Jane Eyre (pages 325-453: Ch. 22-30)

Jane's Kindness/Forgiveness [why sudden change?]
-visits her dying aunt that was so cruel to her
-stayed with Georgiana to keep her company (325)
-stayed with Eliza to take care of the house (325)
-forgives Rochester for attempting bigamy (388)
-"I blamed none of those who repulsed me." [when begging] (420)

Eliza's transition
-money lover as a child (88)
-"...Eliza would have sold the hair on her head if she could have made a handsome profit thereby." (88)
-adult Eliza wants to join a nunnery; business and money are no longer of major importance; gave her money to the Church (326)
-adult Eliza is prim and proper; has strict time schedule for everyday life
-Why the change?

Jane Walking
-why does she so often reject carriages?
-symbolic?
-walks from Inn to Thornfield upon her return from visiting Aunt Reed (327)
-walks to meet Rochester the night after seeing Bertha (365)
-left Thornfield (412)

Reference to the Supernatural
-Jane's rhetoric:
"Well, he is not a ghost" (328)
"You, sir, are the most phantom-like of all" (366)

-Rochester's words/actions [is his fairy-like depiction of her simply a pet name or something more?]:
"...come clattering over street and road like a common mortal, but to steal into the vicinage of your home along with twilight just as if you were a dream or a shade." (329)
"She comes from another world..." (329)
"If I dared, I'd touch you, to see if you are substance or shadow, you elf!" (329)
"Tell me now, fairy as you are,--can't you give me a charm, or a philter..." (330)
"You--you strange--you almost unearthly thing!" (339)
"Is this my Mustard-Seed?" (343)
"...and load these fairy-like fingers with rings." (344)
"I am going to take mademoiselle to the moon, and there I shall seek a cave in one of the white valleys among the volcano tops..." (352)
"It was a fairy, and come from Elf-land..." (353)
"Yes, you are dripping like a mermaid;" (365)
"How well you read me, you witch!" (368)

-Actually strange things:
-Chestnut tree splits in half after being struck by lightning (341) symbolic of Jane and Rochester reaching for each other but being torn apart?  Omen?  "...form one tree--a ruin; but an entire ruin" (363)  Jane and Rochester are one, but their love is ruined?
-"Vampyre" putting on and ripping Jane's veil (371)
-Married a lunatic (381)

Why so many references to the supernatural?  What does this mean?
Is there some otherworldly force acting or are these references only in the minds of the characters?


Proposal
-Jane's sad he's getting married; she cries; he asks her to marry him (339)
-Men didn't know how to propose during the times of these writers, did they?
-suddenly starts addressing her as beautiful and tries to buy her gifts, which of course she rejects...
-I don't doubt that he loves her, but if this were to occur in my life, I would be a bit skeptical
-Refuses to allow herself complete satisfaction until she is actually married. (362) "She did not exist..."
^ this ^ probably helps to cope with the disappointment of finding out he is already married
-her honor is so important to her (even though she hasn't any family to dishonor) that she rejects love in order to respect herself; I guess love can't conquer all.
-still calls him "master" (366)

Phrenology
-during the proposal (340)
-Meeting Diana (430)
-St. John (439)

Dreams (meanings?)
-holding a child on a rainy road and couldn't reach Rochester [foreshadowing what is to come?  she's getting farther away from him?  Child represents innocence??]
-Thornfield Hall was a ruin and full of bats and owls; carrying the same child but arms were tired; heard horse, knew it was Rochester leaving for many years, and so hurried to climb a wall to see him; she falls off the wall and the child falls too [will lose her innocence, not in the sense of virginity but in the sense of goodness and honesty after they part?]
-red-room; white human form talked to her, telling her to flee temptation (410)


General Thoughts
-Why doesn't Jane want jewels and presents?  Does she feel closer to God this way?  Does she think it makes her humble?  Is she simply used to not having these items?  Does she want to be "Miss Independent?"
-Why does she prefer the rudeness and "fierce favors" over flattery and tenderness? (361)  So as to prolong the relationship...so they don't bore each other?  Because she is not used to tenderness?
-It's interesting that during the wedding fuss Jane doesn't explain what she was thinking or feeling, but rather tells what happened.  She only explains her thoughts afterwards as she is in her room alone.
-"Will you hear reason?  because, if you won't, I'll try violence" (392)  threatening her??? and she thinks it's kind of romantic??  She does enjoy being submissive and accepting his demands... perhaps that turns her on?
-Rochester doesn't think it bad that he hired mistresses, but rather that he live familiarly with inferiors. (403)
-It's impressive that she's able to resist staying with him...I mean, if it's true love.  I love my boyfriend, and I don't think I could hold to "my principles" in this situation and resist temptation. (408)

Jane Eyre pg 188-325

First Impressions/Physical Appearances:
pg 190 "I knew my traveler...though neither tall nor graceful."
What does this show about Mr. Rochester's Character?

• "decisive nose, more remarkable for character than beauty"
• "very grim and no mistake"

pg 249 " But the three most distinguished...likely to suit Mr. Rochester's estate"

• Using physical appearance as a marker of class

• What do the physical descriptions tell us about the characters? Are the more or less effective than the descriptions given by Austin in Pride and Prejudice?

Jane's Character
pg 190 "A reception of finished politeness...gave me the advantage"

• more comfortable with cruelty than civility
• doesn't want to hold her tongue, enjoys disliking or defying others

Pg 195-197 Jane's Drawings

• What do the content of these pictures tell us about Jane's character

pg 232 "Had Grace been young and handsome, I should have been tempted to think that tenderer feelings than prudence or fear influenced Mr. Rochester on her behalf..."
pg 233 "I hastened to drive from my mind...brighter hopes and keener enjoyments"

• Hypocritical of Jane?
• Parallel to beginning of novel (pg 84) "if she were a nice, pretty child, one might compassionate her forlornness'..."
• Theme of beauty and societal value on it. Even though Jane suffers because of this she holds the same ideals
• She checks herself but does she actually regret what she said?
• Is Jane's comparison of herself to Grace accurate/unbiased? Do you agree with it?

Beauty
pg 252 "Most true is that...them in his"

Rochester and Jane Parallel Darcy and Elizabeth
pg 202 "You examine me, Miss Eyre....does my forehead not please you?"
pg 237 " That a greater fool than Jane Eyre....there is no extrication"
pg 259 "And getting a good deal paler...and abruptly left me"
pg 264 "I have told you reader...was a mark beneath jealousy"
pg 300-301 musings on marriage

• Idea that Mr. Rochester is too good for Jane (higher societal and financial power)
• Threat of him being destined for/perused by Blanche
• Acts of unexpected kindness/tenderness
• Disliked or mistreated y his companions of his own social class
• Abruptness and bluntness
• Attempted logic when dealing with their feelings
• Difficult past complicates view on marriage--although Mr. Rochester looks for redemption in marriage whereas Mr. Darcy has to redeem himself before he can be accepted for marriage.

Return to the Reeds
pg 311 "Two young ladies appeared before me...one trait of their mother."

• New physical impressions of the daughters. What do these descriptions do for us? How do they show a growth or lack there of in the characters?
• "In each of the sisters there was one trait of their mother's" What are they?

pg 313- "Well did I remember...promptings of rage and aversion"
pg 314 "I vowed that I would never call her aunt again: I thought it no sin to forget and break that vow, now"

• Important moment for Jane--Character growth!
• Demonstrates virtue of forgiveness ("No sin")

pg 315 "I have had more trouble...his own at that age"

• Backstory of Jane and her parents, explanation for Mrs. Reed's treatment of her.
• Is this a satisfying answer for Jane? For you as the reader?

pg 322-323 Letter from John Eyre and reaction

• Important moment for Mrs. Reed--character growth or making peace on earth so she can be admitted into heaven?
• consider Jane's earlier sentiments towards her distant relations (pg 82 "I asked Aunt Reed once...liberty at the price of caste" Has Jane changed since then? Does she still value financial stability over human kindness? 

• What claims are Bronte making about human nature and justice in this section? Consider the alterations or lack there of in the character and the fate that befalls them.

Other Thoughts

• Mr. Rochester's gypsy act (pg 276-286)

• We continue to get quick mentions of Grace throughout these chapters. What questions/predictions do you have about her character? Consider the moment where Jane considers her a murderess  (291).

• How do the two cosmic influences (religion and physical signs) move the story along? Consider Jane's speech on redemption (301), her dreams of the child (303).

• What is the effect of breaking the fourth wall and addressing the reader directly? Personally I find it jarring and out of place in the novel. it breaks from the flow of the narrative and reminds me that we are reading a story, thus discrediting and distancing me from the scene at hand (similar to the effect of the earlier shifts from first person present to first person retrospective narrative style). I don't find it necessary because we already know Jane's thoughts without her telling them to us specifically. Do you agree? Disagree? Do they provide any kind of unique effect?

Jane Eyre---LR

Goodness:

Q: How is “goodness” measured by Mrs. Reed and Bessie? How do their perceptions of “goodness” affect Jane?

“a heart saddened by the chidings of Bessie, the nurse, and humbled by the consciousness of my physical inferiority to Eliza, John, and Georgianna Reed” (63)

“there is something truly forbidding in a child taking up her elders in that manner. Be seated somewhere; and until you can speak pleasantly, remain silent” (63)  

What is Jane’s idea of how people should act?

Jane’s perception: “You are good to those who are goo to you. It is all I ever desire to be. If people were always kind and obedient to those who are cruel and unjust, the wicked people would have it all their own way: they would never feel afraid, and so they would never alter, but would grow worse and worse. When we are struck at without a reason, we should strike back again very hard; I am sure we would as hard as to teach the person who struck us never to do it again” (119) 

How does Charlotte Bronte evoke feelings in her writing? What is your sense of Jane’s predicament as a child?

In regards to elevation in society, how did Jane’s schooling help her social elevation? Would staying at the Reed’s given her any other prospects? (marriage)

How do we see Jane react to class differences? (p. 139), her first impression of Mrs. Fairfax? 

Jane Eyre 2/21

• The title page calls Jane Eyre an autobiography, and this is again mentioned in the text on page 149
• The description of the Red Room makes it seem eerie, but the time Jane spends locked in it is a turning point in the book. Though her life at Gateshead does not improve, after her stay in the Red Room, it is determined that she should go to school.
• On page 138, there is an instance of foreshadowing Helen’s death.
• The reunion with Bessie seems to be a good way to end Chapter 10 since it answers questions about Jane’s relatives. Bessie’s presence draws Jane’s life at both Gateshead and Lowood to a close

Questions:

• The laugh heard in the attic elicits a strong response from Jane and she uses eerie descriptions similar to those used in describing the Red Room. Do you think this laugh will turn out to be a turning point like the Red Room was?
• What is the significance of basing Lowood Institution off of Brontë’s own childhood school, and Helen off of Brontë’s sister, Maria? How does this relate back to the book claim to be an autobiography?
• Think of Mr. Brocklehurst’s hypocracy in dealing with the Lowood girls compared to the treatment of his daughters. Obviously, his reasons for cutting off naturally curly hair and serving burnt breakfast are not as he claims, or he would be doing the same with his daughters. Do you believe this is due simply to money-saving measures or a stigma surrounding orphaned children, or some combination of the two?
• How does Jane’s quote at the bottom of page 139 disagree with her declaration to Mr Lloyd that she would not like to live with poor people? How does this show a change in Jane? Where does this change come from?

Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre:

Chapters 1-13

1.       Does the story being told by Jane add or take away from the story, in comparison to Pride and Prejudice? Is it more effective to use first person in a story like this?-diary like

2.       Do you think the ghost of the Uncle is foreshadowing?

3.       Was it wise of Jane to speak her mind to her abusive guardians?

4.       Is the voice of Jane more mature than what you think would be the voice/attitude of a child? How do you think the story would have been if it was told in a children’s voice, rather than an adult’s account of the events?

5.       How is the immediate harshness of the abuse more striking than it would have been if the readers were given the backstory first?

6.       Is the comfort from Bessie with the tart/songs a show of the “faithful servant” (because she is lesser than the people she serves in some way) attitude like in the past books we have read or just a kindness?

Quotes:

·         Pg.166 top of the page where she is describing herself

·         Pg.160 how she starts the chapter

·         Pg. 157 The family’s karma, was this included for a reason?

·         Pg. 146 towards the end when Helen is dying

·         Pg. 129 after she drops the plate

·         Pg. 117 “Yet it would….bear”

·         Pg 110 Connection to Rasselas

·         Pg 99 First kind of happy moment

·         Pg 95 “I am not deceitful…not I”

·         Pg 93 “Humility is a Christian grace”

·         Pg 87 Relationship with doll

·         Pg 84 3^rd paragraph

·         Pg 72 2^nd paragraph

Pride and Prejudice 279-367

Reactions to Lydia's situation with Wickham

• Letter from Mr. Collins (281-282)..."The death of your daughter would  have been a blessing compared to this".......Collins reflects on his satisfaction that Elizabeth refused his proposal "otherwise, I must have been involved in all your sorrow and disgrace"
• Letter from Mr. Gardiner (286-287)                                                                                                        -He has found Lydia                                                                                                                          -Entered into an agreement to pay Wickham to marry Lydia. 

Bingley's Proposal to Jane (327)

• Austen chooses to not explain how Bingley proposes to Jane
• Universal happiness in response to the union between Jane and Bingley

335 Arrival of Catherine de Bourgh in Longbourn. 

      -Determined to prevent a marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth because "honor, decorum, prudence, and interest forbid it"..."Your alliance will be a disgrace" (336)...none of this phases Elizabeth who in fact questions why she would not accept his proposal if she is his choice. 

      - Complete reversal of attitude towards Darcy form Elizabeth

Love between Darcy and Elizabeth reaches its pinnacle pg 346

Discovery that Darcy, not Mr. Gardiner, paid Wickham to marry Lydia thinking only about Elizabeth in regards to why he did it. 

P&P 2/19

Alex Krall

For someone that claimed he kept things close to the vest, Wickham certainly let everybody know about the way Darcy treats him.

Lizzy talks up romance a lot and being in love, but when Wickham starts flirting with the other girl she’s quick to make the excuse that she must not have really loved him since she doesn’t care.

Why does Lizzy keep the part about Mr. Bingley out of her telling of Darcy’s side of the story to Jane (specifically that he didn’t tell Bingley when Jane was in London)?

Chapter 45, it’s crazy how Lizzy’s rejections of Darcy have caused him to completely flip sides and say that Lizzy is one of the most attractive females he’s ever known.

For someone that’s supposed to be a good Christian, Mr. Collins is a total jerk when Lyida runs off, even congratulating himself on not marrying Lizzy and saying they’re all ruined.

Why does Lizzy seem to regret telling Mr. Darcy about Lydia and Wickham?  Because of her being embarrassed of her family and wanting Darcy to like her?

Embarrassing as Mrs. Bennet might be, why do all the daughters act like she’s useless when she always seems to get the job done (i.e.  getting Jane and Bingley alone and engaged)?

English Discussion Notes 2/19

Important Quote: [Elizabeth to aunt] "I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice. I am even happier than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh" (361). 

• Commenting on how she married truly for love. Though Jane did not solely marry for money, she did marry Mr. Bennet out of convenience after falling out of love with him.
• Perhaps, Austen is commenting on how people compare their marriages to one another with Elizabeth. Though she does symbolize a change from money/duty/comfort/etc to love, she still is the most well-off of any of girls in the book. She also comments on how she fell in love with Mr. Darcy after seeing Pemberley (353). The draw to money/wealth/social status is still prevalent though his change is beginning to happen.

Mr. Bennet: “I admire all my three sons-in-law highly… Wickham, perhaps, is my favourite; but I think I shall like your husband quite as well as Jane’s” (358).

Why is Wickham the favorite in Mr. Bennet’s eyes?

·      Mr. Bennet: does not care about money, always thinks of Lydia as foolish, favors Elizabeth

·      Wickham: runs off with youngest daughter without thought of marriage, not as wealthy as the others, in debt across the country

o   [Free Indirect Discourse] “Every body declared he was the wickedest young man in the world; and every body began to find out, they had always distrusted the appearance of his goodness” (280).

o   [Mr. Bennet upon receiving the letter] “Wickham’s a fool, if he takes her with a farthing less than ten thousand pounds. I should be sorry to think so ill of him, in the beginning of our relationship” (288).

o   Mr. Bennet is even so angry with Lydia that he does not buy her bridal gowns.

·      Bingley: very favorably looked at throughout all of Meryton, has money

o   [after Bingley and Jane got engaged] “…and when Mr. Bennet joined them at supper, his voice and manner plainly shewed how really happy he was” (329)

o   [Mr. Bennet to Jane] “I have great pleasure in thinking you will be so happily settled. I have not a doubt of you’re doing very well together. You’re tempers are by no means unlike. You are each of you so complying, that nothing will ever be resolved on” (329)

·      Darcy: though not originally favorably looked at in Meryton, Darcy is very wealthy/can provide for and cares a lot for Elizabeth, even to the point of pursuing Wickham and Lydia when they elope and assisting in negotiating the marriage.

o   [Elizabeth] “Have you any other objection… than your belief of my indifference?” [Mr. Bennet] “None at all. We know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man; but this would be nothing if you really liked him” (356).

[Mr. Bennet after hearing of how Elizabeth’s feelings for him developed] “If this be the case, he deserves you.  I could not have parted with you, my Lizzy, to any one less worthy” (356).

Pride and Prejudice 2/19

Lydia's Return home

• Chapter 9 opens with a lot of short sentences (especially the second paragraph) that clearly depicts the tensions in the house over the rushed marriage, but Lydia blatantly ignores all of it and has the nerve to boast about her elopement
• plays clear part in characterizing Lydia as a shameless girl
• "Ah! Jane, I take your place now, and you must go lower, because I am a married woman" (300)

Money vs. Manners

• there's an explicit emphasis on the importance of manners in judging one's character throughout the book, but it seems money also has a very large influence on one's character--which is more important? Or does the power of money only exist as a defining factor to people like Mrs. Bennet?
• Argument for manners:
• Despite Bingley and Darcy's massive wealth, Mrs. Bennet still prefers Wickham as her favorite--p. 358 (But can we really take Mrs. Bennet word for anything?)
• Darcy's increasing appeal as he changes his disposition towards one that expresses the more favorable manners
• Argument for money:
• Mrs. Bennet insults Darcy (354) and only addrsses him with "cold and ceremonious politeness," but her opinions of him immediately change after she learns about the engagement, repeatedly focusing on the fact that he has 10,000 a year throughout her renewed compliments (p.357)
• Elizabeth admits her beginning to like Darcy could be traced back to the first time she saw Pemberly (353)

Austen's conflicting Message:

• Believe there are indications that promotes the idea of marrying for love and not just social advantages, but Elizabeth and Jane both have happy marriages with men who greatly promote thier social standings. Are we supposed to just see this as a fairy tale ending and love is really the driving force behind everything, or should we view it as an emphasis on the importance of love, but marrying up is also good?
• Can't cast aside Lady Catherine's anger/contempt as just the actions of an evil old women if the latter is true (chapter 14)
• "Oh, Lizzy! do any thing rather than marry without affection."

P&P Pages 278-367

Interesting Points:

• In this section of the book we see the re-emergence of the letter (many examples). There is the letter from Mr. Collins, who once again proves to us that he is a buffoon and that he is aware of social protocol but lacks the tact and communication skills to present his thoughts in a diligent manner. We see examples of this on pages 281-282. There is also is also a letter from Mr. Gardiner who informs the Bennetts of the happenings with their daughter Lydia who shamed herself by running off with Wickham.
• We also see the presence of the recurring theme of Reputation which is quite dominant in this story. Specifically we see where Lydia's reputation is ruined by her running off with Wickham and we also see that Wickham's reputation is tarnished by all of his debts to tradesmen. This theme, once again, proves to be important as it shows the strict nature of life in England; it also shows the difficulty of upward social mobility in those times.
• I also noticed some more of the lack of propriety that is present in the Bennett household, the first example being Lydia and the second example being Mrs. Bennetts drama & foolishness. 
• During the time when Lydia & Wickham were visiting; Lydia was extremely boastful and seemed so oblivious to the reactions of everyone. She acts in a very childish manner (To be fair so does Mrs. Bennet).
• The letter from Mrs. Gardiner confirmed to Elizabeth the love that Darcy had for her but she seems to shake it off briefly, Page 309.
• The Bennett family had gone from an extremely unlucky family with the whole Lydia debacle to one of the luckiest with Jane's engagement.
• Everyone is in disbelief at Elizabeth and Darcy because everybody still believes him to be a very rude and arrogant man

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the importance of social class in Courtship? And is it always conscious? I know we touched on it a little bit last class but it's a pretty good question
2. What is the point that Austen is making about Love? She makes many different examples of it in this story, so is she mocking it or just showing its many faces?
3. How has Darcy developed as a character during this story? Can we solely attribute this to Elizabeth?
4. What did you guys think about the different reactions that were present at Wickham and Lydia's visit to Longbourn?
5. Do you think Mr. Bennetts reaction to Wickham and Lydia was justified?
6. Does anybody think that the end is blatantly obvious and cliche?

Quotes I liked:

1. "Her heart did whisper, that he had done it for her." Page 308
2. "let me shift for myself; and, perhaps, if i have very good luck, I may meet with another Mr.Collins in time" Page 331 

End of Pride and Prejudice 2/19

Ellen Carey 

Pride and Prejudice 

February 19, 2014 

1.     Examine Mr. Bennet’s role in Lydia’s run away. Does he act the way a father of 4 other girls should?

“I have last learnt to be cautious, and you will feel the effect of it. No officer is ever to enter my house again, not even to pass through the village. Balls will be absolutely prohibited, unless you stand up with one of your sisters. And you are never to stir out of doors, till you can prove, that you have spent ten minutes of every day in a rational matter.” (284)

2.     “Is it possible!” Cried Elizabeth, when she had finished. “Can it be possible that he will marry her?” (287) Why is it so unbelievable for Elizabeth to accept Wickham marrying Lydia?

3.     How could Mr. Bennet have changed the way his daughter’s lives would turn out? “Mr. Bennet had very often wished, before this period of his life, that, instead of spending his whole income, he had laid by and annual sum, for the better provision of his children, and of his wife, if she survived him.” (292) What would have kept him from doing this? Why did he not?

4.     What does Aunt Gardiner’s letter to Elizabeth explain about the situation?

5.     Why does Wickham continue to try to mislead Elizabeth? (309) How does Elizabeth’s manner affect her response?

6.     How had Jane’s demeanor changed? Or has she always been this way? “I was only confused for a moment because I felt I should be looked at. I do assure you, that the news does not affect me either with pleasure or pain. I am glad of one thing, that he comes alone; because we shall see less of him. Not that I am afraid of myself, but I have dread of other people’s remarks.” (313)

7.     How did Lady Catherine’s visit affect Darcy? Why was her visit so important? (334)

8.     “This is a wretched beginning indeed! My sole dependence was on you; and I am sure nobody else will believe me, if you do not.” (353) Why do other people’s reactions matter? How could people view Elizabeth in her engagement to Darcy after the way they treated each other?

9.     Why is it possible to have direct discourse with Elizabeth and Darcy on page 357? What has changed that lets us see a full conversation run between them?

Colin Firth:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hasKmDr1yrA

Pride and Prejudice 87-183

Emotion Vs. Practicality

-Exemplified through the juxtaposition between Charlotte Lucas and Elizabeth

• Mr. Collins cannot believe that Elizabeth refuses his hand in marriage because, for Elizabeth, it would be rational to marry Mr. Collins given "the establishment he can offer her, his situation in life, my connections with the family of De Bourgh, and his relationship to Elizabeth's own" (pg 106)
• Mr Collins does not mention any personal connection between him and Elizabeth

• Furthermore, Mr. Collins suggest that one of his main motives for picking a girl from the Longbourn Estate as apposed to a neighborhood near him was to gain control of the estate and prevent the Bennett women from suffering any major losses (pg. 104)

• In one of Elizabeth's many refusals of Mr. Collin's offer, she states that "I am perfectly serious in my refusal.--you could not make me happy" revealing the importance that she places on happiness. (pg 105)

-In Contrast, Charlotte Lucas "accepted him solely from the pure and disinterested desire of an establishment and cared not how soon that establishment were gained" (pg. 120)

• Austen further highlights the contrast by saying the Lucases are "all for what they can get" (pg. 138)

Letter from Jane to Elizabeth (pg. 145) explaining her circumstances with the Bingley Family

Pride and Prejudice: Pgs 184-278

Pride and Prejudice- pgs. 184-278- Bess Hoskins 

Darcy’s Proposal: Turning Point

·         Themes of: social superiority, irrationality, apprehension, degradation of Elizabeth and her family, selfishness

·         Surprised at refusal of marriage as he assumed anyone would accept his proposal, especially a woman in Elizabeth’s economic situation, assumed she would be honored

·         Example of surprise: pg. 185, “She could easily see that he had no doubt of a favourable answer.” After response: pg.186, “The disturbance of his mind was visible in every feature.”

·         Pride and Prejudice theme: Elizabeth has a prejudice against Darcy from her first impression, and Darcy conveys his pride in the proposal by emphasizing how low a social standing Elizabeth has.

o   Pg 186: “I have every reason in the world to think ill of you.” –Elizabeth

o   Pg 188: “Could you expect me to rejuoice in the inferiority of your connect? To congratulate myself on the hope of relations, whose condition in life so decidedly beneath my own?” –Darcy

o   Pg 188: “I may almost say, of my aquintance with you, your manners impressed me with the fullest believe of your arrogance, your conceit, and your self-distain of the feelings of others…” –Elizabeth

o   Pg 189: “[I] have now only to be ashamed of my own [feelings]” -Darcy

·         Darcy’s Letter:

o   Demonstrates the Elizabeth’s reaction has caused Darcy to realize his pride and desire to fix it

o   Elizabeth’s reaction to the letter begins her overcoming her prejudices.

o   Idea that love can overcome all obstacles arises- including pride and prejudice

o   Pg 201: “She grew absolutely ashamed of herself- Of neither Darcy nor Wickham could she think, without feeling that she had been blind, partial, prejudiced, and absurd.”

§  First moment of the beginning of her positive feelings toward Darcy developing as she realizes her own mistakes

o   Throughout the letter, Darcy begins to get rid of his pride.

§  Pg 198 “His style was not penitent, but haughty. It was all pride and insolence.”

§  After Wickham explanation: Pg 198: “Her feelings were yet more acutely painful and more difficult of definition.”

·         Transformation

§  Pg 202: “But vanity, not love, has been my folly.”

·         Theme of pride

·         Mr. Collins’s talk with Elizabeth (pg 208)

o   Pompous and arrogant about connections to Lady Catherine

o   Pg. 208: “…having it in our power to introduce you to very superior society.”

o   Pg. 208: “Our situation with regard to Lady Catherine’s family is indeed the sort of extraordinary advantage and blessing of which few can boast.”

·         Elizabeth warns Mr. Bennet of Lydia and Kitty Leaving for Brighton

o   Pg. 222: “Our importance, our respectability in the world, must be affected by the wild vitality, the assurance and disdain of all restrain which mark Lydia’s character.”

o   Blindness Theme: Lydia, like her mother, is blind to how her actions and flamboyancy are really received by others.

o   Elizabeth more conscious of wanting to salvage her family’s social standing- ironic that it comes after Darcy noted how hard it was to love someone with their situation

·         Wickham sees Elizabeth

o   “The rest of the evening passed with the appearance, on his side, of usual cheerfulness…”

o   Blindness theme: Elizabeth no longer blind to the truth of Wickham, knows what rests under his façade

·         Elizabeth Visits Pemberley:

o   Elizabeth shows first few signs of regret of rejecting Darcy upon entering Pemberley.

o   Servant’s opinion of Darcy is one of the first Elizabeth hears to counter her prejudices.

o   Pemberley symbolizes Darcy: largeness and elevation notes Darcy’s high social standing

o   “My uncle and aunt would have been lost to me…This was a lucky recollection-it saved her from something like regret.”

o   Growth of Elizabeth’s feelings: “She thought of his regard with a deeper sense of gratitude.”

o   Transformation of Darcy: Pg 251: “Never…had she seen him so desirous to please, so free from self-consequence, or unbending reserve.”

o   Pg 252: “Such a change in a man of so much pride, excited…gratitude, for to love, ardent love”

·         Lydia’s Relations with Wickham Revealed:

o   Pg 269.: Elizabeth recognizes her mother’s characteristics have been adopted by Lydia, and her mother failed in teaching her how to “think on serious subjects.”

o   Fallen woman idea: Pg 274: “The loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable.”

o   Importance of Elizabeth’s social standing for Darcy resurfaces: Pg 264. “Her power was sinking.”