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