to Netherfield! Though all may be pleased to see a man so polite, perhaps nobody's delight can compare to that of Mrs. Bennet who sees a chance to marry off Jane. However, to others, the possibility of such a union seems unlikely as Mr. Bingley had essentially abandoned the village indefinitely. Mrs. Bennet's confidence in Mr. Bingley's unwavering dedication to Jane demonstrates dramatic irony on several counts from several perspectives.
First of all, Mrs. Bennet's glee resulting from Bingley's return contrasts starkly with the girls' understanding of the situation. Mostly, this incongruity is due to the fact that she is unaware that Darcy had convinced Bingley to abandon his hopes of marrying Jane because of the family's status. If she had known that her own lack of connections and her siblings'(-in-law?) acquired wealth posed a threat, she would not have been so instrumental in the processions between her daughter and prospective son. Since the issue of worthiness begetting marriage went largely unperceived by Mrs. Bennet, the dramatic irony of her encounter with it reveals that such pride is so meaningless that it is hardly noticed by those without great degrees of vanity.
Additionally, Jane's own reaction to Bingley displays dramatic irony. After Bingley first left Netherfield, Jane had refused to accept that he was so modest as to take orders from his relations and friends pertaining to his future. Instead, she accepted that he no longer fancied her: "I assure you that I have now learned to enjoy his conversation as an agreeable and sensible young man, without having a wish beyond it. I am perfectly satisfied from what his manners now are that he never had any design of engaging my affection," (Austen, 270). The reader, however, gleans from Elizabeth's insights. She maintains that his flight into the city was caused by Darcy's influence rather than by personal indifference. Moreover, Darcy's love for Elizabeth suggests that he has reversed his influence on Bingley to please Jane and, by extension, Elizabeth. Once again, prejudice (this time Jane's) seems to give way to reason and love.
Jane Austen
Mr. Bingley is returned to Netherfield! Though all may be pleased to see a man so polite, perhaps nobody's delight can compare to that of Mrs. Bennet who sees a chance to marry off Jane. However, to others, the possibility of such a union seems unlikely as Mr. Bingley had essentially abandoned the village indefinitely. Mrs. Bennet's confidence in Mr. Bingley's unwavering dedication to Jane demonstrates dramatic irony on several counts from several perspectives.
First of all, Mrs. Bennet's glee resulting from Bingley's return contrasts starkly with the girls' understanding of the situation. Mostly, this incongruity is due to the fact that she is unaware that Darcy had convinced Bingley to abandon his hopes of marrying Jane because of the family's status. If she had known that her own lack of connections and her siblings'(-in-law?) acquired wealth posed a threat, she would not have been so instrumental in the processions between her daughter and prospective son. Since the issue of worthiness begetting marriage went largely unperceived by Mrs. Bennet, the dramatic irony of her encounter with it reveals that such pride is so meaningless that it is hardly noticed by those without great degrees of vanity.
Additionally, Jane's own reaction to Bingley displays dramatic irony. After Bingley first left Netherfield, Jane had refused to accept that he was so modest as to take orders from his relations and friends pertaining to his future. Instead, she accepted that he no longer fancied her: "I assure you that I have now learned to enjoy his conversation as an agreeable and sensible young man, without having a wish beyond it. I am perfectly satisfied from what his manners now are that he never had any design of engaging my affection," (Austen, 270). The reader, however, gleans from Elizabeth's insights. She maintains that his flight into the city was caused by Darcy's influence rather than by personal indifference. Moreover, Darcy's love for Elizabeth suggests that he has reversed his influence on Bingley to please Jane and, by extension, Elizabeth. Once again, prejudice (this time Jane's) seems to give way to reason and love.
Pride & Prejudice: Chapters 48-51
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
Scandal abounds after Lydia disappears with Wickham. Unfortunately for those anticipating visual conflicts to accompany the climax, this event seems to be one of the most tense scenes of the novel. Nevertheless, Mr. Bennet's reaction to Lydia's disgrace contrasts starkly with his character established in the opening chapters. Even though he has expressed his love for Elizabeth's headstrong nature, especially in regards to marriage, now, even he espouses his society's obsession with honor and reputation that accompanied marriage.
Almost immediately after learning Lydia left Brighton with Wickham, Mr. Bennet set out to find the two and drag them to the altar. Mrs. Bennet even feared that he would challenge Wickham to a duel and will likely lose. In such a moralistic society which denied all human temptations, even Elizabeth's desire to journey through the dirt to see her sickly sister, even staying with someone before marriage overnight without anyone else to attest to chastity was seen as socially fatal. Because Mr. Bennet had established himself as someone who valued Elizabeth's personal happiness over the potential for status with Mr. Collins, he reaffirmed the stigma surrounding fornication. "Say nothing of that. Who should suffer but myself? It has been my own doing, and I ought to feel it," (Austen, 235).
Even though Lizzy herself disapproved of her sister's imprudence, she would have to struggle with others' response to this supposed tragedy of morals. If Darcy had prevented the marriage between Mr. Bingley and Jane just because the Bennet family lacked status, how would society punish the family for being related to someone with no regard for decorum? Mr. Bennet's conforming to society's disgust for fornication demonstrates how prevalent the demand for perfection is in Lizzy's society.
Jane Austen
Scandal abounds after Lydia disappears with Wickham. Unfortunately for those anticipating visual conflicts to accompany the climax, this event seems to be one of the most tense scenes of the novel. Nevertheless, Mr. Bennet's reaction to Lydia's disgrace contrasts starkly with his character established in the opening chapters. Even though he has expressed his love for Elizabeth's headstrong nature, especially in regards to marriage, now, even he espouses his society's obsession with honor and reputation that accompanied marriage.
Almost immediately after learning Lydia left Brighton with Wickham, Mr. Bennet set out to find the two and drag them to the altar. Mrs. Bennet even feared that he would challenge Wickham to a duel and will likely lose. In such a moralistic society which denied all human temptations, even Elizabeth's desire to journey through the dirt to see her sickly sister, even staying with someone before marriage overnight without anyone else to attest to chastity was seen as socially fatal. Because Mr. Bennet had established himself as someone who valued Elizabeth's personal happiness over the potential for status with Mr. Collins, he reaffirmed the stigma surrounding fornication. "Say nothing of that. Who should suffer but myself? It has been my own doing, and I ought to feel it," (Austen, 235).
Even though Lizzy herself disapproved of her sister's imprudence, she would have to struggle with others' response to this supposed tragedy of morals. If Darcy had prevented the marriage between Mr. Bingley and Jane just because the Bennet family lacked status, how would society punish the family for being related to someone with no regard for decorum? Mr. Bennet's conforming to society's disgust for fornication demonstrates how prevalent the demand for perfection is in Lizzy's society.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Pride & Prejudice: Chapters 31-34
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
Lizzy uncovers a momentous and significant fact that both overturns her beliefs and reinforces her prejudices. It turns out that Darcy, not Caroline Bingley, who convinced Mr. Bingley to drop dreams of marrying Jane. While this knowledge serves as an entertaining twist, it also provides an insight into the use of prejudice as a motif in the novel.
On one hand, Elizabeth realized the error in her assertions of Caroline's blame in Mr. Bingley's decision not to marry Jane. Since her prejudices against a seemingly hostile Caroline were to blame for these assertions, the reader can start to pick up on one of the themes of the novel: renounce prejudice. If she had simply kept her assertions to herself, negative consequences might have been avoided. However, since she so stubbornly argued her case to Jane, she likely jeopardized Jane's friendship with Caroline.
Although she is not aware, her prejudice has also jeopardized her own prospects for the future. "The agitation and tears which the subject occasioned brought on a headache; and it grew so much worse towards the evening that added to her unwillingness to see Mr. Darcy, it determined her not to attend her cousins to Rosings, where they were engaged to drink tea," (Austen, 148). Dramatic irony lies Elizabeth's predicament because the narrator has noted Darcy's clandestine love for her, but she has learned nothing of the sort. Instead of inquiring into his motives, Lizzy has simply decided to despise and avoid him both because of his first impressions and his latest scheme. Unfortunately, she could be throwing away her chances at a happy and wealthy marriage.
Jane Austen
Lizzy uncovers a momentous and significant fact that both overturns her beliefs and reinforces her prejudices. It turns out that Darcy, not Caroline Bingley, who convinced Mr. Bingley to drop dreams of marrying Jane. While this knowledge serves as an entertaining twist, it also provides an insight into the use of prejudice as a motif in the novel.
On one hand, Elizabeth realized the error in her assertions of Caroline's blame in Mr. Bingley's decision not to marry Jane. Since her prejudices against a seemingly hostile Caroline were to blame for these assertions, the reader can start to pick up on one of the themes of the novel: renounce prejudice. If she had simply kept her assertions to herself, negative consequences might have been avoided. However, since she so stubbornly argued her case to Jane, she likely jeopardized Jane's friendship with Caroline.
Although she is not aware, her prejudice has also jeopardized her own prospects for the future. "The agitation and tears which the subject occasioned brought on a headache; and it grew so much worse towards the evening that added to her unwillingness to see Mr. Darcy, it determined her not to attend her cousins to Rosings, where they were engaged to drink tea," (Austen, 148). Dramatic irony lies Elizabeth's predicament because the narrator has noted Darcy's clandestine love for her, but she has learned nothing of the sort. Instead of inquiring into his motives, Lizzy has simply decided to despise and avoid him both because of his first impressions and his latest scheme. Unfortunately, she could be throwing away her chances at a happy and wealthy marriage.
Pride & Prejudice: Chapters 27-30
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
In order to check in on Mrs. Collins who took her place as the pastor's wife, Elizabeth joined a party destined for Rosings. After Mr. Collin's incessant praises of his parsonage, Lizzy could hardly be shocked by anything on the grounds. However, not all were so jaded as she; in a bout of situational irony, Maria shook the house when she thought Lady Catherine had arrived at the parsonage.
"'La! my dear,' said Maria, quite shocked at the mistake, 'it is not Lady Catherine. The old lady is Mrs. Jenkinson, who lives with them,'" (Austen, 125). Like the reader, Lizzy did not see the merit of such commotion to welcome two women. Even if Lady Catherine had shown up, why would someone cry for all to rush to the door?
Although most readers would share Lizzy's confusion, more people at that time would likely have made such a scene for someone so important in society. However, Lizzy's response to Maria's ironic behavior reveals a significant contrast between Lizzy's values and contemporary society's. To Elizabeth, a person's character makes him or her appealing rather than his or her wealth and status. Because of this conviction, she viewed wealthy Darcy with contempt and Wickham (who appeared to be a perfect gentleman without wealth or status) with admiration. Lizzy's astonishment at Maria's overreaction promotes sensibility rather than intimidation by those privileged by birth.
Jane Austen
In order to check in on Mrs. Collins who took her place as the pastor's wife, Elizabeth joined a party destined for Rosings. After Mr. Collin's incessant praises of his parsonage, Lizzy could hardly be shocked by anything on the grounds. However, not all were so jaded as she; in a bout of situational irony, Maria shook the house when she thought Lady Catherine had arrived at the parsonage.
"'La! my dear,' said Maria, quite shocked at the mistake, 'it is not Lady Catherine. The old lady is Mrs. Jenkinson, who lives with them,'" (Austen, 125). Like the reader, Lizzy did not see the merit of such commotion to welcome two women. Even if Lady Catherine had shown up, why would someone cry for all to rush to the door?
Although most readers would share Lizzy's confusion, more people at that time would likely have made such a scene for someone so important in society. However, Lizzy's response to Maria's ironic behavior reveals a significant contrast between Lizzy's values and contemporary society's. To Elizabeth, a person's character makes him or her appealing rather than his or her wealth and status. Because of this conviction, she viewed wealthy Darcy with contempt and Wickham (who appeared to be a perfect gentleman without wealth or status) with admiration. Lizzy's astonishment at Maria's overreaction promotes sensibility rather than intimidation by those privileged by birth.
Pride & Prejudice: Chapters 23-26
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
Being a 19th century love story, Pride and Prejudice was bound to feature a daughter resisting a forced marriage to the displeasure of her parents. However, Lizzy was much more efficient in avoiding her marriage with Mr. Collins who simply shifted his view elsewhere. Still, Mrs. Bennet's complaints characterize her as conceited, cunning, and callous [accidental alliteration (now assonance depending on accent)].
As the reader has already noticed, Mrs. Bennet's chief concern is the marrying off of her daughters to suitable (read: rich) gentlemen. Her pursuit of cash to offset the possibility of losing the estate to Mr. Collins after Mr. Bennet's death pushed her to push her daughter into rain and illness to snag Mr. Bingley. Now, after two marriage proposals have failed, her lamentations augment her self-centered attitude. To her sister, Mrs. Bennet reflects: "The consequence of it is that Lady Lucas will have a daughter married before I have, and that Longbourn estate is just as much entailed as ever," (Austen, 110).
While earlier events could classify Mrs. Bennet as a conniving plotter, her reaction to unfortunate happenings adds a new dimension to her character. Because she can only think of lost wealth, her thoughts of exploiting her daughters are more habitual. Mrs. Bennet represents the status-crazed society which raised her and her daughters into viewing women as stepping stones to wealth.
Jane Austen
Being a 19th century love story, Pride and Prejudice was bound to feature a daughter resisting a forced marriage to the displeasure of her parents. However, Lizzy was much more efficient in avoiding her marriage with Mr. Collins who simply shifted his view elsewhere. Still, Mrs. Bennet's complaints characterize her as conceited, cunning, and callous [accidental alliteration (now assonance depending on accent)].
As the reader has already noticed, Mrs. Bennet's chief concern is the marrying off of her daughters to suitable (read: rich) gentlemen. Her pursuit of cash to offset the possibility of losing the estate to Mr. Collins after Mr. Bennet's death pushed her to push her daughter into rain and illness to snag Mr. Bingley. Now, after two marriage proposals have failed, her lamentations augment her self-centered attitude. To her sister, Mrs. Bennet reflects: "The consequence of it is that Lady Lucas will have a daughter married before I have, and that Longbourn estate is just as much entailed as ever," (Austen, 110).
While earlier events could classify Mrs. Bennet as a conniving plotter, her reaction to unfortunate happenings adds a new dimension to her character. Because she can only think of lost wealth, her thoughts of exploiting her daughters are more habitual. Mrs. Bennet represents the status-crazed society which raised her and her daughters into viewing women as stepping stones to wealth.
Pride & Prejudice: Chapters 19-22
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
In this section of Section 2, dreams have been dashed. Although Lizzy was the one to dash Mr. Collins' plans to marry her, Jane was on the other side with Mr. Bingley. The Bingley's left Longbourn and declared that they would not return. The theories Elizabeth and Jane put forth as to why Bingley abandoned the country after being so enthralled by Jane reveal the two to be foil characters in regard to how they view others.
Upon reading the letter from Caroline, Jane did not assume that she had lost her potential fiancee. The family declared that they would not return for winter, but Miss Bingley did not declare that they would never return again. Jane detected no hostility from her potential sisters-in-law, so had no reason to believe that they had a role to play in detaining Charles. Even in the face of being torn from her love, Jane revealed herself to be utterly trusting of her friends.
In contrast, Elizabeth detected foul play. Because the Bingley sisters had not approved of her own decorum, Elizabeth held prejudices against their honesty and good will. She related to her sister that she believed Mr. Bingley to be kept in London intentionally by his sisters who wished to see him married to Miss Darcy. Jane conveys her opposition: "'If we thought alike of Miss Bingley,' replied Jane, 'your representation of all this might make me quite easy. But I know the foundation is unjust,'" (Austen, 95). Even in a time of stress and anger, Jane made sure not to pass blame onto others as Elizabeth had. Jane's devotion to her friend's honor contrasted with Elizabeth's stubborn prejudice predicts the difficulties she might face with Mr. Darcy whom she views as unbearably prideful even though he wishes to marry her.
Jane Austen
In this section of Section 2, dreams have been dashed. Although Lizzy was the one to dash Mr. Collins' plans to marry her, Jane was on the other side with Mr. Bingley. The Bingley's left Longbourn and declared that they would not return. The theories Elizabeth and Jane put forth as to why Bingley abandoned the country after being so enthralled by Jane reveal the two to be foil characters in regard to how they view others.
Upon reading the letter from Caroline, Jane did not assume that she had lost her potential fiancee. The family declared that they would not return for winter, but Miss Bingley did not declare that they would never return again. Jane detected no hostility from her potential sisters-in-law, so had no reason to believe that they had a role to play in detaining Charles. Even in the face of being torn from her love, Jane revealed herself to be utterly trusting of her friends.
In contrast, Elizabeth detected foul play. Because the Bingley sisters had not approved of her own decorum, Elizabeth held prejudices against their honesty and good will. She related to her sister that she believed Mr. Bingley to be kept in London intentionally by his sisters who wished to see him married to Miss Darcy. Jane conveys her opposition: "'If we thought alike of Miss Bingley,' replied Jane, 'your representation of all this might make me quite easy. But I know the foundation is unjust,'" (Austen, 95). Even in a time of stress and anger, Jane made sure not to pass blame onto others as Elizabeth had. Jane's devotion to her friend's honor contrasted with Elizabeth's stubborn prejudice predicts the difficulties she might face with Mr. Darcy whom she views as unbearably prideful even though he wishes to marry her.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)