Chapter 50 shows this in the gossip and the interest people partake in of the relationship of Mr. Wickham and Lydia. "How Wickham and Lydia were to be supported in tolerable independence, she could not imagine. But how little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue, she could easily conjecture." (Austen, 596)
Good marriages, at least in the eyes of the characters, were comprised of people who were careful in selecting their partner, but were also aware of their responsiblities in their relationship. Jane and Mr. Bingley are very similar in their viewpoints and mannerisms and thought well of everyone and were kind, sociable, and respectful of themselves and each other. Going into the marriage they knew what was expected and what they could offer. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, opposites in certain ways, (he is more reserved and serious, she is more outgoing humorus) still shared things in common. For instance, they are both intelligent, generally understood other people, and remained cautious when dealing with others. Knowing each other before hand and knowing what they themselves were capable of, in Austen's eyes, allowed for a marriage to work. Not to be confused with the previous quote, Austen didn't believe so much that a good marriage led to happiness, but that a good marriage led to a decent life.
She shows that if marriages entered into by both parties were made for the betterment of everyone and not just as a sole obligation or business deal lasted because everyone knew from the beginning what they wanted and what they could offer. Rushing into relationships for convenience, passion, or money, like with Lydia and Wickham, created shallow foundations for relationships. In chapter 19 Austen references this in the charater's refusal to marry quickly and rather, waiting until she found the right person. "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...
Indeed, in her conversations with Wickham, Elizabeth was extremely superficial, appreciating him because of his pleasant manners and positive attitude towards her, and omitting any other considerations: "Elizabeth honoured him for such feelings, and thought him handsomer than ever as he expressed them."(Austen, 36) Elizabeth had been definitely wrong in her opinions of both Darcy and Wickham, but had been right about the other man who proposed to her,
Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" is set in rural England, in Longbourn, during the Napoleonic Wars, 1797-1815. The novel centers around the Bennet family, which includes five daughters of marrying age, Jane, the oldest, then Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. It is a story of romance, manners and a comedy of misunderstandings, in 19th century England. The protagonist of the story is the second daughter, Elizabeth, regarded as
Austen Jane Austen allows her characters to reveal themselves naturalistically, through their words and actions. Rather than interfering with an overly strong narrative voice, the author prefers to enable the reader's engagement with characters like Darcy as if they were real life acquaintances. Interestingly, though, Austen makes a small exception for Darcy, who when he first appears in Chapter three, is described by the narrator. Austen's choice of introduction makes perfect
Jane From reading this book, it is apparent that Jane is misunderstand too because she supports Elizabeth in her decision even though she is the older sister, which gives her the role to correct her by society's standards. When Elizabeth herself becomes engaged to Darcy, Jane is the first person she tells. "My sole dependence was on you; I am sure nobody else will believe me if you do not." Jane
Darcy. All of these problems are worked out by the conclusion of the novel, but not before Lydia has run off with Mr. Wickham and eloped. This is considered a great disgrace and a shame for the Bennet's because it is found out that Mr. Wickham is not a very wholesome character and in fact has quite a few skeletons in his closet. But Lydia does not seem to
Jane Austen Quotes Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. New York: Bantam Classics, 2003. Print. PRIDE "His pride," said Miss Lucas, "does not offend me so much as pride often does, because there is an excuse for it." (15) "It has been the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses which often expose a strong understanding to ridicule." "Such as vanity and pride." "Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride -- where there is real
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