"though I shall always say that he used my daughter extremely ill; and, if I was her, I would not have put up with it. Well, my comfort is, I am sure Jane will die of a broken heart, and then he will be sorry for what he has done"(223).
All Mrs. Bennett cares about is marriage and anything that ties into it: "The business of her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and news"(7). This single line is the perfect characterization of Mrs. Bennet. Her ultimate goal in life is to marry off her daughters to rich, agreeable, well mannered, handsome men. However, any man will do considering the Bennet family's social status. Mr. Bennet jokingly states the truth about his wife to Elizabeth: "but it is a comfort to think that, whatever of that kind may befall you, you have an affectionate mother who will always make the most of it"(137), regarding that she would be ecstatic if any of her daughters were to be married. Mrs. Bennet is completely obsessed with her daughters gaining a higher social status. In speaking to Elizabeth, she seems happier to make Mr. Bingley sorry for giving up Jane instead of her own daughter's feelings. Thankfully, if Jane actually did die of a broken heart, Elizabeth "could not receive comfort from any such expectation"(223).
Identify the speaker of this quote:
"The officers will find women better worth their notice. Let us hope, therefore, that her being there may teach her her own insignificance. At any rate, she cannot grow many degrees worse, without authorising us to lock her up for the rest of her life"(227).
a.) Elizabeth
b.) Kitty
c.) Mrs. Bennet
d.) Mr. Bennet
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Pride and Prejudice 8: Ch. 11-13
"Had I been in love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind. But vanity, not love, has been my folly. Pleased with preference of one, and offended by the neglect of the other, on the very beginning of our acquaintance, I have courted prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away where either were concerned. Till this moment, I never knew myself" (205).
The title of this novel, Pride and Prejudice, along with its original title, First Impressions, both pertain to Elizabeth's situation. Elizabeth claims herself to be realistic in comparison to her sister, Jane who sees the good in everyone. However, Elizabeth relies on only her first impression of people and relates all of their later actions to fit in accordance with the first. As Elizabeth rejects Mr. Darcy's proposal she states that the main reason for her hatred of him stemmed "From the very beginning, from the first moment [...] of my acquaintance with you"(190). Just as Elizabeth judged Darcy on her first impression of him, she did the same with Mr. Wickham. Mr. Wickham is intelligent, charming, well mannered, and "His appearance was greatly in his favour: he had all the best parts of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure and very pleasing address" (73). First impressions are not always what they seem, as we see that Elizabeth's first impressions of Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy led her to some very wrong assumptions. She was proud and thought she knew everything about the two, when in fact, she made the ore humiliating discovery that her judgements were wrong.
What was Mr. Wickham's reasons for wanting to marry Miss Darcy?
a.) to gain Miss Darcy's wealth and to seek revenge on Mr. Darcy
b.) to make up with Mr. Darcy
c.) Mr. Wickham did not want to marry Miss Darcy, she actually wanted to marry him
d.) the late Mr. Darcy arranged the marriage
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Pride and Prejudice 7: Ch. 6-10
"Lady Catherine seemed quite astonished at not receiving a direct answer; and Elizabeth suspected herself to be the first creature who had ever dared to trifle with so much dignified impertinence"(165).
Upon Lady Catherine De Bourgh's meeting of Elizabeth, she tries to find out everything she can about her. When asked her age, Elizabeth responds: "With three younger sisters grown up, [...] your ladyship can hardly expect me to own it"(165). Lady Catherine is put off by Elizabeth's wit in avoiding a straight answer. Lady Catherine wanted to examine this new stranger to her, Elizabeth, as she does to all strangers. She asks questions and expects to receive answers. Lady Catherine delivers "her opinion on every subject in so decisive a manner as proved that she was not used to have her judgement controverted"(163). Although Elizabeth did not directly go against the judgement of Lady Catherine, she did hinder Lady Catherine's search for expected answers. The "air [of Lady Catherine] was not conciliating, nor was her manner of receiving them such as to make her visitors forget their inferior rank. She was not rendered formidable by silence: but whatever she said was spoken in so authoritative a tone as marked her self-importance"(162). To put it simply, Lady Catherine always got her way from those who held an inferior status to her, which was in fact everyone. Elizabeth's defiance was a first, and certainly a shock to Lady Catherine.
In the conversation between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy while Elizabeth was playing the piano, what was the excuse that Mr. Darcy gave upon his lack of introducing himself to strangers?
a.) he claims that there is never anyone around to introduce him
b.) he has given up on meeting new people
c.) he is not skilled at being outgoing or meeting new people
d.) he claims that Elizabeth is lying as he always finds pleasure in meeting new people
Upon Lady Catherine De Bourgh's meeting of Elizabeth, she tries to find out everything she can about her. When asked her age, Elizabeth responds: "With three younger sisters grown up, [...] your ladyship can hardly expect me to own it"(165). Lady Catherine is put off by Elizabeth's wit in avoiding a straight answer. Lady Catherine wanted to examine this new stranger to her, Elizabeth, as she does to all strangers. She asks questions and expects to receive answers. Lady Catherine delivers "her opinion on every subject in so decisive a manner as proved that she was not used to have her judgement controverted"(163). Although Elizabeth did not directly go against the judgement of Lady Catherine, she did hinder Lady Catherine's search for expected answers. The "air [of Lady Catherine] was not conciliating, nor was her manner of receiving them such as to make her visitors forget their inferior rank. She was not rendered formidable by silence: but whatever she said was spoken in so authoritative a tone as marked her self-importance"(162). To put it simply, Lady Catherine always got her way from those who held an inferior status to her, which was in fact everyone. Elizabeth's defiance was a first, and certainly a shock to Lady Catherine.
In the conversation between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy while Elizabeth was playing the piano, what was the excuse that Mr. Darcy gave upon his lack of introducing himself to strangers?
a.) he claims that there is never anyone around to introduce him
b.) he has given up on meeting new people
c.) he is not skilled at being outgoing or meeting new people
d.) he claims that Elizabeth is lying as he always finds pleasure in meeting new people
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Pride and Prejudice 6: Ch. 2-5
"A man in distressed circumstances has not time for all those elegant decorums which other people may observe. If she does not object to it, why should we?"(153).
Mrs. Gardiner is trying to warn Elizabeth that all is not right with Mr. Wickham, she is the voice of reason. She advises Elizabeth, "I would have you be on your guard. Do not involve yourself, or indeavour to involve him, in an affection"(144). After sharing with her aunt about Mr. Wickham's new love, more advice came to stay away from Mr. Wickham. Upon hearing this advice, Elizabeth begins to take on characteristics much unlike herself. She begins to take on qualities of Jane. Jane is too optimistic and sees only the good in people. She can defend anyone's actions. Elizabeth is doing exactly what Jane would do regarding Mr. Wickham. She is consumed with "pure and elevating passion" for Mr. Wickham and is blinded by it. She fails to see the points that Mrs. Gardiner is makes and sees everyhing, even Mr. Wickham's rudeness as being justified. Elizabeth criticizes Jane for being unrealistic, and now when she is put in Jane's shoes she acts the exact same way.
After Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth's conversation, it is seen that Mrs. Gardiner's feelings on Elizabeth's relationship with Mr. Wickham are as such:
a.) she believes that Elizabeth should marry him for his money
b.) she thinks Elizabeth should hate him for not liking her anymore
c.) she is hopeful that he will ask Elizabeth's hand in marriage
d.) it is better to be cautious by cutting off ties from him
Mrs. Gardiner is trying to warn Elizabeth that all is not right with Mr. Wickham, she is the voice of reason. She advises Elizabeth, "I would have you be on your guard. Do not involve yourself, or indeavour to involve him, in an affection"(144). After sharing with her aunt about Mr. Wickham's new love, more advice came to stay away from Mr. Wickham. Upon hearing this advice, Elizabeth begins to take on characteristics much unlike herself. She begins to take on qualities of Jane. Jane is too optimistic and sees only the good in people. She can defend anyone's actions. Elizabeth is doing exactly what Jane would do regarding Mr. Wickham. She is consumed with "pure and elevating passion" for Mr. Wickham and is blinded by it. She fails to see the points that Mrs. Gardiner is makes and sees everyhing, even Mr. Wickham's rudeness as being justified. Elizabeth criticizes Jane for being unrealistic, and now when she is put in Jane's shoes she acts the exact same way.
After Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth's conversation, it is seen that Mrs. Gardiner's feelings on Elizabeth's relationship with Mr. Wickham are as such:
a.) she believes that Elizabeth should marry him for his money
b.) she thinks Elizabeth should hate him for not liking her anymore
c.) she is hopeful that he will ask Elizabeth's hand in marriage
d.) it is better to be cautious by cutting off ties from him
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Pride and Prejudice 5: Ch 21-1
"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"(125).
After being rejected by Elizabeth, Mr. Collins was comforted by Charlotte Lucas and the two became engaged. Since Charlotte was "at the age of twenty-seven, without having ever been handsome"(123), she would be inclined to take any respectable man that would ask her hand in marriage. Elizabeth "had always felt that Charlotte's opinion of matrimony was not exactly like her own"(125). Along with not sharing in Elizabeth's idea of marriage, Charlotte does not share in the ideas of what marriage should be based upon today. Charlotte is marrying Mr. Collins because it is a smart thing to do. "Mr. Collins, to be sure, was neither sensible nor agreeable", however Charlotte only wanted to move up into the next social class. She is not in love with Mr. Collins and he does not make her emotionally happy. Charlotte's definition of happiness in a marriage is being comfortable and hopefully gaining status and wealth. Without love, there would be no one to share this "happiness" with.
How did Mrs. Bennett react to the engagement of Mr. Collins and Charlotte Lucas?
a.) she was appalled, treating Mr. Collins and the Lucas's very rudely
b.) she was ecstatic and offered to throw Charlotte a wedding shower
c.) she was thankful that he was marrying Charlotte and not Elizabeth
d.) she was angry because Mr. Collins had expressed feelings for Jane already
After being rejected by Elizabeth, Mr. Collins was comforted by Charlotte Lucas and the two became engaged. Since Charlotte was "at the age of twenty-seven, without having ever been handsome"(123), she would be inclined to take any respectable man that would ask her hand in marriage. Elizabeth "had always felt that Charlotte's opinion of matrimony was not exactly like her own"(125). Along with not sharing in Elizabeth's idea of marriage, Charlotte does not share in the ideas of what marriage should be based upon today. Charlotte is marrying Mr. Collins because it is a smart thing to do. "Mr. Collins, to be sure, was neither sensible nor agreeable", however Charlotte only wanted to move up into the next social class. She is not in love with Mr. Collins and he does not make her emotionally happy. Charlotte's definition of happiness in a marriage is being comfortable and hopefully gaining status and wealth. Without love, there would be no one to share this "happiness" with.
How did Mrs. Bennett react to the engagement of Mr. Collins and Charlotte Lucas?
a.) she was appalled, treating Mr. Collins and the Lucas's very rudely
b.) she was ecstatic and offered to throw Charlotte a wedding shower
c.) she was thankful that he was marrying Charlotte and not Elizabeth
d.) she was angry because Mr. Collins had expressed feelings for Jane already
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Pride and Prejudice:3 Ch. 11-16
"Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride-- where there is a real superiority of mind-- pride will be always under good regulation"(57).
Vanity is wanting others to think highly of you, and pride is thinking that you are better than everyone else. C.S. Lewis believes these definitions to be true. He also believes that pride is a much worse sin than vanity because being proud is also putting down the people around you and their opinions because of arrogance. Mr. Darcy feels the opposite. He feels that caring about what others thing is weak, and pride can be a positive in one's personality. However, Mr. Darcy is completely mistaken. Pride is the worst sin one can commit. Mr. Darcy thinks very highly of himself and no one in Hertfordshire finds him to be very agreeable: "Every body is disgusted with his pride. You will not find him fore favourably spoken of by any one"(79). Pride is a very unfavorable quality, even for a society that has status and money as a priority.
In Mr. Wickham and Elizabeth's conversation about Mr. Darcy, Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy's relationship can be described as:
a.) They have known each other since birth and are very close friends.
b.) They are not very fond of each other.
c.) They have never met each other.
d.) They are fighting over which one of them will get to marry Jane.
Vanity is wanting others to think highly of you, and pride is thinking that you are better than everyone else. C.S. Lewis believes these definitions to be true. He also believes that pride is a much worse sin than vanity because being proud is also putting down the people around you and their opinions because of arrogance. Mr. Darcy feels the opposite. He feels that caring about what others thing is weak, and pride can be a positive in one's personality. However, Mr. Darcy is completely mistaken. Pride is the worst sin one can commit. Mr. Darcy thinks very highly of himself and no one in Hertfordshire finds him to be very agreeable: "Every body is disgusted with his pride. You will not find him fore favourably spoken of by any one"(79). Pride is a very unfavorable quality, even for a society that has status and money as a priority.
In Mr. Wickham and Elizabeth's conversation about Mr. Darcy, Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy's relationship can be described as:
a.) They have known each other since birth and are very close friends.
b.) They are not very fond of each other.
c.) They have never met each other.
d.) They are fighting over which one of them will get to marry Jane.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Pride and Prejudice Chapter 7-10
"He has always something to say to every body. That is my idea of good-breeding and those persons who fancy themselves very important and never open their mouths quite mistake the matter"(44).
Mrs. Bennett tries desperately to marry off her daughters: "The business of her life was to get her daughters married"(7). One of the most important factors in attempting to find a suitable husband for her daughter (especially Jane), is how much a man is worth. In this society, women rely on men for money and are constantly trying to move up in social class. However, in even the higher social classes, there are people who are held above and below each other. This deciding factor is agreeable or disagreeable manners. For example, Mr. Darcey is extremely wealthy, and also extremely disliked. This is because although he has nearly perfect technical manners, in a social sense he has very poor manners. Mr. Darcey comes across as proud and arrogant causing many people to hate him. Mrs. Bennett agrees with this idea of thinking in saying that she believes good manners accompany an outgoing and friendly personality.
Upon seeing that Jane does not have a life threatening sickness, Mrs. Bennett:
a.) is relieved that Jane is feeling better so she can come home
b.) is hopeful that Jane is sick enough so she can stay with Bingsley longer
c.) is angry that Jane stayed with Bingsley for such a long time
d.) is horrified to see how awful and sickly her daughter looks
Mrs. Bennett tries desperately to marry off her daughters: "The business of her life was to get her daughters married"(7). One of the most important factors in attempting to find a suitable husband for her daughter (especially Jane), is how much a man is worth. In this society, women rely on men for money and are constantly trying to move up in social class. However, in even the higher social classes, there are people who are held above and below each other. This deciding factor is agreeable or disagreeable manners. For example, Mr. Darcey is extremely wealthy, and also extremely disliked. This is because although he has nearly perfect technical manners, in a social sense he has very poor manners. Mr. Darcey comes across as proud and arrogant causing many people to hate him. Mrs. Bennett agrees with this idea of thinking in saying that she believes good manners accompany an outgoing and friendly personality.
Upon seeing that Jane does not have a life threatening sickness, Mrs. Bennett:
a.) is relieved that Jane is feeling better so she can come home
b.) is hopeful that Jane is sick enough so she can stay with Bingsley longer
c.) is angry that Jane stayed with Bingsley for such a long time
d.) is horrified to see how awful and sickly her daughter looks
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
