"'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.
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Dear Otherside,
ReplyDeleteYou've picked a great moment here. Darcy's proposal leaves Elizabeth in tears. First, the proposal is horrendous. Though we don't hear many of Darcy's actual words, the summation is clear. He states every reason not to love her and then asks her to marry him. (Men can be really clueless, I guess.) Then he defends his decision to separate Bingley from Jane. How one treats one's sister is a major concern for Austen. Elizabeth loves Jane dearly, and anyone who harms Jane incurs Elizabeth's wrath. I'm curious to see what you think of Darcy's letter, in which he explains the actions he took to remove Bingley from Netherfield. Great work!