P & P Blog 6

Elizabeth's disposition regarding Darcy has almost completely changed. She is realizes that if Darcy were to propose to her again, she would gladly accept. She is also aware that because of the affronting nature of her refusal, there is a very good chance that such a proposal will not arise. She now understood that "he was exactly the man who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her" (261). She originally found his manners abrasive and implacable, but she now believes that she was originally mistaken about his personality. She thinks that maybe if they were to marry, her personality would soften him up and he would be come very affable. She is, however, disappointed by that fact that because Lydia is to marry Wickham, there would be no chance that Darcy would want to deal with such a family. She is now confident in her feelings about Darcy, but now she has doubts about Darcy's feelings towards her.

P & P Blog 5

Elizabeth receives a set of letters from Jane that fastidiously describe a terrible truth: Lydia has run off with Wickham. This especially angers Elizabeth because she knows of his shady past with Georgiana. She's also aware that it is imminent that the Bennets' reputation will be completely ruined. She doesn't exactly blame Lydia for this, in fact she blames herself for not exposing Wickham for the scumbag that he is. After telling Darcy, he is also upset with himself for not exposing Wickham. Elizabeth assumes that Lydia is implacable at this moment, and would be difficult to locate and pull out of this predicament. What's interesting about this situation is that she holds Lydia with no responsibility, she is only disappointed in herself for not realizing that Lydia was an easy target for Wickham. She is also having trouble understanding why Wickham would want to marry Lydia, because he should be aware that the marriage would bring him no wealth, and it has been proven that he specifically cares about his wealth and status. Elizabeth believes that doing what she can and stopping the marriage if possible is incumbent and extremely important for her family's posterity to prosper.

Mr. Collins' Proposal Essay

Peter Sanfacon

Mr. George

World Lit Honors

13 February 2011

Mr. Collins, The Loser

            Mr. Collins, the unusual cousin of the Bennet sisters, enters the story with a unique aspiration: to find a wife. He is not searching for a soul mate, but for someone to “complete” his life. Elizabeth Bennet peaks his interest after realizing that Jane is unavailable. Mr. Collins, once he decides that he wishes to marry Elizabeth, brings his proposal to her, but not in the most planned or heart felt way. Mr. Collins’ proposal is absolutely pitiful because it lacks sincerity, love, passion, and honesty; he lacks the principles of a proposal that make it so appealing.

            Mr. Collins’ proposal lacks merit from the start, considering his original reasons for marrying in the first place. According to Mr. Collins, Lady Catherine told him “a clergyman like you must marry” (Austen 92). Mr. Collins, being the buffoon he is, automatically believes that getting married is something he must do simply because someone with a high reputation, such as Lady Catherine, told him to. Most women wouldn’t think it too sincere to propose simply because someone advised it. He also believes that it is important for a clergyman “to set the example of matrimony in his parish” (92). Instead of marrying because it’s his heart’s desire, he wishes to marry because it will raise his reputation. This is a fairly selfish pursuit. Elizabeth is smart enough to recognize that this reason alone would mean that Mr. Collins does not view Elizabeth as a person, but as property. Although that is the custom, Elizabeth is a headstrong woman who wants nothing but a unique relationship filled with love. This is evidence that Elizabeth wasn’t necessarily Mr. Collin’s specific choice for a spouse, thus the lack of sincerity and passion.

            His following statements systematically contradict any sign of sincerity and honesty he may show. He says that the marriage would “add very greatly to my happiness” (92), but directly after that, he says, “perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier” (92) which implies that the latter statement is more important than the former. The latter statement is that Lady Catherine recommended the marriage. According to Mr. Collins, someone else’s opinion is more important than his own when it comes to a decision that should involve love.

            The relentless proposal continues even after being rejected several times by Elizabeth.  She says it is “impossible for me to do otherwise than decline [the proposals]” (93). Elizabeth is bluntly stating that there is no way in hell that she will ever marry Mr. Collins. Again, he makes a foolish mistake, but this time attributes her rejection to a “typical” female flaw: “it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept” (94). There are several insults to Elizabeth in this statement. First, he is putting Elizabeth in the same category as other women, which Elizabeth prides herself in not being a part of. Second, he does not take Elizabeth’s rejection seriously, which to Elizabeth is a big deal because it also means that he doesn’t respect Elizabeth, or women for that matter, enough to warrant trusting her opinion. Third, Mr. Collins automatically thinks that Elizabeth is playing a game with him, again calling into question his respect for women.

            Mr. Collins’ proposal is despicable because it is not truthful and he insults Elizabeth’s intelligence by continuously proposing even after being undisputedly rejected. Mr. Collins is a foolish individual for thinking that he would be successful; this simple fact exemplifies exactly what Elizabeth dislikes about Mr. Collins, and why she believes him to be an unfit husband.

P & P Blog 4

Mr. Darcy unexpectedly proposes to Elizabeth. Of course, she declines. She was already opposed to Darcy's haughty disposition, but after hearing some disturbing news from Colonel Fitzwilliam, she had become increasingly more infuriated with Darcy. Darcy then admits to Elizabeth that he intentionally sabotaged Jane and Bingley's relationship and kept him from marrying Jane. These odious words make Elizabeth wonder why in the world Darcy would think she would accept. Darcy later explains in a letter to Elizabeth that the reason he broke Jane and Bingley up, was because he wanted to save Jane heartbreak. If he were to have waited until the two were married, then the difference in class would surely destroy them both. After Darcy leaves, Elizabeth is shocked that someone of Darcy's class would even propose marriage to her. She knows that her family would be upset that she declined, but she isn't looking for a prudent marriage, she's looking for love and she is completely sure she wouldn't find it with Darcy.

P & P Blog 3

Elizabeth, while visiting Charlotte, is encountered once again by Mr. Darcy. This time, however, Darcy brings a cousin, Fitzwillaim along with him. Elizabeth at first is not too enthused about having to see Darcy, but one night after dinner, they have an interesting argument. Elizabeth uses her conversation with Fitzwilliam to deride Darcy while he is in the room, so it is obvious that Elizabeth is not trying to conceal her feelings from Darcy. In fact, she wants him to know, but she finds it more powerful if she condescends to him through his cousin. Of course, Darcy replies very laconically, and does not really give Elizabeth the benefit of the doubt. The following day, Mr. Darcy wanders off to Elizabeth's room and claims that he did not think her to be alone. However, instead of leaving, he stays and attempts to have a pleasant conversation with her. Elizabeth finds Darcy to be surprisingly amiable. However, their paltry conversation lacks any sort of concrete structure so their interaction suffers from quiet awkwardness several times. Once Darcy finally departs, Charlotte declares that Darcy must be in love with Elizabeth if he decided to specifically spend time with her. Elizabeth is not so easily convinced. Elizabeth is still suffering from a confirmation bias, and she will not allow her opinion of Darcy to change. Elizabeth begins to notice Darcy taking a sudden interest in her. But, Elizabeth find out from Fitzwilliam that Darcy "saved" a friend from an "imprudent marriage". Because of her confirmation bias, Elizabeth automatically believes this is referring to Mr. Bingley and Jane. Elizabeth is now convinced that Darcy intentionally sabotaged her sister's chance for felicity.

P & P Blog 2

Although Elizabeth originally thought Mr. Darcy to be quite implacable, she is starting to realize that he is more than meets the eye. Mr. Darcy is very picky when it comes to choosing a consort. He doesn't like the idea of conforming to society and choosing a wife just for financial or status fulfillment. Elizabeth, after being insulted by Mr. Darcy, wanted nothing to do with him and would speak openly without seeking his approbation. However, now that she is somewhat aware that he is interested in her, she is starting to be a little more open minded regarding her attitude towards Mr. Darcy. She is starting to respect his unique disposition. The fact that Mr. Darcy is looking for something other than what is expected from him is a very endearing quality. But Mr. Darcy's straightforward and honest attitude sometimes leaves Elizabeth befuddled. Elizabeth mentions that the two are similar: "We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room" (Austen 80). Mr. Darcy is quick to disagree with this assertion. He basically says outright, "no". This type of person can be seen in today's society quite often. If someone is speaking ironically and trying to be funny, but the other doesn't have the greatest sense of humor, their reaction will most definitely resemble, "what the hell are you talking about?". If someone so readily shoots down something that is truly believed by another, then the conversation can become tense. The person who was embarrassed by this comment will most likely experience immediate disdain for that person. So even though Elizabeth thought she was starting to understand Mr. Darcy, there is still one thing she must overcome for them to have a more intimate relationship: his abrasive disposition.

P & P Blog 1

It is very clear that Mr. and Mrs. Bennet greatly disagree when it comes to their daughters. Mr. Bennet does not try to conceal the fact that he is sometimes disappointed in his daughters as he calls them "silly". Mrs. Bennet however quickly disagrees and tells her husband that it is okay to make light of other's children, but not his own. But Mr. Bennet basically says that he shouldn't lie about something like that and that he's not really making fun of his daughters, he's just pointing out a flaw. This problem between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet seems to be larger than what is given to the reader. I don't believe that they simply disagree about how their daughters present themselves, I think they have two completely conflicting personalities. One has trouble omitting the truth, the other has no problem disregarding others but glorifies anything that may cause ruin to her if she were to mock it. I find it hard to believe that these two characters could ever meet and find each other appealing enough to get married and then raise five children together. It seems quite plausible that Mr. Bennet would have decided to not omit the truth if Mrs. Bennet had ever asked him the question, "Do I look fat in this dress?". Mrs. Bennet seems too proud of a person to let Mr. Bennet get away with anything, especially being completely honest in inappropriate situations. Mr. Bennet does not think that doing this is rude, but it certainly seems as if Mrs. Bennet can't tolerate it. So I am unsure that two people with these pronounced traits would be able to coexist for so long without killing each other in reality.