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.
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