2) Please respond to the text. Use 2-3 direct examples from the novel, and make predictions. Where do you see the novel going from here? What clues do you see Austen leaving for us to ponder? Also, please ask me questions. Let me know what you would like to discuss. What is confusing? What would you like to discuss further?
"Got Bingley?"
"Not if I can help it!"
"May I have the next dance...and your hand in marriage, Cousin Elizabeth?"
"I would rather marry a Wookie, sir!"
AAAARRRRHHHH! AAARRH!
(Translation: "Hey, Lizzy! Wassup!")
I think Austen wants us to be curious as to what the future is with her and Mr.Bingley because that is the main relationship, “As Elizabeth had no longer any interest of her own to pursue, she turned her attention almost entirely on her sister and Mr. Bingley; and the train of agreeable reflections which her observations gave birth to, made her perhaps almost as happy as Jane.” I think this quote perfectly shows how relationships were the main goal during this time and were basically a woman’s only way to support herself. I think that Austen wants us to be curious about this relationship because relationships were such a big deal bag then and I think she is trying to highlight that fact throughout the book. I also think Mrs. Bennet’s reaction to elizabeth saying no to Mr. Collins is very entertaining, “But, depend upon it, Mr. Collins,” she added, “that Lizzy shall be brought to reason. I will speak to her about it directly. She is a very headstrong, foolish girl, and does not know her own interest but I will make her know it.” Throughout the book we learn that Mrs. Bennet does not believe in marrying for love but this is definitely a turning point when we truly see how she views marriage. I’m also very curious as to what will happen with Mr. Bingley, will he ever come back?
ReplyDeleteI think it’s funny that when Elizabeth experiences the feeling that Jane had felt when she was with Mr. Bingley she changes her mind about first impressions and instantly liking someone even though you haven’t known them for a long time. I’m curious to see if now Jane will take Elizabeth’s stance and say that she hasn’t known him for a long or if they’re just going to just like these two men together with rose-colored glasses. I also really like what Austen did when she was writing the ball scene. When Elizabeth was at the ball, is said that “[Elizabeth] had dressed with more than usual care, and prepared in the highest spirits for the conquest of all that remained unsubdued in his heart” (61). I like it because even though she means she did it for Mr. Wickham, it ended up working on Mr. Darcy. When I read it, I thought back to the first ball when Mr. Bingley told him to dance with Elizabeth and he said she was pretty but not enough to tempt me. So I think that this Austen saying that Mr. Darcy fancies Elizabeth and the way she is telling us this is with their actions and not their words. Now we also know that Darcy thinks she misunderstands many people so if Darcy wants to get her attention, he has to try to get it and I think that’s going to be hard for him. I also think that Mrs. Bennet is going to get in the way of Darcy and Elizabeth getting together. When Elizabeth says no to Collins proposal she says, “‘But, depend upon it, Mr. Collins,”’ she added, ‘“that Lizzy shall be brought to reason. I will speak to her about it directly. She is a very headstrong, foolish girl, and does not know her own interest but I will make her know it.”’ Even though we think of Mrs. Bennet as a very foolish and comical character, she is very set on getting her daughter married to someone very rich. She doesn’t like Darcy and she doesn’t get that he likes Elizabeth so I think she’s going to try and keep getting Elizabeth married off even though Darcy is right here. I’m curious to see what else she does to get her daughters to meet the right people. My only question is why doesn’t Mrs. Bennet consider Mr. Darcy as a suitor for one of her daughters? We know she doesn’t like him because he was rude but we saw the things that she did for Jane to get Mr. Bingley so why doesn’t she do the same for Darcy?
ReplyDeleteNow that we’ve really gotten to know the characters in Pride and Prejudice, I found that these chapters (pg 58-91) have been the most enjoyable. Lots of scandal and drama unfolding, starting with the fact that the Bingley’s invite the Bennetts and Mr. Collins to their Netherfield Ball. My favorite part from the whole ball scene is when Mr. Collins tells Elizabeth he is going to go introduce himself to Mr. Darcy. “Pardon me for neglecting to profit from your advice, which on every other subject shall be my constant guide, though in the case before us I consider myself more fitted by education and habitual study to decide on what is right than a young lady like yourself” (67). Now, this reply from Mr. Collins, gives off rather rude and sexist remarks towards Elizabeth, but it’s also just Mr. Collins ignorant nature. He’s biting the hand thats trying to feed him. Elizabeth is trying to save him from Mr. Darcy’s wrath. I also really enjoyed Mr. Collins marriage proposal to Elizabeth at the Longbourn estate after breakfast. Obviously as the reader, we know that Elizabeth doesn’t like him in that way and she most certainly doesn’t want to marry him. But Mr. Collins believes that all ladies act defiantly, but in their hearts they always mean yes. “That it is unusual for young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for the favor; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second or even a third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged from what you have just said, and shall hope to lead you to the alter ere long” (74). Mr. Collins has a hard time understanding that no means no, and he continues to pester her with the idea of marriage. I thought this scene was pretty funny and also rather concerning. Especially when Ms. Bennett says if Elizabeth doesn’t marry him, she won’t speak to her again. I predict volume two is going to be full of much more gossip and hopefully more prospects for the Bennett sisters.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading chapter 17 through 23, I was surprised by Elizabeth’s comment to Mr. Darcy while they were on the dance floor. She said to him “We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to prosperity with all the eclat of a proverb”(63). While I do agree with the fact that the two are similar, I was surprised that she thought so. I thought she thought that she and Mr. Darcy were complete opposites and would never get along due to this. I also found it funny that Elizabeth rejected Mr. Collins about 5 times and each time, he never got a hint that she really wasn’t interested. He says “I am not one to learn, that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man who they secretly mean to accept, … and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second or even a third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said, and shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long”(74). He could see that she was repeatedly rejecting him but it took her about 5 tries for him to really understand that she really meant what she was saying. I was honestly really surprised he gave up on trying and even went as far as ignoring her. But I did wonder why Mrs. Bennet was so persistent on Elizabeth marrying Mr. Collins when she has 3 other daughters who could marry him or why she is so persistent on Elizabeth not being with anyone other than Mr. Collins. I think that Mr. Bingley is going to regret leaving and he is soon going to come back for Jane so they can be together and I think Mr. Darcy may be a part of convincing him of that so he too could go back to Netherfield to see Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteI find it very interesting as to why Darcy would hold the little inheritance that his father was going to give to Mr. Wickham. This is interesting as she instinctively likes and trusts Wickham and accepts his story without talking to Darcy which I believe introduces her prejudice. I also find it interesting that Miss. Bingley tells Elizabeth not to trust Mr. Wickham, “So, Miss Eliza, I hear you are quite delighted with George Wick- ham! Your sister has been talking to me about him, and asking me a thousand questions; and I find that the young man quite forgot to tell you, among his other communication, that he was the son of old Wick- ham, the late Mr. Darcy’s steward. Let me recommend you, however, as a friend, not to give implicit confidence to all his assertions; for as to Mr. Darcy’s using him ill, it is perfectly false; for, on the contrary, he has always been remarkably kind to him, though George Wickham has treated Mr. Darcy in a most infamous manner”(67). Here, it seems as if Jane Austen is giving us something to ponder on, is Mr Wickham lying? Earlier on, Elizabeth is focused on being ready for the ball expecting Mr. Wickham to be there, “Elizabeth had dressed with more than usual care, and prepared in the highest spirits for the conquest of all that remained unsubdued in his heart” (61). This quote is very interesting as it shows that Elizabeth is very interested in Mr. Wickham as she dressed with more than usual just for this occasion. It is funny how he doesn’t end up coming due to Mr. Darcy.
ReplyDeleteAlex Rogoff
In chapters 17-23 many events occur which affect many of the characters. To start the Ball at Netherfield ends up being a complete disaster for Bennet the sisters. Elizabeth was excited to dance with Mr. Wickham who ends up not even attending. Instead she has an awkward dance and conversation with Mr. Darcy. In chapter 20 we find out Mr. Collins is going to propose to Elizebeth. It ends up being a complete fail and leads to Elizebeth rejecting him. Mr. Collins doesn’t take a hint and believes Elizebeth is just being elegant and will accept his proposal later on. “I do assure you, sir, that I have no pretensions whatever to that kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable man.” (77) However, that is not the case because Elizebeth has no feelings for him. Elizabeth finds herself in a predicament because her mother threatens to never see her again if she refuses Mr. Collins proposal. “Oh! Mr. Bennet, you are wanted immediately; we are all in an uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr. Collins, for she vows she will not have him” (79). But on the contrary, her father threatens the same thing but if she accepts Mr. Collins offer. We then find out that the Bingley’s and the Hurst’s have left Netherfield and have no plans on returning any time soon. Mr. Bingley’s sister could be at fault for this because she doesn’t want Jane to marry her brother. In chapter 22 we find out Charlotte Lucus and Mr. Collins plan on getting married. This is big news for her because she is twenty-seven years old and could use a man like Mr. Collins to support her. I predict that Mr. Bingley will return to Netherfield to propose to Jane because I feel he has strong feelings for her.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading chapter 17 through 23, I was shocked that Elizabeth was comparing her self to Mr. Darcy. She compared herself to him at the ball by saying “We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to prosperity with all the eclat of a proverb”(65). I never thought that Elizabeth would compare herself to him because of how much she dislikes Mr. Darcy. I also found it interesting that Mr. Collins asked Elizabeth to marry him after only knowing her for a short period of time. The most shocking part about this is that he expected her to say yes and when she said no he replied with “that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second, or even a third time.” (76). Mr.Collins believes that even though Elizabeth said no, she actually wants to marry him. Elizabeth quickly assures him that she really doesn't want to marry him by saying “Upon my word, sir,” cried Elizabeth, “your hope is a rather extraordinary one after my declaration. I do assure you that I am not one of those young ladies (if such young ladies there are) who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the chance of being asked a second time. I am perfectly serious in my refusal.”(76). In the second part of “Pride and Prejudice” I believe that the other Bennett sisters will come into play more. I also find it interesting that Mr.Darcy the one who didn't like Netherfield in the first place stayed there longer then Mr.Bingley who absolutely loved it.
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ReplyDeleteIn chapters XVII-XXIII, Jane Austen wants us to be intrigued about the relationships that the Bennet’s are currently in. First of all, Mr. Wickham does not show up to the ball even after being asked which in turn, mad Elizabeth dance with Mr. Darcy. When dancing Darcy says “they were again silent till they had gone down the dance when he asked her if she and her sisters did not very often walk to Meryton. She answered in the affirmative, and, unable to resist the temptation, added, "When you met us there the other day, we had just been forming a new acquaintance" (143). This is the most upfront Darcy has been with Elizabeth about how he feels about her. Elizabeth immediately changes the subject to Mr. Wickham, thinking Darcy was just saying that out of spite. Throughout these chapters, Elizabeth is between this love triangle, now love square because of Mr. Wickham. Mr. Collins proposes to her and of course, Elizabeth declines because she likes Mr. Wickham. These chapters are mostly about Elizabeth and who she will marry or who likes her. “I do assure you, sir, that I have no pretensions whatever to that kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable man. I would rather be paid the compliment of being believed sincere. I thank you again and again for the honour you have done me in your proposals, but to accept them is absolutely impossible. My feelings in every respect forbid it. Can I speak plainer? Do not consider me now as an elegant female intending to plague you, but as a rational creature speaking the truth from her heart" (170). Elizabeth declines his proposal because she likes Mr. Wickham at this time, and also does not like Mr. Collins at all. Austen wants us to know what’s happening with all these characters which are all tied to Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteMatt Gaetano
ReplyDeleteAfter finishing Vol. 1 of “Pride and Prejudice”, I think we get a very detailed understanding of what’s to come. We see that Elizabeth is in a bit of a love triangle with Mr. Darcy and Miss Bingley. Miss Bingley has feelings for Mr. Darcy who is starting to show his affection for Lizzy to others around her. My favorite part of volume one was when Lizzy and her parents were deciding whether it is better for Elizabeth to marry Mr. Collins or not. After Ms. Bennet says that she will never talk to Elizabeth if she doesn’t marry Mr. Collins, Mr. Bennet responds, “An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do” (77). I think it is very funny that Mr. Bennet opposes Mrs. Bennet because he understands Elizabeth’s feelings against Mr. Collins. (However, I think Mr. Bennet opposes his wife just for the sake of it). I also find it interesting that Jane thought that Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham were deceived: “They have both … been deceived, I dare say, in some way or other, of which we can form no idea. Interested people have perhaps misrepresented each to the other. It is, in short, impossible for us to conjecture the causes or circumstances which may have alienated them, without actual blame on either side” (58). Jane thinks both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham were deceived, but I think that Jane and Elizabeth were the ones who were deceived. I don’t really trust Wickham very much. He seems that he can get away with anything because he is so likeable. I think Elizabeth will realize this and marry Mr. Darcy after all. I think Miss Bingley wrote to the Bennet girls because she wants to let them know that she doesn’t want her brother to marry down to the Bennet family. Despite this, I think Jane will still be able to marry Mr. Bingley.
As the story begins to develop, we see more and more character interactions, with us getting to know the characters more and more every conflict. At the ball that took place on Tuesday, We see Mr. Wickman and Mr. Darcy exchange conversation with Elizabeth’s presence, which is significant for we know that Mr. Whickham too has a thing for Elizabeth. “Jane pictured to herself a happy evening in the society of her two friends, and the attentions of her brother; and Elizabeth thought with pleasure of dancing a great deal with Mr. Wickham, and of seeing a confirmation of everything in Mr. Darcy’s look and behavior” (59). But the main interaction that piqued my attention was Mr. Collins over the top speech asking for Elizabeth’s hand in marriage. “My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have the highest opinion in the world in your excellent judgement in all matters within the scope of your understanding; but permit me to say, that there must be a wide difference between the established forms of ceremony amongst the laity, and those which regulate the clergy; for, give me leave to observe that I consider the clerical office as equal in point of dignity with the highest rank in the kingdom—provided that a proper humility of behaviour is at the same time maintained. You must therefore allow me to follow the dictates of my conscience on this occasion, which leads me to perform what I look on as a point of duty” (67). Elizabeth replies with a resounding no, as she has more interest in Mr. Wickman and Mr. Darcy over Mr. Collins, “You are too hasty, sir,” she cried. “You forget that I have made no answer. Let me do it without further loss of time. Accept my thanks for the compliment you are paying me. I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than to decline them” (74). I’m curious to find out whether Elizabeth chooses to go with either Mr. Darcy, Mr. Wickman, but not Mr. Collins who marries Charlotte Lucas.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Mr. Bennett is going to die and leave the rest of the Bennett family without any money. Mr. Collins and Charlotte will move into the house and the Bennett’s will be living on the street. Mrs. Bennett seems to be worried about pride along with her family; worried that Miss lucas would kick them out of their own house. “It is very hard to think that Charlotte Lucas should be the mistress of this house” (pg.90) speaking on her jealousy of Miss lucas taking her house from her. I think that Mr. Wickham will slowly start to unlike Elizabeth after she has moved into poverty. I also think that Mrs. Bingley is going to try to force Mr. Bingley away from the Bennett family so keep Darcy away from Elizabeth. I’m unsure if she’ll try to marry her brother to Darcy’s sister and then herself to Darcy because of the family complication but during that time period family seemed to marry within some ways. I also think we’re going to see a different side of Mr. Wickham in the coming chapters. He’s clearly up to something and I’m curious to see what it is.
ReplyDeleteBen Weeden
After reading the next set of chapters in the novel, I believe there are a lot of signs leading towards a conflict in the near future of the novel. With Elizabeth being told not to trust Darcy nor Wickham, and with Bingley returning to the city with rumors of him possibly marrying the sister of Darcy, there is a lot of potential stress which will end up in disaster. When Mr. Denny is talking to Elizabeth about why Mr. Wickham had not attended the ball, he says, “‘I do not imagine his business would have called him away just now, if he had not wished to avoid a certain gentleman there”’(61). If Wickham resents Darcy enough to not attend a gathering in the town, then there becomes a situation where only one of the two men will be able to stay in town long term. Through his actions, Wickham is basically telling Darcy that the town isn’t big enough for the two of them and that means there is likely to be a fallout where one of these two characters is forced to leave the town for good. Another possible conflict for the future of the novel could be between the Bingley ladies and the Bennet ladies. In chapter XXIII, the narrator says, “Even Elizabeth began to fear - not that Bingley was indifferent - but that his sisters would be successful in keeping him away”(90). Due to the economic differences between the Bingley family and the Bennett family, the Bingley sisters do not want Mr. Bingley to marry Jane as it would look bad on their family to marry lower social classes. So, the Bingley ladies are going to try and get rid of any chance of a Bennet-Bingley marriage from happening. This may cause problems, however, because Jane is relying on marrying Bingley so she can become economically stable for when her father passes. There is an obvious chance of a conflict between the females in both families formulating due to both families’ interests.
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