2) Please re-read the letters from Jane Austen's novel.
3) Choose a character from Pride & Prejudice and take on that persona. Think about a character you want to write to as you...
4) ...compose a letter explaining your experience reading this novel (Use the rubric below)
5) Post the letter to Turnitin.com. Our class is Survey of British Literature.
Class ID is: 22103888 Enrollment key is: janeausten
6) Post your letter in this blog space to share with your classmates.
7) The letter is due Friday, October 25th.
8) THIS IS WORTH A MAJOR GRADE, SO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY.
"Is Lord Pellerin losing his mind? This assessment sounds quite bonkers, indeed."
Example of Greatness from Last Year's Class:
Dear Lady Catherine de Bourgh,
It is of greatest honor that I write to such a prestigious
and honorable character like yourself, and I write with hopes of neither
displeasing nor angering your ladyship. As a clergyman upon your grounds, I
have dedicated my life to the propriety and wellbeing of those who pass through
the fields of Rosings Park, and with such responsibility, I bring your
attention upon a novel I have discovered in the library of my lovely Charlotte.
Though “My dear Charlotte and I have but one mind and one way of
thinking”(181), being in possession of this book does not conclude that I agree
with its contents. Your ladyship is most kind and polite, so I entreat your
ladyship to not think that in revealing the contents of Pride and Prejudice I
mean to harm.
When reading a book, I am always looking for the accuracy
and enjoyment I may pull from within its pages. When time allowed it, for I am
a very determined and diligent man of my trade, I looked for such themes. When
describing the homes and style of living, I dare say that it was rather
agreeable. When recounting events or things of the past, I have found it most
effective and poetic when comparing what I mean to explain to something found
in pleasant society. In establishing a connection with whom I speak with, it
may also be pleasing to the ears. So, while reading this novel, I found that
the environment for the story was very well done, and in doing so was rather
like the scenery in a painting in which it provides a backdrop to the plot.
Though, I must add, when the plot reached your abode, Lady Catherine, it could
not encapsulate the grandeur and magnificence of where within you reside.
However, was it ever deemed possible to fit the beauty of Rosings Park into
words? Neither a painting nor a book could ever give the halls of your manor
justice.
Now, Lady Catherine, I must provide the misfortune of the
plot to your ladyship. Though to some it may be tolerable, and dare I say
enjoyable, its vulgarity and ill judgement of my patroness could never tempt
me. I am a man of integrity, and such insults thrust upon myself and my
ladyship are unforgivable. It begins in the home of the Bennet family, and
unfairly follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet, whom though I may have
affection for, since she is my cousin, I believe her tales are far less
entertaining than yours. Her wit and intelligence catches the attention of your
nephew, Mr. Darcy. Though maybe in another setting their match would have been
agreeable, Mr. Darcy should have been alongside your wonderful daughter. It was
enjoyable to observe her change in perception of your nephew over the course of
the book, since I already knew that any relative of Lady Catherine de Bourgh
must be well natured. It was particularly interesting when after reading the
contents of Mr. Darcy’s letter how quickly her opinion changes. As she
understands her mistakes, “She grew absolutely ashamed of herself. - Of neither
Darcy nor Wickham could she think, without feeling that she had blind, partial,
prejudiced, absurd”(174) and quickly sees the amiability of the young Mr.
Darcy. Now, like the pulling of a bandage from a festering wound, I must
endeavor to describe what this book thinks of your ladyship and myself as
quickly as possible. First, upon my arrival at Longbourn, I intended to present
myself with the utmost formality. However, when reading this book, I discovered
that I was not thought as highly. After praising your gardens, “Mr Bennet’s
expectations were fully answered. His cousin was as absurd as he had
hoped…”(57). Never, in the course of my life, has such been said about me. It
is difficult to brush aside such a comment, but then again, I must remind
myself that Mr Bennet, though pleasant, may not be as level headed as I am.
However, when I showed this to Charlotte, she was not as displeased as I had
hoped, and perhaps a chuckle was emitted, but I dare to wish it was a sob.
Then, when Elizabeth visited Rosings, “There was little to be done but to hear
Lady Catherine talk, which she did....delivering her opinion on every
subject...as proved that she was not used to have her judgement
controverted”(137). How dare this Jane Austen question the authority of the
Lady Catherine de Bourgh? A woman of such great intellect like yourself should
never be judged. Then, when you tried to persuade Elizabeth to avoid a
marriage, as it would be harmful to the pride and wellbeing of your family, the
author had the nerve to side with Elizabeth. Please Lady Catherine, do not let
these foul words wound you. Enjoy your evening, and I hope this letter may keep
Pride and Prejudice away from you, because though it may be a good read for a
simpleton, such words are beneath you.
Sincerely,
Mr. Collins
Better late than never. Bingley and Jane reunited!
Jane Austen Letter Criteria & Rubric
A range has the following qualities:
- Well-written 1-2 page letter
- Genuine review of the novel using apt and specific details from the novel
- Voice is clear, as is the person to whom it is written
- Apt and specific references to the characters are employed in the letter
- Apt and specific references to plot points are employed in the letter
- Letter is posted to Turnitin.com AND our class blog on-time for student engagement
- Passion and a satirical flare of Austen are present
- Jane Austen would be proud!
B range
- Adequately written one page letter
- General review of the novel using some examples from the novel
- Voice is not quite as clear as the A, as is the person to whom it is written
- Some references to the characters are employed in the letter
- Some references to plot points are employed in the letter
- Letter is posted to Turnitin.com AND our class blog on-time for student engagement
- Bingley says, "Excellent!"
C range has the following qualities:
- Adequately written letter
- General review of the novel, with few examples from the text
- Voice is not clear, as is the person to whom it is written
- Few references to the characters are employed in the letter
- Few references to plot points are employed in the letter
- Letter is posted to Turnitin.com AND our class blog, but late.
- Sir. Lucas says, "Capital! Capital!"
D and F range has the following qualities:
- Letter is written
- General review of the novel with no examples from the text
- Voice is not clear, as is the person to whom it is written
- No references to the characters are employed in the letter
- No references to plot points are employed in the letter
- Letter is not posted to Turnitin.com AND our class blog. Did not engage in class discussion.
- Lady Catherine DeBourg says, "I am quite put out!"
Please read this letter from the University of Pemberley
I was deferred!
What? Collins Community College, too? That was my safety!
Spoiler Alert! The Stunning Conclusion to Cozy Classics
How awesome is this cover for Jane Austen's Emma?!
Dear Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteDearest friend while I hope you can read my penmanship, I am writing quite hurriedly to get this to you as soon as possible, you must know what I am about to tell you is of utmost secrecy. I am revealing this to you because I understand that you will not let your emotions get in the way of your thoughts. I should warn you though, the things that I say may seem like one is out of their mind but I assure you all of this is very true, Before I begin, I must wish you and Mr. Collins are in good health and will be for a long time. Now where to begin with my dear Mr. Darcy? I suppose I shall begin how he proposed, the first time.
I will begin with how the proposal went. Dare I say, it went worse than your own Mr. Collins! He began to tell me that despite how my family was terrible, and how I was inferior to him, but he did indeed like me against his will! I do remember him “struggling for the appearance of composure, and would not open his lips, till he believed to have attained it” (130). Then he asked me why I would say no! How on earth could I marry someone who told me they loved me when they said that they shouldn’t? How could I marry him after everything with my sister, Mr. Bingley, and Wickham? How can he say he loves me if he insulted my entire family? Really Charlotte, can I really love a man with an immense amount of pride, greed, and who is gastly rude? I did not think that I could but I would soon learn the truth that was even more shocking than the proposal!
Mr. Darcy had given me a letter that revealed the truth about Wickham. Which had shocked and angered me? But what shocked me more what that Lydia had run off with Mr. Wickam. No Charlotte, while it was not that she ran away with a man, I had already told my father this, it was the fact that she ran away with Wickham! My poor father, he was shaken for days. And my mother! Well, we shall say her poor nerves were more of a wreck than usual. While I did know that Mr. Wickham was capable of doing horrible things, I did not think he was capable of doing something this horrible! And never did I think that Mr. Darcy could ever do something so selfless. You see, Charlotte, Mr. Darcy had paid for the wedding, along with everything else to get ready for the wedding. My aunt had written to me that “he generously imputed the whole of his mistaken pride and confessed that he had before thought it beneath him, to lay his private actions to the world” (215). In the time that I had known Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickam, I never thought that these men would do any of those things, and if the thought ever came to me, it would be for the opposite gentleman!
As I read my own words back to me, my dearest friend, I must admit that the story of my own marriage does sound a bit peculiar. Perhaps it sounds like it came out of a book in my library.
Your friend,
Elizabeth Bennett
Nick Criniti
ReplyDeleteDear Mr. Bennet,
I am writing to you to thank you for trust and to also tell you how great of a character you are. As I am now married to your daughter Elizabeth I am writing to show my respect for you and the rest of your family. Although are lives are very different I thought that we could get along. Elizabeth told me that you did not approve of our marriage at first and wanted her to marry your crazy cousin Mr. Collins. “Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do." I want you to know that I will take great care of your daughter.
I know at first that no one in your family ever liked me but Im a quiet sole and my affection is very concealed. Even though my emotions are very little from the inside is where it counts and I want you to know that I can help you and your family in anyway. "In vain I have 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." I've told Elizabeth I truly love her and the same goes to your family.
I also wanted to get something off my chest. When Mr. Wickham and your daughter Lydia were about to get married I paid off all of wickham's debts. Mr. Gardiner wasn't the one who did this I payed him to take the blame. I wanted Elizabeth and the only way to get with her was to get them together. I'm truly sorry for not telling you, Elizabeth or the rest of the family but it worked out.
I hope our relationship can flourish as we are now a family. I want you to know that you are one great of a character and the things you go through with your family are tough but your sarcasm and personality handle it very well. Its tough having five daughters but I hope I can be your first son. I wish you and the rest of your family good health and want I want you to know that you can come to my humble abode anytime.
Sincerely your son,
Mr. Darcy
Dear Elizabeth Bennet,
ReplyDeleteI have been sitting in my library at Longbourn reading a novel by the author Jane Austen. Who amazingly wrote our story in her novel, Pride and Prejudice. Although I am pained to read the ways in which we fell in love, I wasn’t angered, with the ways in which my poor character has been portrayed in the novel. Our love to me portrays a bumpy, uncomfortable experience, and the ways in which I disrespected you and should have ‘behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner.’ (131). Although I am astonished that I was ever able to treat you so horribly. It has never bothered me that people regarded my character as flawed, until it came from you. Because of your mannerisms, you have crafted me into a more well-rounded individual, who gets the potential to be a better gentleman, and a better husband.
(part one)
(part two)
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the novel, Miss Austen begins with your family discussing the new renters arrival (Bingley), and the possibility of one of their daughters marrying him. Ms. Bennet believes that a marriage is promising and pesters Mr. Bennet into allowing you and your sisters to attend the ball at Netherfield. And that my love, was the very first time that I saw how handsome your being was. “Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you. My mind was more agreeably engaged. I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow” (17). I couldn’t believe how lovely you looked. Or even fathom the possibility of trying to wed such a fine lady as yourself. My character flaws, and others judgements of my persona destroyed even the slightest possibility of us ever sustaining a relationship. One of my faults being my pride; would have ever been addressed regarding the matter, if it weren't for your painful honesty and truthfulness. Now it is true that I never asked you sooner for your hand in marriage because your family had poor connections. You would have far less to give than I could provide for you. “Elizabeth, having rather expected to affront him, was amazed at his gallantry, but there was a mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner which made it difficult for her to affront anybody; and Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her. He really believed, that were it not for inferiority of her connections, he should be in some danger” (35). My ridiculous upbringing and the constant expectation of maintaining the family name, nearly ended up dissolving our relations. But I take the blame for all the wrong that I bestowed on you throughout the story.
When you refused my proposal at Rosings, my pride was injured. Your influence was a wakeup call and a step in the right direction. Miss Austen’s novel told our story in a narrative that felt too real and in my opinion, something that I didn’t want to relive. “He sat down for a few moments, and then getting up walked about the room. Elizabeth was surprised, but said not a word. After a silence of several minutes he came towards her in an agitated manner, and thus began, ‘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’ (129). You teased me, embarrassed me, and injured my pride. But I believe Miss Eliza, that if it wasn’t for you I would have never changed.
The novel became more enjoyable when you made a surprise arrival at my home in Pemberley. “They were within twenty yards of each other, and so abrupt was his appearance, that it was impossible to avoid his sight. Their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of each were overspread with the deepest blush” (168). Now I was not expecting to see you at my establishment, but I was pleased that you made a surprise appearance. I was determined on that trip to please you; to try to prove to you one last time that I was still deeply in love with you. Then of course family drama unfolded involving Mr. Wickham and Lydia. I settled the matter confidentially. You showed interest when you discovered that I sacrificed so much of my income to settle the marriage between Wickham and Lydia. “Your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe, I thought only of you” (246). And as you know we received the blessing to wed from Mr. Bennet, and then we wed the same day as your sister Jane, and Mr. Bingley. Jane did a gracious job of accurately portraying our messy love story. Which I believe accurately showcased us. Although I respect your judgement as always, and expect a thorough review when your letter arrives back to me.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY
Dear Mr. Bennet,
ReplyDeleteIt has been a while since we have visited beautiful Longbourn, how is Mrs. Bennet doing? I hope she is ever so happy that two of her daughters have married into large fortunes. I hope Kitty and Mary are all well, I do miss them dearly. As for Lydia, thankfully that situation has been resolved. I couldn’t have bared to see your daughters in ruin because of poor Mr. Wickham. Speaking of them, have you or Mrs. Bennet heard from Lydia?
We have just procured an excellent novel by Jane Austen called “Pride and Prejudice”. We believe that she has captured all of dear Elizabeth’s feelings these past few years, and find it honorable that Elizabeth was chosen to be the protagonist. Darcy truly loves dear Elizabeth, and I can’t believe how rude and spiteful Miss. Bingley is! How dare she say “...I never could see any beauty in her...her complexion has no brilliancy…” (181). What a gentlemen Darcy is indeed. The way Miss. Austen writes this complicated novel baffles me, I can’t imagine that all of it was true. Austen’s writing style was superb, I would have never enjoyed it without the satirical moments as they broke up the drama that occurred. I can’t believe Elizabeth saw Darcy as an awful person towards the beginning of the novel, and how Lady Catherine de Borugh treated her! All that matters now is that Darcy and Lizzy are happy.
Now, Mr. Bennet, we must provide the truth. Indeed, Mr. Darcy helped us so dearly with finding Mr. Wickham and Lydia. He was so generous as to paying off all of Wickham’s debts and ensuring that he would marry Lydia. He saved the family! It all started when dear Mr. Gardiner and I were on our way to Longbourn, and when “[Mr. Gardiner] had a most unexpected visitor. Mr. Darcy called, and was shut up with him several hours” (215). Darcy came to tell us that he found Lydia and Wickham! How did he do this, he kept insisting that it was his fault and that he should fix it, as he stated that he didn’t make Wickham’s worthlessness well known. A Mrs. Younge was previously acquainted with Wickham so Darcy attempted to get information on Wickham and Lydia’s whereabouts. Mrs. Younge only betrayed Wickham’s trust for money. Money! Can you believe that! “Wickham of course wanted more than he could get; but at length was reduced to be reasonable” (216). I am disgusted by Wickham aswell, all he wants is money. Oh, but how I love Mr. Darcy! I knew he liked dear Lizzy, and I’m ever so grateful they are together. We are forever in his debt. Immediately after receiving Elizabeth’s letter as to why Darcy was at the wedding, we wrote back laying out the whole story. “But I must write no more. The children have been wanting me this half hour” (218). I wish you good health dear Mr. Bennet.
Yours, very sincerely,
M. Gardiner
Dear Mrs. Elizabeth Bennett,
ReplyDeleteI am writing to formally give you and your newly made husband Mr. Darcy the best wishes of success in your marriage. Although there have been events between us that have caused us to depart from each others interests, I believe we still have the opportunity to be great acquaintances when we meet at family gatherings. As your brother-in-law, I believe it is safe and acceptable for me to express feelings and beliefs I have about certain topics. For this occasion, I would like to interest you in discussing the newly made novel, Pride and Prejudice, which summarizes our dear and unforgettable lives, as well as the lives of others we hold close to us.
This novel, as well thought out and detailed it may be, has a few contents within it that I am not able to agree upon, and they have actually caused me some outrage as to how they are worded. For example, I believe that this novel has caused me a great injustice when dictating the events of my life. There are times where it seems that the novel is set out to make me out to be a villain, which I am far from I might add, and it may cause other people to think wrongly of me once they come to read it. Another disposition I am writing to address is the issue with the novel creating me to be a liar. Towards the beginning of our story, the novel describes me trying to find pity in you as I tell you Darcy had removed me from my share of his father’s will. In this conversation I say, “‘He meant to provide for me amply, and thought he had done it; but when the living fell, it was given elsewhere”’(54). However, later in the long story that we call our lives, Darcy explains the situation as me trying to elope with his sister in order to try and steal money from the Darcy family. I find this idea to be completely preposterous and disgraceful as I resent ever doing such things in my lifetime.
Another Malevolent accusation made by this novel is that I planned on departing England with your dear sister whom I may now call my wife, Lydia, without any motive to propose the idea of marriage to her. It is said in a letter sent to you by Jane that, “Though Lydia’s short letter to Mrs. F gave them to understand that they were going to Gretna Green, something was dropped by Denny expressing his belief that W. never intended to go there, or to marry Lydia at all…”(183). This horrific accusation does not sit well in my stomach at all, as I hope you know that I would never look to harm such wonderful and charming ladies like yourself and all of your sisters. I do claim this accusation to be one of the biggest insults to my character and integrity as a gentleman.
Nonetheless I am content to have you as a sister as I am able to speak my truths with you about occurring topics and monstrosities like the novel Pride and Prejudice, and I again wish you the best in your marriage.
Farewell,
Mr. Wickham
Dear Mrs. Bennet,
ReplyDeleteOh how I miss you so! Are my sisters in good health? How are my dearest Kitty and Mary spending their free time? How is the lovely Longbourn and father? Is everyone in good health? My life as a married woman has been amazingly swell, although “I am the youngest” (3) my heart was captured first by the lovely Mr. Wickham. Oh, how I love him so, my heart’s movement was so “very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment.” (18) I am enjoying my life so. Every morning is as though it is a dream, Mama! New Castle is as though it is right out of a dream as well!
The reason I am writing though, is of a book I found in the carriage. It is named Pride and Prejudice. Have you heard anything of it. It sounds as though my dear sister Jane has written it. It talks of a family similar to ours. Even the characters have names the same as ours! How strange! It talks of our lives and our relations with others. Mama! You are even talked of and how you want lovely lives for your girls! It seems as though Lizzy is the lead in this book, how peculiar. It talks of the story of how she was captivated by Darcy. Oh such a lovely pair! “Oh How I long to see her again!” (26) I have been writing to her as well. She has been such a help to us, though I haven’t heard from her in some time. I hope she is well; if you see her please tell her of how much I miss her. My dear wickham and I have been wanting a new carriage for some time now. Oh how grand it would be if she would send more help our way as she has done in our past. She has been such a help to us.
Anyways, I hope all is well in Longbourn. Do tell Kitty and Mary of my writing to you. Words could never express how dear I hold you all to me.
Sincerely yours,
Lydia Bennet
Dear Mr. Bennet,
ReplyDeleteHow have you been? Is everyone in the family healthy? It is my greatest honor to be writing to you sir, and I write eager to clear up some things between us. As I can remember your family was not fond of me for the first few months we have shared time
together. I understand why this would be and I would like to explain myself. Although I have trouble expressing my emotions I can condemn that my feelings for your daughter Elizabeth are nothing like I have ever felt before. She has had a major impact on my life and has made me more sympathetic. After being turned down by Elzabeth the first time, it made me realize how much I loved your daughter and how badly I wanted to call her my wife. I did something that I thought would help turn odds into my favor when it came to Elizabeth. You may not approve of this but I paid off Wickham's debt before the wedding of your daughter Lydia and Mr Wickham. I hope we can move forward from this because looking back everything worked out. Mr Wickham and Lydia are happy newlyweds, Jane and Mr. Bingley were always meant to be, and Elizabeth and I are perfect for eachother. I admire the way you have raised your daughters into fine young woman who are respectful and mature. I thank you dearly for allowing me the honor of taking your daughter's hand in marriage. It has come to my attention that Elizabeth has once explained that I have changed the more and more she has been in my presence. “Very different. But I think Mr. Darcy approves upon aqquatince” (158). Even though we got off to a rough start it is my wish that we can start over now that we can call each other family. We wish to see you soon here in Pemberley and you and all of the Bennets are welcome anytime you please.
Best wishes,
Mr Darcy
Maddy Francis
Dear Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteOh I do hope you are enjoying your time on Rosings with Mr. Collins, I know it has been quite a while since I have been able to travel there. I am writing to you because I came across a novel and it was all about my life at Longbourn as well as your at Rosings. I felt it was rather comical and captured every moment so well and while reading the novel, I began to remember all my feelings that I had while living the events. The novel helped me to relive these events and think about the memories I had from that crazy time in our lives.
The novel began with the arrival of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. I realize again how my mother, although I love her dearly, is quite insane. It was quite funny that my father fooled with her so much and my mother really had no idea. My mother was so intent on finding my sisters and I all husbands that I think she may have lost all her sense and reason as she was not one to reason with. Once we finally were able to meet Mr. Bingley, I knew how much I disliked his friend Mr. Darcy, only now to realize how wrong I was about him. Then there was Mr. Collins. Oh how strange he was. I still cannot believe you could ever marry him, it puzzles me to this day. I remember after I had rejected his marriage proposal, he “transferred [his attention] for the rest of the day”(79) to you and your “listening to him, was a seasonal relief to [us] all, and especially”(79) to me. I know it must have been so dispealsing to listen to him go on about Lady Catherine de Bourgh for all that time, and now that is all you have to listen to at Rosings. Although, that may be more pleasing than the real thing.
Your husband, Mr. Collins, while he cares quite greatly about my family, I feel as if he must keep some of his opinions to himself as all his letters only give us all a great laugh, unless of course, that is his intent. When I read the last line of his letter to my father about Lydia which said “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”(199). I could only think of what a preposterous idea that was and how my father would never do that to any of my sisters, no matter how silly he thinks they might be. Well, I must conclude this letter as my dear Mr. Darcy and I are about to go for a walk around Pemberley. I wish you and Mr. Collins good health and happiness together until I see you next.
Yours truly,
Elizabeth
Dear Lady Catherine de Bourgh,
ReplyDeleteI recently finished a quite well written novel that unfortunately didn’t seem to express the excellence of your ladyship or my own quality persona. This novel seemed to only display the not so acceptable side of ourselves which I could not disagree more on. Your superiority to others is undoubtedly demonstrated throughout the novel but, you regrettably were described as being a ‘bossy’ and a ‘snobby’ individual. I mean to not stress you at all your honor. In my eyes you are an exceptionally agreeable and noble women. I write this letter to give you an honest and genuine review of what the novel Pride and Prejudice is about.
When reading this novel I found many topics outstandingly disagreeable and somewhat agreeable. I was established as being ‘self obsessed’ and a ‘foolish’ person. Obviously, this is a wrongful way to describe me. I see myself as an agreeable man who is a very respected clergyman. The novel did a great justice by clearly describing the scenery which I found very pleasant. My extraordinary estate at Hunsford parsonage was well depicted but still a little under mentioned. My visit to Longbourn was a very enjoyable scene to read. I admire Mr. Bennet’s residence to a great degree, which will one day be my own. “The hall, the dining-room, and all its furniture, were examined and praised; and his commendation of everything would have touched Mrs. Bennet’s heart, but for the mortifying supposition of his viewing it all as his own future property” (46) However, I again found myself being wrongly described while reading this chapter. After eating dinner I was astonished by the disrespect that was given to me by Lydia. “Lydia gaped as he opened the volume, and before he had, with very monotonous solemnity, read three pages, she interrupted” (48). How could my extremely entertaining reading from the book of sermons not entertain her? Anyway, on the night of the Netherfield Ball my speech was nothing but a necessary addition which I know everyone enjoyed. The day after that, I finally proposed to Elizabeth who I knew would be overjoyed by my offer. Nonetheless, she declined my proposal and insisted she was not interested. “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.” (76) I believed she would change her mind shortly after because her mother; Mrs. Bennet, loved the idea of us together. While reading I was quite distraught to discover Mr. Bennet was not in support of our marriage unlike his wife. Still, after all this I knew a man like myself would have no trouble finding an agreeable women to accept my proposal. As a read on, I was thrilled to see that Charlotte Lucas had accepted my proposal.
Let me not get too obsessed over myself, Lady Catherine. As this letters purpose is to display your significance in this novel.. Your visit to the Bennet’s residence at the end of the novel was an utmost disrespect to your character. I completely agree with your intentions to make sure Elizabeth has no plans on marrying your nephew Mr. Darcy. “Lady Catherine, it appeared, had actually take the trouble of this journey from Rosings, for the sole purpose of breaking off her supposed engagement with Mr. Darcy.” (252) As this would tarnish your family’s delightful reputation. Your ladyship did not deserve to be disrespected like that. Ms. Bennet should have made it clear to you that she had no intentions of marrying Mr. Darcy. I too would have been extremely frustrated to have received such rude behavior. I hope to not take up too much of your valuable time Lady Catherine, so I will wrap up my thoughts. Don’t allow these detestable opinions of yourself deter you from the fact how excellent your ladyship truly is. This letter is written solely to dissuade you from reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and to save your time. I hope you enjoy the rest of your afternoon.
Sincerely,
Mr. Collins
Dear Mr. Bennet,
ReplyDeleteIt has been long since we last wrote to each other. How is Mrs. Bennet doing, I suppose still the same from the last time we met. I hope Lydia is alright, has she written to you at all? I worry for her sometimes. I do want to come to visit to see Kitty and Mary, I miss them very much.
I real reason for my letter today is to speak with you about Darcy and what I’ve been hiding from you. I had recently received a letter from our dear aunt about the situation between Wickham and Lydia. “The motive professed was his conviction of its being owing to himself that Wickham’s worthlessness had not been so well known as to make it impossible for any young woman of character to love or confide in him. He generously imputed the whole to his mistaken pride and confessed that he had before thought it beneath him to lay his private actions open to the world. His character was to speak for itself. He called it, therefore, his duty to step forward, and endeavor to remedy an evil which had been brought on by himself. If he had another motive, I am sure it would never disgrace him” (215). I wanted to tell you all this time but Darcy told me to keep it a secret and have Mr. Gardiner take the credit. Mr. Darcy is the true savior of this story, that is why I married him, I saw his true good side. We must keep this a secret still, because Darcy still wants to be unknowing of his acts. He has done us a great service with his acts of pure selfless acts. I know we all thought he was a bad man, but I’ve seen how good he can be. He has done us good and we should make sure he knows this by being kind to him. We will be visiting soon! Darcy has been good to me and it shows through his actions. I think I chose right with him. You know I despise Wickham but only because he wanted the supposed money we had. That is why he married into the family through Lydia! “Wickham of course wanted more than he could get; but at length was reduced to be reasonable” (216). He did not realize that Darcy would be watching and making sure that Wickham was acting right and made sure Lydia would have a safe marriage. He wanted the money but it seems that Lydia does truly love him, so that’s swell with me.
I hope to see you soon, and I will write more often to check on the family. Thank you for helping me.
Love,
Elizabeth.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy dearest Lydia,
ReplyDeleteI hope you can forgive my prolonged absence. As you know, I have been deployed and am in charge of a large commission, but it has been taking longer than originally expected. I have plenty of bumph to attend to so I must make haste in the conclusion of this letter. However, despite my business, I have found free time. You have never left my mind the entire time I’ve been gone. In my free time, I have written a novel titled “Pride and Prejudice” celebrating our lives and our story. I have just been informed that my superiors wish to move out by morning so I must only briefly summarize my writing. I would like to bring to your attention that these are merely my thoughts of our relationship, but this is what I have. I will provide my copy of my novel for you to read.
My novel starts with a small line. It's nothing much, but I wrote: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife” (1). I hope this in no way means any offence to you, but I wrote this to say that the story of our lives has gone against common culture in that the marriages in our lives have not been to increase family fortune. As much as I cannot believe that your sister Elizabeth and my acquaintance Mr. Darcy have gotten together, I made sure to make their path a joyful one. Their relationship in it of its own is a tremendous story. Can you believe how he called your sister at the Meryton ball? “She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men” (7). And now look how they are. I do not mean to center the novel around your sister, I just thought it would provide a better story. Anyhow, I must get going. I want to open this to you.
Are you well? How are your parent’s health? I eagerly await your reply and be free to write any of your thoughts on my novel.
Your love,
Mr. Geo. Wickham
Dear Ms. Jane Bennet
ReplyDeleteMy wonderful wife, I am so very grateful to have made acquaintance with you. “I never saw such happy manners!—so much ease (9). I have been astonished by you since the moment I laid my eyes on you at the first ball at Longbourn. You were the “most beautiful creature I ever beheld!”(7) and still are to this day. I was very delighted to have danced with you not once but twice! From that point, I was eager to be reacquainted with you. After first meeting you I enjoyed spending time with you so dearly. I am really quite sorry for leaving you unannounced and looking back upon it, I don’t know what I could have been thinking.
while spending time in London I discovered a novel that I became quite fond of. In the novel “Pride and prejudice” I was quite pleased with how Ms. Austen shows our early acquaintance. I found it to bee quite accurate in describing my warm feelings for you from the start. I dare say found its quite excellent by the means of describing our relationship and how truly in love we are. I believe that the book captured my excitement in spending time with you from the start. While I found most of the novel to be pleasing while reading It has also become quite clear the I truly made a grave mistake in leaving you. While my good friend Mr. Darcy had a part in my absence I accept all the blame. I am rather disgusted with myself. I will not make any excuses although I can truthfully say that I was quite unaware that you came to visit me in London. The reason for my absence while I accept all the blame was partially due to Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy believed that our relationship was not fit and that a man of my stature should not be with someone of lesser upbringings. While Mr. Dracy is one of my closet friends I feel quite guilty for listening to him is this such a situation. After reading the novel wants to apologize for the misdeed I committed when I left abruptly without the slightest of warning. I had not the slightest attention to hurt your feelings nor did I know that I would not return for so long. I am so very delighted that you and your family were able to forgive me for my absence. Although I am displeased with what occurred in the middle of the book I found the end to be quite excellent! I am so glad that you accepted my apology and I am so very grateful that we were reunited in the end. I was very pleased with the ending of the novel. It was such an honor to marry you and the day was only made better by marrying alongside my best friend Mr. Darcy and your sister Elizabeth. While I scarcely read novels I was quite pleasantly surprised by the experience of reading this novel and I found it to be “the happiest, wisest, most reasonable end!”(242)
Sincerely,
Mr. Bingly
Dear Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteBe not alarmed my wife, I only write on inquiring your opinion of a subject that has come to my mind. It is a matter relating to our story once told between us, and kept confined to Pemberley. After further inquiry it appears as though the story has slipped, and a writer by the name of Ms. Jane Austen has written a novel titled “Pride and Prejudice” with its origins being our beginnings. I discovered the book whilst I was in London, attending to business with Mr. Bingley. He appeared to have been very impressed and joyful that there hath been such wonderful publicity about him, however, I was given a different impression from first reading. It is my personal opinion that the characters in our story are indeed well portrayed. I am more easily able to comprehend your father's subtle disdain towards your mother’s opinions, yet I was quite surprised as to the portrayal of Mr. Collins. I do not believe he was portrayed as self indulgent and foolish as he truly is. I can recall two such incidents where I had interactions with your cousin, the first of which is when he attempted to introduce himself to me at the Netherfield ball. At original conception your cousin appeared to be enticing, yet as he continued on, he only lost my interest and bored me heavily. His inability to understand my opinion of him is likely the reason why Ms. Austen wrote your cousin stating “I have no reason, I assure you,” said he, “to be dissatisfied with my reception. Mr. Darcy seemed much pleased with the attention”(70). Of course, Mr. Collins would be wrong of that interpretation, and since we have not received any notification of his current endeavors, I hope we never meet with him again. Despite the annoyances I believe you would find this book interesting my love. It is of my opinion, as you know “to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.”(27). So I desire to give you a small taste of what is in store for you as you read. Naturally, you are acquainted with our story as I am, making you the perfect individual for Ms. Austen to use as a main character. From my impression, I believed the images presented within the novel were quite descriptive. Her description of Pemberley and Rosings are quite agreeable, and to the point of accuracy. I believe the best descriptions of Pemberley are present in the novel when you visit the manor. This is towards the middle of the novel, around page 170 it expresses your astonishment at Pemberley “She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste”(169). I need not inquire for your opinion of our home, for if this novel be true then I should already know it. I will not deny that at first impression I do not believe Ms. Austen captures my character well. It almost appears as though she sets me up to be some sort of villian. Of course you know of my disdain for Mr. Wickham, yet I am also surprised at his interpretation in this novel. He is portrayed as almost a saint early in the novel, and I believe it is best seen on page 55 where Wickham says “Oh! no—it is not for me to be driven away by Mr. Darcy. If he wishes to avoid seeing me, he must go. We are not on friendly terms, and it always gives me pain to meet him, but I have no reason for avoiding him but what I might proclaim before all the world, a sense of very great ill-usage, and most painful regrets at his being what he is.” (55). It appears as though Ms. Austen inaccurately paints the deceitful Wickham, perhaps she was deceived as you were at first hearing this. Wickham is given justice towards the end, however, just as he was in our story. As you know he is still inquiring about monetary funding as he has returned to his old games of trickery and falsehoods. I am not necessarily appalled at the opinion Ms. Austen presents of me towards the finale and climax of the novel, and I do personally agree with it. You know that I am indeed a good man, and Mrs. Reynolds does describe this
well herself “Yes, ma’am, that he was indeed; and his son will be just like him— just as affable to the poor.” (171). I believe my actions towards you in the novel, more particularly after our confrontation at Rosings do indeed ascribe to this description well. I am glad, however, that you did not concede to Lady Catherine when she confronted you about the possibility of our marriage. I apologize for her offending you, but you know as well as I how much she cares for family pride and ego over happiness. While I do love my aunt, I will not deny that she can and often is quite forceful of her opinion on others. I do not wish to spoil the remainder of what occurs during the novel besides the pieces which I found most interesting, and which I disdain. I inquire for you to read the novel yourself my dear Elizabeth, and I shall see you upon your return to Pemberley after your visit with Mrs. Bingley.
DeleteYour Husband,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
- Paul Yannalfo
Mrs. Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteUpon your arrival to my lavish estate, I sensed your class as being inadequate. How you had the audacity to speak poorly to me and have relations with my dear nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy, who’s no good for you by any means. For never asking you to dance during the ball hosted by his acquaintance, Mr. Bingley, back in Netherfield. Your mother, didn’t take a liking to Mr. Darcy, “he is a most disagreeable, horrid man, not at all worth pleasing. So high and so conceited that there was no enduring him!” (8).
I was disgusted, yet relieved when you rejected my nephews proposal for marriage, “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you,” (129). Ignoring every part to whom Mr. Darcy is, and not realizing the extreme honor of marriage within the Darcy family. You went on a tirade, explaining all the wrong he’s committed with breaking up Jane and Mr. Bingley and driving off Mr. Wickham. To my knowledge and to your benefit, I don’t see why Mr. Darcy would break up a couple whom seem so well matched for each other during the dance in Netherfield, and I’ve never known my uncle the be the jealous type, although his misjudgment have not treated him the best in the past. As for the exile of Mr. Wickham, which I do stand by, for I’m against that god forsaken friend of his, who’s never up to no good. But of course, it took you sometime before you realized why my nephew drove off Mr. Wickham, which has come to haunt you with your ignorant sister, Lydia, leaving to have relations with Mr. Wickham, doing nothing more but leaving your name to perish. After this messy conflict between you and Darcy, I thought things were over and how he was to follow the plan in marrying my sweet Charlotte Lucas, who may I mention has more class than you will ever obtain. But he chose to go out of his way to tailor to your wants and needs.
During our last exchange back in Netherfield, I may have demanded “will you promise me, never to enter into such an engagement?,” (240) to Mr. Darcy in which you swiftly replied, “I will make no such promise of the kind.” (240) Am I mad to not think would would really disrespect my name by marrying my dear nephew? Well now at least I know where your intentions stands. I hope your mother’s poor nerves have calmed down since she has done what she wanted to accomplish.
Good day,
Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Dear brother-in-law,
ReplyDeleteBefore you marry Elizabeth, I want to tell you some of my thoughts as Elizabeth's sister. Elizabeth was born in an ordinary middle-class family, who can only be regarded as "Cinderella" when compared to you. Among the many sisters, Elizabeth is the favorite daughter of our father, Mr. Bennet. She is smart, beautiful, straightforward, has a strong sense of self and independent. Us sisters brought a lot of fun to her life, and she grew up like this until the age of marriage. Beautiful images of love exist in the minds of every girl, and Elizabeth is no exception. Meeting you was something she didn't expect. Maybe all love stories are like this. Two people who are uninterested in each other will always fall in love with the other for no reason, and they do not know why.
Elizabeth seems to have her own definition of love. She hopes that love can be pure, but she has to accept the reality of the importance of money in today's society. On the one hand, our mother taught us, marrying a husband with wealth and status seems to be our obligation as a daughter, and is also a necessity. On the other hand, because society itself is so cruel, even if she was born into a rich family of farmers, she can only do very limited things. Elizabeth realized that and she fully accepted it. Aside from the money, she wants to marry for love, and if she does not meet her true love, she is even willing to be alone.
Darcy, in fact, your arrogant attitude at the beginning really made me feel very uncomfortable. But you are such a good young man, with money, which is better than others. According to me, you have the right to be prideful. Vanity and pride are two very different things. Although they are often used as synonyms, pride can be a good thing, which is different than vanity. Pride is mostly nothing more than the evaluation of ourselves, however, vanity involves the way we want others to think about us. Your arrogance is self-confident but you are not good at talking, that is why sometimes people magnified your words. As Elizabeth said, “ I could easily forgive his pride if he had not mortified mine.” Everyone has pride, but yours is the focus of people's attention.
Truly, I like you very much, Mr. Darcy. Your kindness and generosity are what I appreciate. You did not make big publicity for Wickham, who has ruined his sister's reputation and invaded your property, but actively promoted his marriage with Lydia, and also found a job for him. At the same time, I feel delighted for Elizabeth. You two are such perfect lovers, especially when she refused your proposal, you let go of your male dignity and continued to pursue love. I am very pleased with your forbearance, gentlemanly manners, and consistent true love.
You silently helped our family behind the scenes, because you didn't want others to know. All men should be like you!
"Pride" and "prejudice" are undoubtedly a character defect, but you and Elizabeth have created a perfect ending. Does perfect love really consist of “arrogance” and “prejudice”? I do not think so. But two people who truly love each other will eliminate arrogance and prejudice for each other and become better people. If you let go of your pride, I will put away my prejudice. Elizabeth said, “You are a gentleman, and I am the daughter of a gentleman, we are the same.”
I sincerely wish you and Elizabeth eternal happiness.
Yours,
Jane Bennet