18. “…loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable; that one false step involves her in endless ruin – that her reputation is no less brittle than it is beautiful – and that she cannot be too much guarded in her behavior towards the undeserving of the other sex.” (Page 187-188):
Mary Bennet is speaking about Lydia and Wickham. This passage demonstrates many of the themes in Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. First and foremost, Austen addresses the importance of reputation. Lydia is not only jeopardizing her own reputation but also the reputations of her sisters by running away with Wickham. Furthermore, we are shown how society will judge the family if this matter is found out. During this time, Elizabeth is concerned about Mr. Darcy and how he will think of the family. She believes this situation will ruin any slim chance she had left with him. Austen is showing us that respect plays a role in social standing. The reader gets a sense of the injustice of the situation for Lydia because she doesn’t recognize Wickham as a villain but also the injustice of being judged not for who you are but by the actions of others.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Pride and Prejudice (Pg. 143)
17. "To Elizabeth it appeared, that had her family made an agreement to expose themselves as much as they could during the evening, it would have been impossible for them to play their parts with more spirit, or finer success; and happy did she think it for Bingley and her sister that some of the exhibition had escaped his notice, and that his feelings were not of a sort to be much distressed by the folly which he must have witnessed" (Page 143):
In this quote, Austen touches on the theme of the importance of reputation and behavior and also class and society. Elizabeth is embarrassed of her family’s behavior at the ball and Netherfield. She can sense her family's inferiority. Austen is also showing us that although Elizabeth denies that she cares about her appearance to Darcy, she is sensible enough to recognize the importance or proper behavior.
In this quote, Austen touches on the theme of the importance of reputation and behavior and also class and society. Elizabeth is embarrassed of her family’s behavior at the ball and Netherfield. She can sense her family's inferiority. Austen is also showing us that although Elizabeth denies that she cares about her appearance to Darcy, she is sensible enough to recognize the importance or proper behavior.
Pride and Prejudice (Pg. 137)
16. "How despicably have I acted!' she cried. - 'I, who have prided myself on my discernment! - I, who have valued myself on my abilities!" (Page 137):
This passage is written after Elizabeth reads the letter from Darcy. Austen shows the reader that Elizabeth is recognizing the failing of her prideful behavior and the prejudice against the pride in Darcy. Elizabeth now sees things in a new light. This is the passage in which a major shift occurs; Austen now begins to depict the marriage and perfect life that could exist between Darcy and Elizabeth.
This passage is written after Elizabeth reads the letter from Darcy. Austen shows the reader that Elizabeth is recognizing the failing of her prideful behavior and the prejudice against the pride in Darcy. Elizabeth now sees things in a new light. This is the passage in which a major shift occurs; Austen now begins to depict the marriage and perfect life that could exist between Darcy and Elizabeth.
Pride and Prejudice (Pg. 125)
15. “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you…His sense of her inferiority…of family obstacles…” (Page 125):
Mr. Darcy's declaration of love for Elizabeth is a perfect example of the complications of love throughout the novel. Darcy has felt as if he is unable to acknowledge his love for Elizabeth because of own beliefs of social class. There were many obstacles to overcome to get true love in Pride and Prejudice. The most obvious of these obstacles are pride and prejudice. However, she concludes the novel with Elizabeth and Darcy together. The reader may be surprised by these emotions Mr. Darcy expresses but it serves to make the story even more appealing. Austen has developed Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s characters in similar ways and is now developing the pride and prejudice theme even further showing us that too much pride leads to prejudice and how disastrous that can be.
Mr. Darcy's declaration of love for Elizabeth is a perfect example of the complications of love throughout the novel. Darcy has felt as if he is unable to acknowledge his love for Elizabeth because of own beliefs of social class. There were many obstacles to overcome to get true love in Pride and Prejudice. The most obvious of these obstacles are pride and prejudice. However, she concludes the novel with Elizabeth and Darcy together. The reader may be surprised by these emotions Mr. Darcy expresses but it serves to make the story even more appealing. Austen has developed Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s characters in similar ways and is now developing the pride and prejudice theme even further showing us that too much pride leads to prejudice and how disastrous that can be.
Pride and Prejudice (pg. 85)
14. "I see what you are feeling," replied Charlotte. "You must be surprised, very much surprised--so lately as Mr. Collins was wishing to marry you. But when you have had time to think it over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. I am not romantic, you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins's character, connection, 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.” (Page 85):
According to the Notes on Education, Marriage, Status of Women, women in Austen’s time had no way of becoming independent during this time period. Women would always rely on someone whether it was their families or their husband. Society also considered it a very bad thing if women did not get married. They would become spinsters if they did not find a husband and would be considered a nuisance or burden. Charlotte realized that since she would not inherit an estate or enough money to live on, she would have to find a husband to support her. Austen depicts the choices of this time had to make; sometimes, women had to choose between poverty or marriage. Marriage was not always for love during this time, sometimes it was for survival. Austen writes about this situation for women so clearly in Pride and Prejudice and she shows that women can be smart, creative, and talented (like Elizabeth) and still be at the mercy of social rules.
"Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice -- Notes on Education, Marriage, Status of Women, Etc." Jane Austen | The Republic of Pemberley. Web. 11 Mar. 2010. http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/pptopic2.html#protofem1.
According to the Notes on Education, Marriage, Status of Women, women in Austen’s time had no way of becoming independent during this time period. Women would always rely on someone whether it was their families or their husband. Society also considered it a very bad thing if women did not get married. They would become spinsters if they did not find a husband and would be considered a nuisance or burden. Charlotte realized that since she would not inherit an estate or enough money to live on, she would have to find a husband to support her. Austen depicts the choices of this time had to make; sometimes, women had to choose between poverty or marriage. Marriage was not always for love during this time, sometimes it was for survival. Austen writes about this situation for women so clearly in Pride and Prejudice and she shows that women can be smart, creative, and talented (like Elizabeth) and still be at the mercy of social rules.
"Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice -- Notes on Education, Marriage, Status of Women, Etc." Jane Austen | The Republic of Pemberley. Web. 11 Mar. 2010. http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/pptopic2.html#protofem1.
Pride and Prejudice (Pg. 83)
13. “The younger girls formed hope of coming out a year or two sooner…” (Page 83):
The context of words changes so much over time. Austen is writing about the girls being introduced to society and shows they are prepared to live as adult women when she writes “coming out.” It can still have this meaning today, but it may be most often used as a reference to people making known their sexual orientation. In this passage, Austen is again showing how women were dependent on marriage or a male relative to provide for their futures. Love is a bit of a luxury when faced with homelessness, poverty, and hunger. By writing about it so openly, Austen gives the reader clear insight as to what women in society are experiencing in their daily lives. Austen paints a clear picture as to what roles women of certain social standings face in their lives.
"Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice -- Notes on Education, Marriage, Status of Women, Etc." Jane Austen | The Republic of Pemberley. Web. 11 Mar. 2010. http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/pptopic2.html#protofem1.
The context of words changes so much over time. Austen is writing about the girls being introduced to society and shows they are prepared to live as adult women when she writes “coming out.” It can still have this meaning today, but it may be most often used as a reference to people making known their sexual orientation. In this passage, Austen is again showing how women were dependent on marriage or a male relative to provide for their futures. Love is a bit of a luxury when faced with homelessness, poverty, and hunger. By writing about it so openly, Austen gives the reader clear insight as to what women in society are experiencing in their daily lives. Austen paints a clear picture as to what roles women of certain social standings face in their lives.
"Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice -- Notes on Education, Marriage, Status of Women, Etc." Jane Austen | The Republic of Pemberley. Web. 11 Mar. 2010. http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/pptopic2.html#protofem1.
Pride and Prejudice (Pg. 47)
12. “…he chose Fordyce’s Sermons.” (Page 47):
The book that Mr. Collins chose to read aloud are sermons for young women written by James Fordyce in 1766. Women were warned against vanities and fashionable pleasures. Austen uses this passage to further represent Mr. Collins in a bad light for the Bennet girls would not be interested in these readings. Austen is also showing her views as she has Mr. Collins, who is shown as a somewhat ridiculous character, reading these sermons it shows that Austen would likely not agree with the advice given to young ladies in the sermons.
“Regency History.” The Jane Austen Centre: Celebrating Bath’s Most Famous Resident. 10March2010. http://www.janeausten.co.uk/magazine/index.ihtml?pid=249&step=4.
The book that Mr. Collins chose to read aloud are sermons for young women written by James Fordyce in 1766. Women were warned against vanities and fashionable pleasures. Austen uses this passage to further represent Mr. Collins in a bad light for the Bennet girls would not be interested in these readings. Austen is also showing her views as she has Mr. Collins, who is shown as a somewhat ridiculous character, reading these sermons it shows that Austen would likely not agree with the advice given to young ladies in the sermons.
“Regency History.” The Jane Austen Centre: Celebrating Bath’s Most Famous Resident. 10March2010. http://www.janeausten.co.uk/magazine/index.ihtml?pid=249&step=4.
Pride and Prejudice (Pg. 45)
11. “She had also asked him twice to dine at Rosings, and had sent for him only the Saturday before, to make up her pool of quadrille in the evening.” (Page 45):
During this period of time, Quadrille was both the name of a card game and a dance. The Quadrille is a lively dance, and was introduced to England by a Miss Berry to the Duke of Devonshire in 1808. It became popular in 1813, which is also the year that Pride and Prejudice was first published. As a card game, it was loosing popularity at this time. This would help set a tone for Lady Catherine de Bough’s personality. She was a lady who would give orders in the form of an invitation and who would play unpopular card games because that is what she wanted.
Krueger, Beverly. “The Card Games of Jane Austen.” Eclectic Homeschool Online. 2007. 25February2010. http://eclectichomeschool.org/articles/article.asp?articleid=559.
"StreetSwing's Dance History Archives - Quadrille Dance Page - Main1." Sonny Watson's West Coast Swing Dance - Streetswings Homepage. Web. 06 Mar. 2010. http://www.streetswing.com/histmain/z3quad1.htm.
During this period of time, Quadrille was both the name of a card game and a dance. The Quadrille is a lively dance, and was introduced to England by a Miss Berry to the Duke of Devonshire in 1808. It became popular in 1813, which is also the year that Pride and Prejudice was first published. As a card game, it was loosing popularity at this time. This would help set a tone for Lady Catherine de Bough’s personality. She was a lady who would give orders in the form of an invitation and who would play unpopular card games because that is what she wanted.
Krueger, Beverly. “The Card Games of Jane Austen.” Eclectic Homeschool Online. 2007. 25February2010. http://eclectichomeschool.org/articles/article.asp?articleid=559.
"StreetSwing's Dance History Archives - Quadrille Dance Page - Main1." Sonny Watson's West Coast Swing Dance - Streetswings Homepage. Web. 06 Mar. 2010. http://www.streetswing.com/histmain/z3quad1.htm.
Pride and Prejudice (pg. 43)
10. “... Monday, November 18th, by four o'clock, and shall probably trespass on your hospitality till the Saturday se’night following...” (Page 43):
A sennight is a period of 7 days and 7 nights. So, Mr. Collins is saying that he plans to stay for a week past Saturday – almost two weeks total. Sennight is derived from middle english (15th century): “seofon nihta.” The word sennight stayed a form of British English until the 20th century when the shorter term “week” finally took over. Austen uses this letter for character development as the reader (and the Bennet family) begins to think about William Collins and what type of person he will turn out to be.
"Sennight - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary." Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. Web. 06 Mar. 2010. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sennight.
"World Wide Words: Sennight." Web. 06 Mar. 2010. http://www.worldwidewords.org/weirdwords/ww-sen1.htm.
A sennight is a period of 7 days and 7 nights. So, Mr. Collins is saying that he plans to stay for a week past Saturday – almost two weeks total. Sennight is derived from middle english (15th century): “seofon nihta.” The word sennight stayed a form of British English until the 20th century when the shorter term “week” finally took over. Austen uses this letter for character development as the reader (and the Bennet family) begins to think about William Collins and what type of person he will turn out to be.
"Sennight - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary." Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. Web. 06 Mar. 2010. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sennight.
"World Wide Words: Sennight." Web. 06 Mar. 2010. http://www.worldwidewords.org/weirdwords/ww-sen1.htm.
Pride and Prejudice (Pg. 32)
9. “Mr. Hurst and Mr. Bingley were at piquet, and Mrs. Hurst was observing their game.” (Page 32):
Piquet is a well established card game that dates back to the 1600's. However, the modern day variation was published by Lord Frederick Cavendish (7th Duke of Devonshire) in 1882. Piquet is played with two players. During Austen's time period, gaming and gambling was a very popular activity among the upper classes. In this passage, Austen highlights the fact that Mr. Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were members of the upper-class.
"All About Romance Novels - Gambling in Historic England." All About Romance (Novels, Reviews, Books, Reading) - Home Page. Web. 06 Mar. 2010. http://www.likesbooks.com/gambling.html.
"Lord Frederick Cavendish - Biography of Lord Frederick Cavendish." Spiritus-Temporis.com - Historical Events, Latest News, News Archives. Web. 06 Mar. 2010. http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/lord-frederick-cavendish/.
"Rules of : Piquet." Card Games. Web. 06 Mar. 2010. http://www.pagat.com/notrump/piquet.html.
Piquet is a well established card game that dates back to the 1600's. However, the modern day variation was published by Lord Frederick Cavendish (7th Duke of Devonshire) in 1882. Piquet is played with two players. During Austen's time period, gaming and gambling was a very popular activity among the upper classes. In this passage, Austen highlights the fact that Mr. Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were members of the upper-class.
"All About Romance Novels - Gambling in Historic England." All About Romance (Novels, Reviews, Books, Reading) - Home Page. Web. 06 Mar. 2010. http://www.likesbooks.com/gambling.html.
"Lord Frederick Cavendish - Biography of Lord Frederick Cavendish." Spiritus-Temporis.com - Historical Events, Latest News, News Archives. Web. 06 Mar. 2010. http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/lord-frederick-cavendish/.
"Rules of : Piquet." Card Games. Web. 06 Mar. 2010. http://www.pagat.com/notrump/piquet.html.
Pride and Prejudice (Pg. 18)
8. "I had once had some thought of fixing in town myself--for I am fond of superior society; but I did not feel quite certain that the air of London would agree with Lady Lucas." (Page 18):
Popular opinion of the time period was that the town and urban areas were far “superior” to the country. Once more, Austen distinguishes the themes of class and social standings.
Popular opinion of the time period was that the town and urban areas were far “superior” to the country. Once more, Austen distinguishes the themes of class and social standings.
Pride and Prejudice (Pg. 16)
7. “…both like Vingt-uh better than Commerce…” (page 16):
Vingt-uh and Commerce are both card games. People of social standing had leisure time on their hands. They passed this time reading, talking with each other, and playing cards. Some other activities that ladies may have used this time to paint, play the piano, or needlepoint. Men may have hunted or talked about politics. One activity men and women could enjoy together was to play cards. Vingt-uh is known as black jack or twenty-one in our language (vingt-uh being French for twenty-one) and Commerce was more complicated and kind of like poker. Austen is pointing out that Jane and Bingley are spending time together playing cards and having dinner and because of this some people speculate that Mr. Bingley is developing feelings for Jane. This would be very beneficial for Jane as Bingley has enough money to provide for her. These passages help the reader to understand that the Bennet women may have had some social standing but they would not have anything after their dad died. This made a relationship with someone who had money very desirable because it would provide for the girls.
Krueger, Beverly. “The Card Games of Jane Austen.” Eclectic Homeschool Online. 2007. 25February2010. http://eclectichomeschool.org/articles/article.asp?articleid=559.
Vingt-uh and Commerce are both card games. People of social standing had leisure time on their hands. They passed this time reading, talking with each other, and playing cards. Some other activities that ladies may have used this time to paint, play the piano, or needlepoint. Men may have hunted or talked about politics. One activity men and women could enjoy together was to play cards. Vingt-uh is known as black jack or twenty-one in our language (vingt-uh being French for twenty-one) and Commerce was more complicated and kind of like poker. Austen is pointing out that Jane and Bingley are spending time together playing cards and having dinner and because of this some people speculate that Mr. Bingley is developing feelings for Jane. This would be very beneficial for Jane as Bingley has enough money to provide for her. These passages help the reader to understand that the Bennet women may have had some social standing but they would not have anything after their dad died. This made a relationship with someone who had money very desirable because it would provide for the girls.
Krueger, Beverly. “The Card Games of Jane Austen.” Eclectic Homeschool Online. 2007. 25February2010. http://eclectichomeschool.org/articles/article.asp?articleid=559.
Pride and Prejudice (Pg. 14)
6. "That is very true," replied Elizabeth, "and I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine." (Page 14):
Pride is one of the large themes of the novel. In this quote, Austen directly addresses the issue. Pride is found in both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth takes pride in herself; she feels as if she is “too good” to let others look down on her. While Darcy is “prideful” in his possessions and his riches. He is “too good” for Elizabeth. In reality, they are perfect for each other but each are to caught up in their own pride to be able to see any good qualities in the other.
Pride is one of the large themes of the novel. In this quote, Austen directly addresses the issue. Pride is found in both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth takes pride in herself; she feels as if she is “too good” to let others look down on her. While Darcy is “prideful” in his possessions and his riches. He is “too good” for Elizabeth. In reality, they are perfect for each other but each are to caught up in their own pride to be able to see any good qualities in the other.
Pride and Prejudice (Pg. 12)
5. “... risen to the honor of knighthood by an address to the King, during his mayoralty.” (Page 12):
Austen makes another reference to social class and standing. Mayoralty means the office or term of office of a mayor and is used in reference to Sir William Lucas who was knighted while he was serving in this manner. This makes Sir William Lucas a worthy acquaintance and neighbor, and someone who the Bennets socialize with regularly.
"Mayoralty - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary." Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. Web. 25 Feb. 2010. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mayoralty.
Austen makes another reference to social class and standing. Mayoralty means the office or term of office of a mayor and is used in reference to Sir William Lucas who was knighted while he was serving in this manner. This makes Sir William Lucas a worthy acquaintance and neighbor, and someone who the Bennets socialize with regularly.
"Mayoralty - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary." Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. Web. 25 Feb. 2010. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mayoralty.
Pride and Prejudice (Pg. 9)
4. “... And the two fifth with Jane again, and the two sixth with Lizzy, and the Boulanger.” (Page 9):
The Boulanger was an English Country Dance . The dance reached its popularity peak in Austen's lifetime. The Boulanger was a "mixer" dance; it was repetitive and moved so partners were changed and every dancer had the opportunity to dance with every partner of the opposite sex at least once. Austen most likely referenced this dance because she was most familiar with it. According to the Georgian Index, Austen often used dances as parallels to marriage. This may be connected to the relationship between Lizzy and Darcy. When they dance together, they struggle for conversation, just as they struggle to acknowledge their love for each other.
"Dance." Georgian Index -- Alphabetical Site map. Web. 25 Feb. 2010. http://www.georgianindex.net/Dance/dance.html
The Boulanger was an English Country Dance . The dance reached its popularity peak in Austen's lifetime. The Boulanger was a "mixer" dance; it was repetitive and moved so partners were changed and every dancer had the opportunity to dance with every partner of the opposite sex at least once. Austen most likely referenced this dance because she was most familiar with it. According to the Georgian Index, Austen often used dances as parallels to marriage. This may be connected to the relationship between Lizzy and Darcy. When they dance together, they struggle for conversation, just as they struggle to acknowledge their love for each other.
"Dance." Georgian Index -- Alphabetical Site map. Web. 25 Feb. 2010. http://www.georgianindex.net/Dance/dance.html
Pride and Prejudice (Pg. 8-9)
3. “Which do you mean?” and turning round, he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and coldly said, “She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner” (Pages 8-9):
This quote demonstrates Darcy’s attitude to country folk; he feels that everyone at the ball is inferior to him. Austen demonstrates Darcy’s pride and prejudice against society that is lower in class than himself. This passage once again connects back to the main themes of the novel: pride and prejudice.
This quote demonstrates Darcy’s attitude to country folk; he feels that everyone at the ball is inferior to him. Austen demonstrates Darcy’s pride and prejudice against society that is lower in class than himself. This passage once again connects back to the main themes of the novel: pride and prejudice.
Pride and Prejudice (Pg. 3)
2. “... Take possession before Michaelmas...” (Page 3):
Michaelmas is a day when Christians celebrate with a feast in honor of St. Michael. Michaelmas is the 29th of September and marks the beginning of the Fall season. It is named after Michael or St. Michael who is referenced in the bible as the head of the angels. According to "Chambers' Book of Days" it is common for rents to be paid, and burgal magistracies and councils are re-elected on this day in England. Furthermore, it is a widespread tradition to eat goose at dinner on this day. Austen may have acknowledged this day in the beginning of her book to show the role that society will play in this book. Austen is giving the reader a since that social standings, connections, and politics will play a major role in Pride and Prejudice.
"Michaelmas." © Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.. Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.. 13 Mar. 2010. Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Michaelmas.
"September 29th." The Hyperlinked & Searchable Chambers' 1869 'The Book of Days' Web. 25 Feb. 2010. http://www.thebookofdays.com/months/sept/29.htm.
Michaelmas is a day when Christians celebrate with a feast in honor of St. Michael. Michaelmas is the 29th of September and marks the beginning of the Fall season. It is named after Michael or St. Michael who is referenced in the bible as the head of the angels. According to "Chambers' Book of Days" it is common for rents to be paid, and burgal magistracies and councils are re-elected on this day in England. Furthermore, it is a widespread tradition to eat goose at dinner on this day. Austen may have acknowledged this day in the beginning of her book to show the role that society will play in this book. Austen is giving the reader a since that social standings, connections, and politics will play a major role in Pride and Prejudice.
"Michaelmas." © Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.. Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.. 13 Mar. 2010. Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Michaelmas.
"September 29th." The Hyperlinked & Searchable Chambers' 1869 'The Book of Days' Web. 25 Feb. 2010. http://www.thebookofdays.com/months/sept/29.htm.
Pride and Prejudice (Pg. 3)
1. “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” (Page 3):
The first line of the novel serves many purposes. First and foremost it foreshadows the pursuit of Mr. Bingley and other men that would serve as good husbands. Austen demonstrates the attitude of women toward the pursuit of men and marriage during this time. Austen shows the reader that the preoccupations of marriage went both ways; society demanded marriage. Austen also shows the desire and desperate want of a husband and marriage during this time.
The first line of the novel serves many purposes. First and foremost it foreshadows the pursuit of Mr. Bingley and other men that would serve as good husbands. Austen demonstrates the attitude of women toward the pursuit of men and marriage during this time. Austen shows the reader that the preoccupations of marriage went both ways; society demanded marriage. Austen also shows the desire and desperate want of a husband and marriage during this time.
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