Lydia's Letter

"My Dear Lizzy,

I wish you joy. If you love Mr. Darcy half as well as I do my dear Wickham, you must be very happy. It is a great comfort to have you so rich; and when you have nothing else to do, I hope you will think of us. I am sure Wickham would like a place at court very much, and I do not think we shall have quite money enough to live upon without some help. Any place would do of about three or hour hundred a year; but, however, do not speak to Mr. Darcy about it, if you had rather not.

Your, etc." (Chapter 61)

This letter sent from Lydia to Elizabeth gives a pretty insightful look into Lydia's character. While she does congratulate Elizabeth on her engagement, the sole purpose of this letter comes back to money. Lydia really is the product of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's ill parenting. Much like her parents, Lydia's sole focus is on money, material possessions, and social standing. Lydia marries Wickham for the same reasons as Mr. and Mrs. Bennet: looks and good humour. While we see that Lizzy is not looking for a marriage of convenience (if she were, Collins would have been the perfect suitor), it is she who ends up with the wealth. It would be interesting to see how this step up in social standing changes how Elizabeth's family views her, as well as how they view the role they are supposed to play in relation to Elizabeth and Darcy's new union.

Darcy: growing into his own man

"I was spoiled by my parents, who though good themselves..allowed, encouraged, almost taught me to be selfish and overbearing, to care for none beyond my own family circle, to think meanly of all the rest of the world...such I might still have been but for you!" (Chapter 58).

Here Darcy admits to all of his faults, attributing them primarily to the parenting he received as a child. However, rather than repeating the cycle, Darcy is able to overcome those negative personality traits and grow into a respectable man. It is interesting how both he and Elizabeth acknowledge the bad parenting in their childhoods, and work to create lives for themselves that do not mirror what they are taught by their parents.

Darcy's last attempt

“If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affection and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.”

Here, Darcy is making one last dash to the finish line. He thought and somewhat hoped that in the time since his first proposal he would lose his feelings for Elizabeth, but they persisted. Darcy makes one last attempt to court Elizabeth and puts the ball in her court in the decision process. He is more humble in his asking this time.

Lydia Wickham!

“when I write to them and sign my name ‘Lydia Wickham.” What a good joke it will be!”

Lydia sees her marriage to Wickham as a joke or some sort of playful gesture. Her view of marriage is similar to that of Mrs. Bennet, in the sense that neither of them see it as emotional, but for other reasons. Lydia is caught up in her own playfulness while Mrs. Bennet only thinks of the monetary values.

Darcy's letter- Courtship

“I write without any intention of paining you, or humbling myself, by dwelling on wishes which, for the happiness of both, cannot be too soon forgotten”

Darcy opens his letter to Elizabeth still loving her, but without the intention of wooing her at this particular point. He admits his wrong doings, but does not continue in pursuing the lady he loves. By doing this, Elizabeth begins to see the other side to Darcy which did not seem apparent in the first half of their relationship. Sometimes, the best way to win someone’s heart is by not trying to do so and being yourself.

True Love Couples

"With the Gardiners, they were always on the most intimate terms." (Volume III, Chapter XIX).

The last paragraph of the book, Austen makes about the two couples who's marriage is true. I find it interesting that the couple Mr. and Mrs. Darcy are closest with the one other couple that appreciates each other company. Even though we don't know if the Gardiners were in love when they first got married, we do know that they have grown to love each other. The Gardiners are the one couple we see, before Elizabeth and Darcy get together that want to be around each other and enjoy having a close relationship with one another. With Mr. and Mrs. Bennett and Mr. and Mrs. Collins we see that one of the people in the relationship always has to go have a place were the other one does not go, so that they can have sometime to themselves. That is not the case with the Gardiners, and even though they have no children of there own they are still better parents to Elizabeth and Jane than the Bennetts. I think that Austen has these two couples together in the last paragraph because that is what Mr. and Mrs. Darcy want to have there relationship turn out like, which means never growing apart.

4. Distinctions of rank

"You, who so well know my feelings towards Mr. Darcy, will readily comprehend how sincerely I must rejoice that he is wise enough to assume even the appearance of what is right. His pride, in that direction, may be of service, if not to himself, as I have suffered by" (Chapter 41, page 226: Penguin Classics).

It is no surprise that Elizabeth continues to feel the same way towards Darcy, that despite how attractive he may appear, she will never truly fall for him. She doesn't approve of Darcy, because of his selfish, overbearing nature as Austen describes consistently throughout the text. However, it is amazing how fast her views can change of Darcy when all it took was a friendly encounter at Pemberly. A few chapters later Austen goes to the trouble to describe that "the occurences of the day were too full of interest to leave Elizabeth much attention for any of these new friends; and she could do nothing but think, and think with wonder, of Mr. Darcy's civility, and above all, of his wishing her to be acquainted with his sister" (Chapter 43, page 247: Peguin Classics). I just think it is interesting how Elizabeth can express her hate of his personal flaws, yet adore his civility a few chapters later. Even her aunt and uncle didn't understand why Elizbaeth thought Darcy was arrogant when Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner believe "he is perfectly well behaved, polite, and unassuming" (Chapter 43, page 246).

Complimentary Personalities

"Georgiana had the highest opinion in the world of Elizabeth; though at first she often listened with astonishment bordering on alarm, at her lively, sportive, manner of talking to her brother. He, who had always inspired in herself a respect which almost overcame her affection, she now saw the object of open pleasantry."(p.366, III-xix)

Like Bingley and Jane, Elizabeth and Darcy have proved themselves worthy and compatible with each other. Elizabeth's astonishing frankness and willingness to verbally spar with Darcy, which originally displayed itself in unpleasantness between the two, has become a healthy part of her relationship with Darcy. Her unabashed personality is the perfect counterpart to Darcy's tendency towards excessive pride, as she has the guts to constantly remind him that he isn't that big of a deal. Indeed, her very presence as his wife is a reminder that even Darcy has had to humble himself, and that perhaps obstinate pride is not the best "default" personality.

Darcy is also a beneficial influence to Elizabeth, as throughout their courtship her trust in first impressions has been shaken to the the core, and he is a constant reminder to her of the potential danger of prejudices. Also, Darcy has the intellectual ability to keep Elizabeth entertained, unlike the would-be embarrassment and boredom of marriage with Mr. Collins. The Darcys are a couple to be reckoned with.

Darcy's proposal: Take Two

"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."

Darcy's second proposal is radically different than his first. Instead of emphasizing his condescension and insulting Elizabeth, Darcy has taken a much more humble approach. Not only does he take a short and sweet approach, he also expresses how "generous" it is of her to worry about his feelings, and then continues to ask her love in a most unassuming manner. Gone is his self-centered pride, something that has dogged him in his quest for love, and while his first proposal shared characteristics of presumption with Mr. Collins' ill-fated request, his second is almost a polar opposite. Good work, Darcy.

Images of Marriage: Darcy and Elizabeth

"It was a union that must have been to the advantage of both" (295)

Darcy and Elizabeth truly complement each other perfectly. Their conversations, though often of a bantering nature, are on a plane that is unreachable to the other characters. Their similar style of speech also suggests compatibility. Elizabeth says that Darcy "was exactly the man" who "would most suit her," and Darcy tells Elizabeth that, "by [her], [he] was properly humbled"(295, 349). In every way their marriage is one of advantage to both; they are like two puzzle pieces that are finally placed together. They not only get along well, but complete one another. As I have discussed before, Austen uses compatibility as a very significant part of marriages that she qualifies happy, and Darcy and Elizabeth certainly have it, suggesting that they shall have a very happy marriage.

As a random side note, it is also interesting that Jane and Elizabeth - the only two daughters we see happily married - are referred to as Mrs. Bennet's "two most deserving daughters" (364).

Images of Marriage: Lydia and Wickham

"But how little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue, she could easily conjecture" (296)

Elizabeth's prediction of Lydia and Wickham's doomed relationship is entirely correct. Later, Austen tells us that "their characters suffered no revolution," and "his affection for her soon sunk into indifference; her's lasted a little longer" (366). As Elizabeth could see, the only happiness in their marriage came from the original spark of the passion between them. Their union was one of haste and necessity that took place solely to preserve what was left of Lydia's scandalized reputation. Through this image of marriage, Austen is commenting on both the marriage itself, and the ease with which a girl's reputation could be ruined at that time.

Video!

So here's a brief snippet of our dramatic reading yesterday. The student on the left is reading Lady Catherine De Bourgh's lines; the student on the right is reading Elizabeth's lines. The possibility of a union between Elizabeth and Lady Catherine's nephew, Darcy, appalls Lady Catherine, who attempts to bully Elizabeth into submission and separate her from Darcy. Elizabeth, however, refuses to concede a single point to Lady Catherine.

I apologize for the truly lame camera angle.

Jane and Bingley: Great Success

"In spite of his being a lover, Elizabeth really believed all his expectations of felicity, to be rationally founded, because they had for basis the excellent understanding and super-excellent disposition of Jane, and a general similarity of feeling and taste between her and himself." (P. 328, III-xiii)

Finally, Austen has given light to the secret of successful relationships. After showing us a couple (pun definitely intended) of romantic failures, Austen reveals that the secret to success seems to lie in a "general similarity of feeling and taste" between the two lovers. We can see that, while Jane and Bingley can keep each other engaged and interested for hours, neither of the two failed couples can claim such ease of coexistence. Lydia and Wickham, despite their early infatuation, fail to connect on such a basic letter, and while Lydia clings to Wickham, "his affection for her soon sunk into indifference," as his fickle tastes lead him to tire of the woman with whom he has only a shallow connection with (367). Even Charlotte, now Mrs. Collins, feels the consequences of unsound love, as she is constantly being embarrassed by her nerdish husband, who is constantly raving about Lady Catherine De Bourgh. The nature of Jane and Bingley's relationship proves their likelihood of success, as the surprising longevity of Bingley and Jane's affection despite prolonged separation ensures their love is not simply infatuation, while their obvious social compatibility heads off the possibility of their relationship going the way of Collins.

Lydia: A romance don't

"The loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable--that one false step involves her in endless ruin--that her reputation is no less brittle than is beautiful,--and that she cannot be too much guarded in her behavior towards the undeserving of the other sex" (p.275, Volume III ch. V)

Mary offers us this piece of wisdom and, if ill-timed and slightly awkward, it accurately reflects the virtue necessary in a woman for courtship to be successful. In running away together, Lydia and Wickham have not only ignored the traditional fourteen steps of courtship, they have also violated society's expectations of marriage before a couple shacks up together. Lydia, with such an annoying disposition, is truly more "brittle" in the eyes of a suitor than Mary might suggest, which makes the loss of her virtue all the more important, as she becomes a complete social screwup. Lydia's dire violation of courtship requirements presents itself, along with the nature Miss Lucas and Collins' marriage, as another of Austen's tactics to distinguish the bad relationships from the good, in order to further emphasize the goodness of the eldest Bennet daughters' partners in romance. Austen, in all her traditional splendor, continues to prove the importance of a structured, proper courtship as a conduit to marital happiness.

Today's Class

We had a splendid class today. Here's a picture of the sconefest, with Ms. Moore in the background. She provided her lovely China service to the class.

We then briefly discussed Austen's design in having perhaps the worst marriage in the novel (Lydia and Wickham's marriage) trigger the last two, good marriages in the novel, those between Jane and Bingley and Lizzy and Darcy. We bandied about a few ideas.

We then had two seniors do a dramatic reading of the argument between Lady Catherine and Elizabeth in Chapter 56. Though these young women are not in our class, they are huge fans of Austen and were key players in our drama program these past four years.



I took some video of the reading, which I'll try to upload tomorrow.

Lady Catherine vs. Elizabeth - the final throwdown

"Miss Bennet I am shocked and astonished. I expected to find a more reasonable young woman. But do not deceive yourself into a belief that I will ever recede. I shall not go away, till you have given me the assurance I require."

"And I certainly never shall give it. I am not to be intimidated into anything so wholly unreasonable."

(Volume III, Chapter 14)

Today in class, not only did we enjoy a delicious tea party (complete with Phil's homemade scones) but we were also privileged to see the 'Lady Catherine challenged Elizabeth' scene acted out by two students. In their vivacious portrayal of the defensive Elizabeth and the feisty Lady Catherine, they effectively translated the ways in which Lady Catherine fails and Elizabeth walks away as the victor in the debacle - Lady Catherine not only threatens and demeans Elizabeth, but she does not get her to move from her stance. Elizabeth refuses to promise that she would never accept a proposal from Darcy if he were to make one to her, regardless if her status threatens his along with his networks that make him so valuable. Lady Catherine walks into the argument feeling so entitled, expecting to get what she wants, but she has no idea who she is dealing with...

Mary Bennet and Mr. Collins: A Match Made in Heaven...

...if Heaven is a place full of insufferable, moralizing airbags. We spent some time in class today looking at Mary's words to Elizabeth while the family deals with the crisis Lydia finds herself in with Wickham. She says to an incredulous Elizabeth, "This is a most unfortunate affair; and will probably be much talked of. But we must stem the tide of malice, and put into the wounded bosoms of each other, the balm of sisterly consolation" (Chapter 47). The balm of sisterly consolation? The wounded bosoms of each other?? The image is bizarre and has no palliative effect on Lizzy's real suffering.

Then we looked at Collins' letter in Chapter 48. His sentiments here are as equally horrifying as those displayed by Mary in the previous chapter. Every line in his missive is painfully idiotic, but here is my favorite: "Let me advise you then, my dear Sir, to console yourself as much as possible, to throw off your unworthy child from your affection for ever, and leave her to reap the fruits of her own heinous offence" (Chapter 48). While it's true that Mr. Bennet has some not so kind thoughts of his own about his wayward daughter, Collins misses the point entirely. Instead of forging any human connection with his cousin, Collins instead chooses to admonish and lecture Mr. Bennet. Both Mary and Collins love to take the moral high ground and be noticed while taking it. Should Charlotte die a natural death or willfully choke on a chicken bone to escape her husband's endless prattling, Mary could easily take her place at Mr. Collins' side. Watching them both dance would win the Best Awkward Comedy Scene of the last two centuries.

Other than comparing Mary and Mr. Collins, we also looked at the turmoil of emotions that Lizzy feels after she finds out what Darcy has done to restore Lydia's good name. As she does at the Netherfield Ball, Lizzy feels a range of emotion, from pleasure to pain, from pride to shame, from resentment and back again to pleasure. She has fallen for Darcy.

Tomorrow, we'll look at Bingley's reunion with Jane and the Death Cage Match between Lady Catherine De Bourgh and Lizzy. I have baked my scones and have purchased jam and clotted cream. Tea shall be provided. We'll also have some special guests in class. More later...

Air-head Alert

"But you know married women have never much time for writing. My sisters may write to me. they will have nothing else to do" (Chapter 11).

Lydia has become even more arrogant, pompous, and thoughtless than she was before. Her marriage with Mr. Wickham and her mothers infatuation with them both has catapulted her to a new level of unawareness of other peoples feelings. Lydia is the chatter-box, never pausing to care about the effect of her words or actions on the rest of the family. Our protagonist, Elizabeth, seems to the only one fully aware of others feelings as she "could easily perceive that [Jane's] spirits were affected y it. They were more disturbed, more unequal, than she had often seen them" (Chapter 11).

Signed Lydia Wickham

"You need not send them word at Longbourn of my going, if you do not like it, for it will make the surprise the greater, when i write to them, and sign my name Lydia Wickham" (Volume III, Chapter V).

In the letter that Lydia writes to Harriet, shows how little importance marriage has to her. She instead of thinking about her families feelings she wants to have it be a surprise. Because she is so young she doesn't understand or see that she and wickham are only getting married out of passion, not love. Everyone else knows that this marriage is bound to fail, because if Wickham really loved Lydia he would have asked her in the formal way and gone to Mr. Bennett to ask for his approval. Instead he used his charm to most likely sleep with her and make her fall in love with him. Right after Elizabeth hears the letter she knows that this marriage is going to be just like her parents marriage, where it was started out of passion not out of love. Their marriage is bound to FAIL.

Collins Letter doesn't make it any better

"The death of your daughter would have been a blessing in comparison of this." (Volume III, Chapter VI)

In Collins letter he is saying that it is so much of a disgrace that it would have been better if Lydia had died, rather than run off with Wickham, when they were not married yet. Collins letter, once again shows his lack of communication skills with people. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are already freaking out about their youngest being out of the house before the oldest. In every part of the letter Collins is just saying how great it is that he did not marry into the family. It is almost like he forgets that he is still related to the Bennett family. What we get from this letter is that Lydia could have done anything else and it still would not have been as bad as running off with a man she is not yet married to.

Parenting: Impressions

"Her father, captivated by youth and beauty, and that appearance of good humour which youth and beauty generally give, had married a woman whose weak understanding and illiberal mind had very early in their marriage put an end to all real affection for her...[she] had never so strongly as now the disadvantages which must attend the children of so unsuitable a marriage..." (176-177).

Here we see just to what extent Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's volatile marriage has effected each other, and their daughters. It is explicitly said that Elizabeth has been affected by the uneasy relationship between her mother and father, and these couple chapters demonstrate the extent to which it has impacted Lydia as well. Mr. Bennet married a woman soley because of her looks and the insignificant conversations they had shared, and quickly came to regret his decision. Lydia mirrors her father's choice when she chooses to run off with Mr. Wickham, holding naive dreams for the possibilities of their relationship. This was the same relationship modeled for her growing up and she knows no better, however this is a decision she will surely regret in time, just as her father does. Elizabeth seems to be the only clear- headed one in the family and she sees the mistakes made in her parents lives, as well as the mistake clearly being repeated in the life of her beloved sister. But ultimately she is not in any position to make a decision for her sister and with two parents in full support of Lydia leaving with Mr. Wickham, she has no ground to stand upon. Mrs. Bennet is excited at simply marrying her daughters, no matter who the man is (so long as he has money), and it is apparent that Mr. Bennet has little faith in his daughters anymore and is looking for a quick fix to ensure the livelihood of his children.

Images of Marriage: Mr. Collins and Miss Lucas

"I am not romantic you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins's character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair, as most people can boast on entering the marriage state" (123)

Despite the fact that Elizabeth sees her friend's marriage as a very "unsuitable match," Charlotte is certain that she will have a happy life with Mr. Collins (123). Mr. Collins also feels overjoyed at the prospect of this union and wants to marry as soon as possible because Charlotte will make him "the happiest of men" (126). When you look at this situation, the idea that "happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance" takes on another meaning than just the idea portrayed in the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet (24). Rather than it being entirely a matter of chance, Austen is suggesting that there are different types of happiness in marriage, and one must work to find or make as much of it as possible. Unlike the Bennet parents, Charlotte will be happy with Collins because, although she is compromising love for security, she expresses that she would rather have the security. Neither Collins nor Charlotte seeks the traditional idea of a romantic love, so their union will bring them happiness because it provides the security and comfortable life Charlotte desires and eliminates Mr. Collins' want of a wife.

Today's Class

We had a student-led presentation centered on this question: "Considering the family's treatment of Lydia in her life, who bears ultimate responsibility for Lydia's situation with Wickham?"

The students constructed a "blame chart" in which we explored Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, the other Bennet women, Lydia, and Wickham. We examined moments in the text in which all of these characters share blame, but ultimately, the class blamed Mrs. Bennet. Though she tries to do the right thing by arranging advantageous marriages for her daughters while her husband retreats with his books into his library, Mrs. Bennet fails to detect any red flags about her youngest daughter's behavior in relation to the officers in the regiment.

Lydia's letter is the biggest indictment of the Bennets' poor parenting. Everything to Lydia is a joke. While her father and elder sisters agonize over her fate and what could befall the family, Lydia concerns herself with the trivial matter of her clothes and her new name, Lydia Wickham.

Next week is our last week of Pride and Prejudice. We plan on dressing in fine clothes and having a tea party on Tuesday. I shall bake my world-famous scones (in my household, anyway) and perhaps provide marmalade and clotted cream. I was a confirmed American Literature guy when I first arrived at Branson in 1994, but teaching primarily British Literature in recent years has transformed me. Jolly good.

We'll try to upload some video too.

Our Five Lenses

Today, we pooled our observations on our lenses. Here's what we discussed:

1. Courtship Practices: Before the proposal, Darcy tries hard to woo Elizabeth, but once he stops trying to woo her, Elizabeth becomes interested. He acts more himself, and the real Darcy is the man to whom Elizabeth finds herself attracted. Darcy does not try to gain her affection; he's more natural and less forced. He's being far more civil. As Mr. Gardiner notes, "He is perfectly well behaved, polite, and unassuming" (Chapter 43).

Before the proposal, Darcy and Elizabeth have done through the first nine steps of intimacy. After the proposal and at Pemberley, they spend a lot of time looking at one another and talking without conflict.

2. Distinctions of Rank: Darcy loses all arrogance and sense of superiority in Pemberley. He is civil and well-mannered. He's more comfortable in his own place. He is more confident and at home; he's not trying to impress anyone. He's just being Darcy without any airs. He's not putting on a show to put him above his guests. The Bennets in their household always strive to appear of a higher class. Pemberley is not ostentatious like Rosings; it does not have that extravagance of opulence.

The pride that he displays before his proposal disappears when he writes the letter. He is a supplicant to her. He lowers himself in writing the letter and erases the class distinction between them.

Mrs. Reynolds breaks down Elizabeth's prejudice. As a master and a brother, there is none better than Darcy. "He is the best landlord and the best master."

3. Marriage: Elizabeth continues to reflect on how completely incompatible her parents are. They are a bad match and bad parents.

Darcy's proposal and their reactions could be a preview of their marriage; they bicker; Her parents bicker; Mr. Bennet talks down to Mrs. Bennet, but Elizabeth and Darcy are more equal. At Pemberley, their actions are different. She immediately thinks of living at Pemberley. She thinks about marrying him.

The Gardiners have the only good marriage in the novel. They have similar values and have an equal partnership.

4. Parenting: It's one thing to have a marriage with or without love. Mrs. Bennet's desire to see her daughters married is more important than her marriage to Mr. Bennet. Her duty as a mother is more important than her duties as a wife.

5. Sisters: Jane and Elizabeth have the strongest sister connection. Kitty and Lydia also have a bond, but Lydia leaves Kitty to go off with the Forsters. Lydia is more selfish as a sister.

We also meet Darcy's sister, Georgiana: "There is nothing that he would not do for her." People have accused him of being selfish, but his treatment of his sister proves that he is selfless.

EPIC FAIL

"Wholly inattentive to her sister's feelings, Lydia flew aout the house in restless ecstasy, calling for every one's congratulations, and laughing and talking with more violence than ever; whilst the luckless Kitty continued in the parlour repining at her fate in terms as unreasonable as her accent was peevish" (Chapter 18/41).

EPIC FAIL as a sister. Lydia doesn't seem to have one ounce of compassion for her sister, as she dances around the house after being invited to Brighton by Mrs. Forster. Lydia is unaware of her sister's jealousy and even if she was, she probably wouldn't care. While Lydia and Kitty have a connection and get along, they do not have the kind of friendship between Jane and Elizabeth. Jane and Elizabeth trust each other with everything, racing home to tell the other what has happened. Where as with Lydia and Jane, its more of a competition about who get flirt with the most officers. Lydia and Kitty obviously don't have a close relationship and the connection between Jane and Elizabeth seems rarer and stronger than before.

Images of Marriage: Mr. and Mrs. Bennet

"Her father captivated by youth and beauty, ... had married a woman whose weak understanding and illiberal mind, had very early in their marriage put an end to all real affection for her. Respect, esteem, and confidence, had vanished for ever; and all his views of domestic happiness were overthrown" (228)

Austen again shows us the absolute incompatibility that exists between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and that it leads to unhappiness in their marriage. As I discussed in an earlier post, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet do not feel true affection for each other because of their lack of mutual understanding and respect. This deficiency and void in their relationship makes it so that they cannot be happy together. When Elizabeth looks at Jane and Bingley, though, she sees the possibility for a marriage that would be the exact opposite of her parents union. Both people understand and truly love each other which would result "in all the felicity which a marriage of true affection could bestow" rather than the unhappiness that her parents'"unsuitable" match creates (96, 229).

As a slightly random side note, perhaps Mrs. Bennet's obsession with finding husbands for her daughters stems from her own derelict marriage...

Parenting: A Father's Role

"But my father cannot. He wrote last week to hurry my return."

"Oh! your father of course may spare you, if your mother can. Daughters are never of so much consequence to a father," (158).

This encounter between Lady Catherine and Elizabeth provides a glimpse into the the stereotypical role of a father in a daughter's life during this time period. This statement expresses Lady Catherine's view of women and the little importance they have to men. If a mother does not need their daughter for womanly chores, etc. there is no reason a father should have an opinion. However, Mr. Bennet proves to be different from the stereotypical male role of the time, taking interest in the well-being of his children and forming a strong relationship between himself and Elizabeth. Lady Catherine represents the traditional, old-fashioned way of thought in Britain while the the role of Mr. Bennet appears to be a symbol of a more forward thinking, "modern family."

Parenting: Lady Catherine out of line?

"'Has your governess left you?' 'We never had any governess.' 'No governess! How was that possible? Five daughters brought up at home without a governess! - I never heard of such a thing. You mother must have been quite a slave to your education'" (161).

As Lady Catherine bluntly expresses her astonishment with the way in which the Bennet girls were raised, her remarks not only reflect poorly on her manners but also highlight the parenting style that Mr. and Mrs. Bennet provided for their daughters. No, they did not have any help in raising their daughters to be prim and proper in the eyes of society, but Elizabeth assures Lady Catherine that they were never neglected or never given every opportunity that they could want simply because their parents decided to raise them without paid help. In contrast, Lady Catherine's daughter, the quiet and sickly one who is seen as a disappointment to her mother, surely was raised in an environment surrounded by governesses, and yet she could not live up to her demanding mother's expectations.

Darcy: Pride or Prejudice?

"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."

To propose to Elizabeth, Darcy had to overcome great prejudice of her social class, and pride in himself for loving such a person. In this moment, Darcy overcomes any pride or prejudice that he felt in his relationship with Elizabeth, and puts it all on the line because he loves her. When she rejects him with such bitterness, he is truly hurt, much to her surprise. He left his comfort zone and was crushed. This is why he leaves her home with such humility.

Pair of Protectors

Georgiana Darcy, "unable to support the idea of grieving and offending a brother whom she almost looked up to as a father, acknowledge the whole to [Darcy]. You may imagine what I felt and how I acted. Regard for my sister's credit and feelings prevented any public exposure; but I wrote to Mr. Wickham, who left the place immediately" (end of Chapter 12/35).

Mr. Darcy protects his sister at all costs, kicking Mr. Wickham and Mrs. Younge out of their lives when she is in danger. Mr. Wickham "persuaded" Miss Darcy that they were in love in order to strike back at Darcy, who had refused to give him more money after he had spent all of his own (chap 12/35). He used Miss Darcy's affections to revenge his own personal vendetta against Darcy. Contrary to previous views, Darcy deeply cares for his sister and is willing to stand up to anyone who would try to take advantage of her and her fortune of thirty thousand pounds. He wants his little sister to be happy, no used by some gold-digger who only wants her for her money, like Mr. Wickham. Elizabeth and Darcy are very similar in their desire to protect their sisters, both standing up and looking out for them. Elizabeth cannot stand Darcy because he is the "man who ha[d] been the means of ruining, perhaps for ever, the happiness of a most beloved sister", who was just protecting Mr. Bingley from an "unhappy connection" with a family who seemed to want to marry because of status and money (chapter 11/34, 12/35). Mr. Darcy took his experience with the gold-digger Mr. Whickham, and applied it to the Bennets. Darcy is wary, unwilling to let anyone else get hurt because he wasn't paying enough attention (like with his sister) to his surroundings. While Elizabeth cannot have feelings for Mr. Darcy because he ruined Jane's chances with Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy cannot jump into a relationship that reminds him of the dysfunction, pain, and deception of Mr. Wickham. Elizabeth doesn't have the feelings, but has the opportunity and Mr. Darcy has the feelings even though he doesn't have the opportunity. Will our pair of protectors remain strong, or give up some of their inhibitions and take a risk?

4. Distinctions of Rank

"My fingers," said Elizabeth , "do not move over this instrument in the masterly manner which I see so many women's do. They have no the same force or rapitidity, and do not produce the same expression. But then I have always supposed it to be my own fault--because I would not take the trouble of practising. It is not that I do not believe my fingers as capable as any other woman's of superior exectuion"(Chapter 31, pages 171: Peguin Classics).

I have noticed that it is very easy to see the distinctions of rank among people throughout Pride and Prejudice and when I read this passage, I thought that the idea of rank was hidden throughout the words. In the first sentence, Elizabeth talking about her piano playing I feel is also similarily trying to describe her differences among other women in society, and how he doesn't feel as high on the social ladder as many women appear such as Charlotte Lucas and Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Elizabeth internally understands that "it is not that [she] doesn't believe [her] fingers as capable as any other woman's of superior exceution," but she knows that she can accomplish what some may think the impossible because she is determined and works hard. I feel like at some times she wants exist on the same social level as Lady Catherine de Bourgh or Mr.Bingley, but she wants to avoid having a arrogant nature like Mr.Darcy. Even though Elizabeth never explicitly reveals in the text that if she were of a higher rank she would have accepted Mr.Darcy's proposal, making their relationship easier so Mr.Darcy won't always be talking about her inferiority. Also, if Elizabeth "practiced" to become a better paino player or someone of higher rank, I think she would have a compeltely different outlook on Darcy as a whole and wouldn't always point out his pompous, arrogant, selfish self. Elizabeth chooses to practice high rank just like she chooses not to practice more on the piano.

Today's Class

We had many highlights in today's class, the first being Ben G.'s reading of Lady Catherine De Bourgh's lines in Chapter 29. Monty Python met Jane Austen today in a lovely and hilarious "mash up." Lady Catherine came to life in a new way.

We spent most of class looking at Darcy's proposal to Elizabeth and the pride and prejudice in both characters at this crucial moment. We discussed why Austen doesn't allow us to hear Darcy's actual proposal, even though she gives us Collins' proposal in full detail. Austen does give the argument in full between Elizabeth and Darcy. We've known the these two characters through their verbal conflict. They have defined themselves in opposition to one another, and their marriage would bring an end to their verbal parrying. Austen doesn't let them off the hook just yet. Struggle they must.

Elizabeth is quite harsh in her treatment of Darcy, who, rightfully, deserves a certain amount of censure for his pride. Still, she deliberately hurts him, and she is the one left in tears at the end of this exchange.

Finally, if you haven't already seen this video, please do so. It features British actor, Dominic West, most famous in America for his portrayal of Detective McNulty in the HBO series, The Wire. In this clip, he reads from Chapter 34:

http://www.cartenoire.co.uk/cartenoire/page?locale=uken1&PagecRef=653

Sisterly Dedication?

"'Had not my own feelings decided again you, had they been indifferent, or had they even been favorable, do you think that any consideration would tempt me to accept the man who has been the means of ruining, perhaps for ever, the happiness of a most beloved sister?'" (middle of chapter 11, volume 2)

Elizabeth has just rejected Mr. Darcy in his proposal, citing reasons of dislike, arrogance on his part, and the treatment of her sister. Although Elizabeth does not seem to have feelings for Mr. Darcy aside from dislike, her decision to bring up Jane is questionable. Does she really feel she can't be with Mr. Darcy because he separated Jane from Mr. Bingley? Or does she only want to confirm what she heard from Colonel Fitzwilliam about his actions? Either way, Elizabeth is more affected by Mr. Darcy's proposal than when Mr. Collins asked her to marry him. After Elizabeth refused Mr. Collins, she is able to "smile" and while "her manner varied... her determination [to not change her maid] never did" (middle of chapter 20, volume 1). But after Mr. Darcy left, "She knew not how to support herself, and, from actual weakness, sat down and cried for half an hour", the "tumult of her mind now painfully great" (end of chapter 11, volume 2). Elizabeth is physically affected by Mr. Darcy's proposal and ruminates about his reasons until Lady Catherine and her company return to the house. Unlike Mr. Collins who would not accept her refusal, Mr. Darcy respectes Elizabeth's feelings, even apologizing for "having taken up so much of [her] time", making her think even more about his reasons for love and her reasons for refusal (end of chapter 11, volume 2). Elizabeth almost admires Mr. Darcy's control, "so much in love as to wish to marry her in spite of all the objections which had made him prevent his friend's marrying her sister, and which must appear at least with equal force in his own case, was almost incredible!" (end of chapter 11, volume 2). For the first time, Elizabeth slightly doubts her actions.

Today's Class

So here's a picture of our group, minus one student who was absent.

We ended our discussion of Volume 1 with the following highlights:

1. We'd love to have the Netherfield Ball as our prom theme next year: "Netherfield Branson Ball 2011" has a great ring to it.
2. Every aspiration that the Bennet family has in Volume 1 blows up in their faces by the end of the volume. Mrs. Bennet believes that Jane and Elizabeth will have husbands, only to see Bingley and the Netherfield crew fly to London and Elizabeth (rightfully) reject Mr. Collins' proposal.

We then made a transition into Volume 2.

1. Why does Charlotte's marriage to Mr. Collins so upset Elizabeth? Her relationship with Wickham fizzles, she rejects Collins, and Collins immediately proposes to her best friend.
2. We looked at Elizabeth's view of Bingley's departure. She calls him a "slave of his designing friends," a comment that took us back to Elizabeth's statement to Darcy in Chapter X of Volume 1: "To yield readily--easily-- to the persuasion of a friend is no merit to you."
3. We also looked at the narrator's description of Elizabeth's feelings regarding Wickham's transferring of this affections to Miss King in Chapter XXVI: "His apparent partiality had subsided, his attentions were over, he was the admirer of some one else." We liked how the dependent clauses fall into themselves here. Though Elizabeth's pride may prevent her from admitting that losing Wickham's attentions hurt her, her heart registers pain but quickly tries to move past that pain. Men.

The Fourteen Steps of Physical Intimacy

These fourteen steps are what our class believes to be the steps to becoming intimate with someone. We will refer to them in our posts and discussions to see how far along our characters have come.

(1) eye to body (2) eye to eye (3) voice to voice (4) hand to hand (5) arm to shoulder (6) arm to waist (7) mouth to mouth (8) hand to body (9) hand to head (10) hand to breast (11) mouth to breast (12) hand to genitals (13) mouth to genitals (14) genitals to genitals

Mr. Collins: The Master of Courtship

"Mr. Collins, awkward and solemn, apologising instead of attending, and often moving wrong without being aware of it, gave her all the shame and misery which a disagreeable partner for a couple of dances can give. The moment of her release from him was ecstasy."

Here, Mr. Collins could not have been a worse dance partner. To start off with, he asks her to dance twice, which in itself is socially unacceptable. After that, he moves wrong "without being aware of it," which not only implies that he does not know how to treat a woman, but has no intent of learning how. This (presumably, I wouldn't know from experience or anything) would be a major turnoff to a woman because it is one thing for a man to be clumsy, but a completely different thing for a man to be oblivious to all social cues. Mr. Collins is that man.

Collins and Courtship

"The stupidity with which he was favoured by nature, must guard his courtship from any charm that could make a woman wish for its continuance; and Miss Lucas, who accepted him solely from the pure and disinterested desire of establishment, cared not how soon that establishment were gained." (120)

In coming to Hertfordshire, Collins is set on finding a bride, like a determined shopper hunting down bargain deals. Before proposing to Elizabeth, Collins at least tries to go through the normal motions of courtship, but when faced with wooing Miss Lucas, he simply jumps from small talk to asking her hand in marriage. Austen emphasizes the abruptness of Collins' relationship with Lucas, joking that it was perhaps a good thing he avoided inevitably unsuccessful attempts at romance, for the sake of Miss Lucas. Furthermore, Miss Lucas herself enables Collins' abrupt nature in her "pure and disinterested desire for establishment," meaning she's in it for stability, not romantic love. The businesslike nature of Collins and Miss Lucas' courtship suggest a possible flimsiness of their future marriage, especially when considering Austen's usual focus on the intricacies and splendor of extended courtship. Just like impulsive shoppers, Collins and Miss Lucas are destined to become disenchanted with their selections.

Collins Marriage Proposal

The marriage proposal that Elizabeth recieves from Collins is not a very good one. Collins makes the whole thing sound like it is the right thing for her to do because it will help him, not because he loves her. He says that she has "good qualities" for a wife. He also says "that another offer of marriage may ever be made to [her]" again, so she better take this one because he is suitable. For Collins the idea of marriage is one that will help is class ranking, he does not love Elizabeth, but Lady Catherine de Bourgh told him to find himself a wife so that ins what he is doing. When Elizabeth as for the third time he pulls out his final reason for Elizabeth to marry him, and that is that "connections with the family of De Bourgh". This proposal completely fails and soon after Collins ask Miss. Lucas to marry him after just two days of knowing each other. Collins sure does get over things fast.

Our discussion in class today

Here are the notes from today's in-class discussion:

End of Chapter 18 - Settlements are the contrast – how much money is the daughter going to bring to the marriage, and how much will come from the man --- dowry

Actual compatibility between people doesn’t seem to concern Mrs. Bennet at all – she goes straight to wedding clothes and cottages

Mr. Collins making his proposal to Elizabeth

Mr. Collins so far:

- he is the awkward guy who thinks he is funny, he can’t follow social hints

- he thinks he is on the same plain as Lady Catherine, he talks about her ALL the time

- he can’t take no for an answer, he assumes

“Almost as soon as I entered the house I singled you out as the companion of my future life” (103)

- He chooses her, almost as if he is shopping for a wife

o the car doesn’t care who buys it, but the wife has a say – he just assumes that she will accept him because he wants her

- He does attributes personality to her, but her happiness is not a part of the equation, it isn’t factored in

- Is there flattery in his proposal?

o No – he thinks that it is flattering to Elizabeth that she is chosen by him, but he goes on to say that it is also because he thinks it will make him happy and that Lady Catherine told him to find a gentle woman

o His words are not about to sweep her off her feet

o The big treat of their marriage would be that Lady Catherine would visit her – that doesn’t set her heart aflutter

- He brings up her father’s death during the proposal – Elizabeth and her dad are extremely close – not a good move on Collins’ part

o then he even brings up that her mother will die eventually

Her answer to him is polite, respectful – she sees that he is trying to pay him a compliment, but simply says that accepting it would be “impossible” (104)

Why isn’t she more annoyed with him?

He isn’t discouraged by her rejection – he says that this is how women behave, that he should try again and again until she accepts him (seeing as he has SO much experience with women --- sarcasm, of course)

- then he brings up Lady Catherine again

- then he mentions qualifications – as if it were a job interview

- he tried to find logic in love, but there is none – he can’t understand logically why she wouldn’t want to marry him

- he even says that she may not get another proposal of marriage in her life, despite her looks, so she should reconsider

Mrs. Bennet is on the same page as Mr. Collins: “She is a very headstrong foolish girl, and does not know her own interest; but I will make her know it” (108)

When Mr. Collins switches to Charlotte from Elizabeth, she has a hard time with this

- she sees her parents as not real partners with the intimacy of marriage – she doesn’t want that for her friend, has a hard time imagining her friend having a repulsive relationship

4. Distinctions of rank

"You are uniformly charming!" cried he, with an air of awkward gallantry; "and I am persuaded that when sanctioned by the express authority of both your excellent parents, my proposals will not fail of being accetable" (Chapter 19, pages 106: Penguin Classics).

Here we see unbelievable arrogance in Mr. Collins, convinced that Elizabeth will not reject his marriage proposal. His behavior and personality has changed consdierbaly in the following chapters were even Mrs. Bennet "cannot bear to think that [Charlotte and Mr. Collins] should have all this estate," and "why should [Mr. Collins] have it more than anybody else" (Chapter 23, page 128: Penguin Classics). I can handle Mr. Darcy's arrogance, but I am not willing to tolerate Mr. Collins' attitude. At least Mr. Darcy displays some politeness in certain occasions and speaks fondly and repsectfully of Elizabeth, always making sure she is comfortable and isn't forced to do anything she doesn't care to dive into.

Darcy/Bingley + Sisters = Trouble

"'Mr. Darcy is impatient to see his sister... My brother admires her greatly already; he will have frequent opportunity now of seeing her on the most intimate footing; her relations all wish the connection as much as his own; and a sister's partiality is not misleading me, I think, when I call Charles most capable of engaging any woman's heart" (middle of chapter 21).

Mr. Darcy, who has seemed to hate everyone and not have many friends, deeply cares for his sister. Although we only get a little information, we can deduce that he is "impatient" and wants to see her. The arrival of Miss Darcy spells trouble for Jane, as Mr. Bingley's relationship with her is described as "intimate" by his sister, Miss Bingley. Whether Mr. Bingley actually has feelings for Miss Darcy or his sister is just trying to get more time with Mr. Darcy, Jane is thrust into doubt about her relationship with Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth points out "she is the more anxious to get Miss Darcy for her brother, from the one notion that when there has been one intermarriage, she may have less trouble in achieving a second" with Mr. Bingley (chap 21). His sisters are the ones keeping him in town, hoping that his attachment to Jane can be forgotten. Ever backing her sister up and supporting her, Elizabeth is worried, for Jane's sake, that "the united efforts of his town unfeeling sisters and of his overpowering friend, assisted by the attractions of Miss Darcy and the amusements of London, might be too much, she feared, for the strength of his attachment" (end of chapter 23). While Jane and Elizabeth support and help each other, Mr. Bingley's Sisters only think about their own ambitions.

Parenting

"Mr. Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society- the greatest part of his life having been spent under the guidance of an illiterate and miserly father," (52).

This small description of Mr. Collins lends insight into how one's childhood upbringing shapes their identity in adulthood. While Collins' upbringing was one of humility and reserve, he quickly turns self-righteous and oblivious to his surroundings. Collins watched the mistakes that his father made as he grew up, and over-compensated for them in his own adult life. He has clearly never worked for anything as his father did and is completely unaware of the feelings and beliefs of the people he surrounds himself with. This scene provides an interesting insight into how a parents actions effect their children. It seems the general sentiment is that children often act in ways similar to their parents, however here we see Collins deliberately choosing a life completely opposite that which his father provided for him.

4. Distinctions of rank

"She has the reputation of being remarkably sensible and clever; but I rather believe she derives part of her abilities from her rank and fortune, part from her her authoriative manner, and the rest from pride of her nephew, who chuses that every one connected with him should have an understanding of first class" (Chapter 16, pages 82: Penguin Classics).

In this quote we get Mr. Wickam's perspective of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, which is completely different than Mr. Collins' perspective. I find it interesting that Mr. Wickam uses words such as authoriative, first class, and rank and fortune, yet Mr. Collins says she is a classy women who happens to be "of a distinguised birth" and fails to abuse her power (Chpater 14. pages 66: Penguin Classics). I believe this is the first time in the novel where a character's rank is questioned, unlike that of Mr. Darcy. Everyone knows that Mr. Darcy is arrogant, but most of the characters believe he is arrogant all the time, when Mr. Wickam goes onto describe that Mr. Darcy's "pride never deserts him; but with the rich, he is liberal-minded, just, sincere, rational, honourable, and perhaps agreeable,--allowing for fortune and figure" (Chapter 16, pages 81: Penguin Classics). I believe that this is the first instance where we see rank through a different perspective, the perspective of Mr. Wickam, giving us more insight about how he views the world and how rank personally effects him.

Parenting

"the greatest part of his life having been spent under the guidance of an illiterate and miserly father... the subjection in which his father had brought him up, had given him originally great humility of manner, but it was now a good deal counteracted by the self-conceit of a weak head, living in retirement, and the consequential feelings of early and unexpected prosperity" (69).

Mr. Collins, though initially refined from his modest upbringing and his father's lack of education, has transformed from a humble and grateful man to one full of conceit and self-righteousness. He grew up with very little, but now that he has learned to provide for himself and overcome the setback that was his father, he has lost his previous sense of humility. The reader sees Collins act wildly oblivious in social settings and even condescending towards the Bennets, due to his superior financial situation. Any implication of a reserved, respectful man who understands the concept of modesty has been nearly entirely wiped out. He now does not need to work or endure any kind of struggle, unlike his father had to do in order to provide for Collins, and as a result, he feels no need to suppress boastful feelings or tame any comment that may come off as rude or insensitive.

4. Distinctions of rank

"A fortunate change had recommended him to Lady Catherine de Bourgh when the living of Hunsford was vacant; and the respect which he felt for her high rank, and his veneration for her as his patroness, mingling with a very good opinion of himself, of his authority as a clergyman, and his rights as a rector, made him altogether a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility" (Chapter 15, page 69: Penguin Classics).

I really liked this passage, because Mr. Collins knows that he is inferior to Lady Catherine de Bourgh. This statement may be untrue to some, but most men are very arrogant and consider themselves the highest on the social ladder, like that of Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Collins demonstrates his acceptance that some people may be of a higher rank then he. However, this moment in the text is the first where I see that the person in the higher position of rank isn't abusing their power. Even Mr. Collins abuses his rank when he invites himself over to Mr. Bennet's home. Lady Catherine, from what I've seen, has extraordinary class for her rank. She really knows how to exercise her power non-abusively, and despite her rank, appears to those inferior to her like Mr. Collins. Mr. Collins cannot find a single flaw in Lady Catherine's nature where he even goes so far as to comment she "is far superior to the handsomest of her sex; because there is that in her features which marks the young woman of a distinguished birth" (Chapter 14, pages 66: Penguin Classics).

Images of Marriage: Mr. Collins

"Having now a good house and very sufficient income, he intended to marry" (69)

Mr. Collins perfectly follows the "universally acknowledged" truth from the beginning of the novel, "that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife" (5). Despite the fact that his rank and fortune were presented to him by an outside source (Lady Catherine), Mr. Collins does have a sizable fortune at his disposal. Since he is single, Mr. Collins feels that he needs a wife, and intends to marry one of the Bennet daughters to fill that void in his life. He has no preference among the sisters, and it seems his preference towards the Bennets in general is simply as "atonement ... for inheriting their father's estate" (69).

4. Distinctions of rank

"In his library he had been always sure of lesiure and tranquility; and though prepared, as he told Elizabeth, to meet with folly and conceit in every other room in the house, he was used to be free from them there; his civility, therefore, was most prompt in inviting Mr. Collings to join his daughters in their walk; and Mr. Collins, being in fact much better fitted for a walker than a reader, was extremely well pleased to close his large book, and go" (Chapter 15, page 70: Penguin Classics).

Even though Austen describes Mr. Collins as "not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society," he appears as Mr. Bennet's superior (Chapter 15, page 69: Penguin Classics). Mr. Collins is the guest of Mr. Bennet's home, where therefore he must respect the host. Mr. Collins believes he can do whatever he desires while visiting the Bennet's residence, because he will soon own all of their property. He believes he has the right to go about his business about the house, when usually the host has planned activities. Mr. Collins is indeed a significant figure in Mr. Bennet's life, but I find it interesting how Mr. Collins doesn't approach Mr. Bennet's daughter and wife and discuss with them if they are fine with him taking their property. However, I also believe that Mr. Bennet, not necessarily portrayed in this passage, is acting as a superior to the rest of his family. I understand that he is the man of the family and is repsonsible for making big decisions, but I find it surprising that he doesn't approach his wife or daughters about the circumstances. It sounds like Mr. Bennet doesn't have much time to spend with his daughters and should confront them about issues regarding their property. By confronting them, he will be able to establish their trust, which they don't seem like they currently share with him.

Close Sisters

"As they walked home, Elizabeth related to Jane what she had seen pass between the two gentlemen; but though Jan would have defended either or both, had they appeared to be wrong, she could not more explain such behaviour than her sister" (second to last paragraph of chapter 15)

Jane's and Elizabeth's close relationship is revealed when Elizabeth tells Jane about the reactions of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham. Elizabeth cares about her older sister and walked a few miles to visit Jane when she was sick at the Bingleys. She is fully aware of Mr. Bingley's attraction toward her sister while largely oblivious of the attention coming from Mr. Darcy. It will be interesting to see if their relationship deepens or breaks apart as their relationships with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy evolve. The other pair of Bennett sister's, Lydia and Catherine, are also close as they are continually talking about the officers in town together. Mary, as the middle child, is kind of the black sheep concerned with books and advancing her knowledge.

Day Two of Discussion

Here's our big question of the day for Chapters 7 -10, and here's a rough transcript of our discussion.

Why is Darcy attracted to Elizabeth, and why can't she see that he's so attracted to her?

Darcy focuses on her eyes, but there's more than just a physical attraction; there's something mysterious about her.

He does try to cover up his feelings for her; the only reason that he would be looking at her is that he finds something wrong. Look at page 50.

Making eye contact with someone gives you a deep connection with someone. He sees something different in her from all the other young women.

He likes the fact that she is opinionated. She can bicker with him.

She's unlike the other girls who might be smitten with him; when he looks at her and they almost make eye contact, she doesn't run over to him. She makes him make the move. There's a thrill of the chase.

Look at their conversation about the accomplished woman in Chapter VIII. Bingley points to a blue print that makes a woman accomplished: she can sing, draw, dance. It's a mold.

Darcy adds something new and progressive: he agrees with Bingley's definition but adds a new dimension: "improvement of her mind by extensive reading." Reading is a more serious pursuit; it gives a woman different perspectives of the world. Reading gains you entry into different worlds.

Look at Chapter X, when they talk about persuasion. Their thoughts, though in opposition, and language mirror one another. Only the two of them share this space verbally. No one has the capacity to discourse with them.

The fact that Elizabeth isn't flashy or showy attracts Mr. Darcy to her.

She also catches his eye when she arrives in Netherfield. He thinks about what she did for Jane and notes "the brilliancy which exercise had given to her complexion." He's attracted to her.

So, why isn't she aware of his affection for her?

He looks down upon her, and she gossips about him. She put him in a different category.

She doesn't think of him as a possible option from get go.

His arrogant nature is something that she wants to avoid; she doesn't want to pursue him.

She misreads him. Maybe she doesn't want to be hurt by him and raise her family's hopes for their union.

She's like her mom, who immediately writes him off.

First Steps of Intimacy

"and turning round he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own"
Here, Mr. Darcy enters the steps of intimacy with Elizabeth with number one by looking at her body, but does not feel it appropriate to take a step up by meeting in eye contact. The steps should be taken in order and should not move too fast by either party. If a relationship moves too fast for one party, it will be a failed relationship. Mr. Darcy does not feel comfortable with a progressing relationship and therefore keeps their relationship at a "one."

Parenting

"The business of her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and news" (7 - last paragraph in chapter 1).

This quote artfully summarizes Mrs. Bennet's ideology when it comes to her life as a mother. She must make sure that all of her five daughters are married, starting with the eldest. This was the main concern of her days, and all other matters fell second to it. The reader sees her in this opening chapter being dramatically excited when news that a young, eligible, and rich bachelor will soon arrive, and she immediately delves into discussions with her husband about how to introduce their daughters. Though this type of an overly assertive matchmaker may seem somewhat out of place in today's world, during this period, her attitude may not be all that appalling; if she does not find all of her daughters husbands, and wealthy ones at that, she will have 'failed' at her motherly duty, and as a result could be shunned or exiled from society or forever lose at a high social status.

Courtship

"And taking her hand, he would have given it to Mr. Darcy, who, though extremely surprised, was not unwilling to receive it, when she instantly drew back" (27)

Following the fourteen steps of intimacy (see link at bottom), as most traditional romances tend to do, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth start out on the right foot, beginning by observing and making eye contact, and even conversing. However, when Mr. Darcy is paired with Elizabeth by Mr. Williams, Elizabeth "drew back," indicating that she is not ready to continue on to the fourth step of intimacy, despite having completed the first three. Also, an interesting change in dynamics has occurred between the two, as now Mr. Darcy is prepared to move on the the next level in their relationship, despite his initial objections. It will be interesting to see which of the pair will pursue further advancement in the fourteen steps as their relationship develops.

The Marriage of Mr. and Mrs.Bennet

"Mr. Bennet was so odd mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three and twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character" (last paragraph of chapter 1).

From this sentence alone we can see that Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's marriage was not one that was gone into out of love. I think it more add to do with convience, they don't seem to work well together or have the same values. Mrs. Bennet wants to see all her daughters get married, that being her goal in life and Mr. Bennet does not seem to think that it needs to be such a big deal. Mr. Bennet thinks of his wife as more of a friend, than he does a spouse, which is why he continuously makes jokes about her. I think their marriage is going to effect how they look at the marriages of their daughters, and what they feel is appropriate.

4. Distinctions of rank

"The gentlemen pronounced him to be a fine figure of a man, the ladies declared he was much hansomer than Mr. Bingley, and he was looked at with great admiration for about half the evening, till his manners gave a disgust which turned the tide of his popularity; for he was discovered to be proud, to be above his company, and above being pleased; and not all his large estate in Derbyshire should save him from having a most forbidding, disagreeable countenance, and being unworthy to be compared with his friend" (Chapter 3, Penguin Classics: page 12).

By this description, right of the back, the reader is able to create a clear picture about the nature of Mr. Darcy. He is the stubborn and arrogant like many currently high school boys, yet girls such as Elizabeth Bennet, have an eye for him. By being extraordinarily wealthy, Mr. Darcy thinks he has the freedom to treat and act towards people in a disrespectful manner. Yet, what Mr. Darcy hasn't come to realize is that wealth does not relate to someone's class. You can be the poorest person in the world and still have class. We really see Mr. Darcy's arrogant nature at the ball gathering, where he believes he is too good to dance with any girl. Elizabeth seems to find something in Mr. Darcy that she is intrigued by him, but Jane points out how Elizabeth is incredibly naive in this situation. I personally don't like Mr. Darcy (sorry Phil I know you like him), but he is the typical kind of guy that girls NEED and SHOULD avoid at ALL times. Mr. Darcy reminds me of Cecil, but the extreme version.

Images of Marriage

"Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance." (24)

This statement supplements the description of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's marriage that Sandra wrote perfectly. Many of the marriages of this time were marriages of convenience, and it appears to that Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's marriage was just that. Although we don't know the full circumstances of their union, their apparent incompatibility and lack of mutual understanding or appreciation suggest that they did not marry out of love. Happiness in marriage is, therefore, entirely a matter of chance, because many couples did not have the good fortune of marrying for love, meaning that there was no guarantee of an affinity between a husband and wife.

"Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three and twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character. Her mind was less difficult to develop. She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper," (3).

Just three pages into our new book, we get the first glimpse of the relationship that lies between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. This quote manages to sum up their relationship pretty well. Despite the 20 years they have spent together as husband and wife, they still don't seem to understand each other. It is clear from the characteristics listed for each of them, they have very different personalities and their marriage appears to be one of convenience. After just the first few pages they come off as having a very poor marriage and Mr. Bennet shows little respect or care towards Mrs. Bennet. He continuously teases and prods her (though she doesn't seem to notice), but I am sure these small "jokes" will eventually account for more. It will be interesting to see how their relationship plays out, as well as how their relationship- this marriage their daughters have grown up experiencing- will effect the the budding romances of their children.

Our class today

Today was our first class discussion of the novel. We had to do a family tree of the Bennet family to clarify who was who, and that led to a discussion about the key figures in the family. We looked at Chapter I and took note of the marriage between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. We then focused on Jane and Elizabeth and their suitors. We noted Bingley's immediate fondness for Jane and Darcy's rudeness at the Meryton. We also noted Darcy's shift in attitude toward Elizabeth and how they go through the first two steps to intimacy.

We then, of course, spent time dissecting the first line of the text and how our five lenses relate to the Austen's opening social commentary.

The students will start posting their observations tonight!

Phil

Introduction.

Hello there. My name is Phil Gutierrez, and I'm the Director of Admission and an English teacher at The Branson School in Marin County, CA (www.branson.org). I've been teaching English at Branson since 1994, and this spring, my class of nine juniors and I will be reading Jane Austen's wonderful novel, Pride and Prejudice.

My friend, Chair of the English Department, and noted romance writer, Kate Moore (www.katemoore.com) gave me five lenses through which to examine Austen's novel:

1. Parenting
2. Images of Marriage
3. Sisters
4. Distinctions of rank
5. Courtship practices

I've assigned specific students to each one of these lenses, and they'll report their findings regularly over the next six weeks.

I hope you enjoy our findings.

Phil