In these chapters, the reactions to Lydia and Wickham’s situation make the dysfunctions of Elizabeth’s family more apparent than ever. Even though it is obvious that this is her and her husband’s fault, Mrs. Bennet, in a frenzy, blames Colonel Forster and his wife for her daughter’s conduct. Austen perfectly describes Mrs. Bennet’s hysteria, “Mrs Bennet, to whose apartment they all repaired, after a few minutes conversation together, received them exactly as might be expected; with tears and lamentations of regret, invectives against the villainous conduct of Wickham, and complaints of her own sufferings and ill usage, blaming every body but the person to whose ill judging indulgence the errors of her daughter must be principally owning”(239). Then, Mr. Bennet, who has remained disinterested in his daughters’s affairs throughout the novel, finally takes responsibility and looks for Lydia and Wickham with Mr. Gardiner in London. However, he does not stay to see that his daughter is found and safe. Its concerning that he is willing to end his search and return to Longbourn. As a result, Lydia’s uncle finds her and Wickham, making him seem more like a responsible adult than both Mr and Mrs Bennet. Then, to top it all off, Mr Collins gives his opinion on the matter, which no one asked for nor wanted. He even has the nerve to write, “The death of your daughter would have been a blessing in comparison of this”(247). Between the madness and carelessness of Mr and Mrs Bennet and their younger daughters, and the ridiculousness of Mr Collins, it is unsurprising that Mr Darcy found Elizabeth’s family chaotic.
I disagree with some parts if your statement. I feel as though, it was a good thing that Mr. Bennet returned home first, rather than to have found Lydia. His anger as expressed in Jane's second letter was so hot that, even they were not of what means he'd use to get Lydia back. Thus bringing the idea of a "duel" between him and Mr. Wickham. That would, in Mrs.Bennet's mind lead to the death of her husband. Not only that, I feel that him coming home despite his anger, was a good thing so that way he could ease the worries of the Bennet girls and also give time for his temper to rest.
After the end of the last reading, it seemed like there was a clear path to the end of the book. Elizabeth and Darcy were in the same geographical place and it seemed like Elizabeth was warming up to Darcy, and they would end up marrying. The path takes a sudden turn when Wickham and Lydia elope. It is sudden and unexpected this puts Elizabeth and Darcy in the backseat and Elizabeth spends most of her time trying to figure out the ramifications of Lydia’s actions. After a couple of chapters of figuring out where Wickham and Lydia are we find out that Wickham is able to pay off his debts and willing to marry Lydia for little money. This is obviously not the case, Mr. Bennett thinks that Mr. Gardiner is paying most of the money, “But there are two things that I want very much to know: one is, how much money your uncle has laid down, to bring it about; and the other, how I am ever to pay him”. Although Mr. Bennett thinks that Mr. Gardiner is paying it does not seem likely, Elizabeth and others are skeptical of his ability to pay that much money. It is more likely that it is someone wealthier, possibly Darcy who paying the money. Darcy has a connection to Wickham and the money. Elizabeth is willing to marry Darcy if he were to propose again, “the proposals which had proudly spurned only four months ago, would now have been most gladly and gratefully received!” Lydia’s actions are exactly what Darcy stated in her conversation with him about her family, Lydia is not responsible and too young to be out. At this point, there is still not a clear path to Elizabeth and Darcy being together which is a testament to Austen’s storytelling ability.
I certainly adjoin to your statement. The clearness concerning that of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship suddenly took an alternate turn in a radically different direction; which to the dismay of Elizabeth (and the audience), both are left with a foggy "path" on Darcy and Elizabeth's future.
It is clear that after hearing the news of Lydia and Wickham's elopement that Elizabeth blames herself for the situation because she did not warn her family of his true personality soon enough. On page 185 she says "When my eyes were open to his real character. –Oh! had I known what I ought, what I dared, to do! But I knew not –I was afraid of doing too much. Wretched, wretched mistake!" I think Sabine hit it right on the nose when she said that the situation truly reveals how dysfunctional the Bennet family really is, specifically the parents. Mrs Bennet is absolutely hysterical, but still is quick to blame Colonel Foster for the misfortune rather than herself or her husband. It is shocking to me that Lydia, although she is young and naive, would still have so little regard for her family's, or even her own, reputation. I was further disturbed when Mr Bennet actually agreed to actually pay Wickham to marry her! He would really rather pay a sleazy man to fake-love his daughter then to deal with the embarrassment if he doesn't. I guess that does say a lot about that time period.
This section of reading was certainly a lot to handle. I am very turned off, for lack of a better term, by the way Mrs.Bennet acted on upon hearing the news that her 16 year old daughter was to be married to a most horrid man. " Well! I am so happy. In short time I shall have a daughter married"(205). I find her joy in the matter very distastful and awful. Not only is she neglecting the fact that one of her eldest once fancied said man, but just at the fact that only a few hours ago she was so distraught that she hadn't moved from her chambers for nearly a "fortnight" yet now she says she shall go to Meryton and "...tell the good,good news.." (205) to her sister and Lady Lucas. I understand that the hope of having a daughter married would save them from a possible life of debt, and no housing. But with an arrangement such as this, one where "...in looking foward, neither happiness nor worldly prosperity, could be justly expected for her sister..."(206). It is honestly a sad case.
This "marriage" between Mr. Wickham and Lydia seems like a case of kidnapping and ransom of the legal kind. Essentially what has happened is an adult has convinced a young teen that they are in love in order to have her run away or elope with him, and in return for marring Lydia (and thus not destroying the family honor and name) he is requesting a large sum of money. It's ridiculous that none of what has happened here is illegal in any way. On a semi-related note: Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are again portrayed as polar opposites in this situation. On one side we have Mr. Bennet saying that he doesn't want to see Lydia again, nor give her money for wedding clothes, nor even be at the wedding, and on the other side we have Mrs. Bennet who thinks that everything is fine and dandy since one of her daughters is getting married (she conveniently immediately forgets all the events that came before the proposed marriage). One question that I have is why Elizabeth says that "[Mr. Darcy] was exactly the man, who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her [in marriage]." (208-209) I really don't understand her train of thought here.
To answer your Question: After Elizabeth read Darcy's Letter, and fully comprehended the entire situation and not just the bias parts she assumed, Elizabeth started to really have a knack for Darcy. Especially with coming to the conclusion that Darcy was just In all areas of accusation regarded in her post rejection, she really sees that she was the one with prejudices, not He. Along with that fact that the two of them had closure and are on the same page, furthermore gives reason for romanticizing and feelings to show in there true form.
Secondly, I fully agree with you on your opinion about the marriage. Though I don't know if Wickham was smart enough to have concocted such a plan of Blackmail by himself. Nonetheless, he went through with it, and came out with a win-win decision; either ruin the livelihood and future of the family, and of the girl that ruined his reputation, or get payed 10,000 pounds a year to marry. He is truly an evil man, yet since Jane Austen loves throwing us in a vicious cycle of realizing everything is the opposite of what it really is (Hey look the title!), I bet Wickham still has some good left in his intentions...hopefully I'm wrong though, Wickham is, how they love saying in the book- "very non-agreeable"
I’m glad that Mr. Bennet is finally realizing he's been a little too lazy with his family. I liked him in the beginning of the book because he was a chill man who didn’t seem to care too much about anything. As the book went on his care-free attitude got on my nerves since he was endangering his family's futures and ignoring the growing problems. In this section though, he realizes his mistake and even admits them, “Who should suffer but myself? It has been my own doing, and I ought to feel it” (200). Accepting and trying to fix his wrongdoings showed a bit of character development in him which I appreciated. I agree with Skye that this marriage is an unfortunate situation, I would add that Lydia dug her own grave, or her parents dug her grave and Lydia just jumping in it. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet didn’t give their young girls the tools needed to survive in their world. They didn’t teach them enough about people and who to trust. The older girls were given that responsibility while Lydia and the younger ones were able to live idly and do what she wants. Lizzy even says so, “she has never been taught to think on serious subjects; and for the last half year, nay, for a twelvemonth, she has been given up to nothing but amusement and vanity” (189). While the parents didn’t teach her well enough, she was the one to make a rash decision without thinking of the consequences on her family.
It made me uncomfortable that the Bennet family would be so happy that Lydia will run off and marry Mr. Wickham. Even Elizabeth and Mr.Bennet think this is ridiculous. “That is very true’ said Elizabeth; ’though it occurred to me before. His debts to be discharged, and something still to remain! Oh! it mush bey uncle’s doings! Generous, good man, I am afraid he has distressed himself. A small sum could not do all this.’ ’No’, said her father, ‘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 very beginning of our relationship.’”(203) Elizabeth seems to be the only logical person in this situation while her father listened and tried to come up with excuses on why he should like Mr.Wickham. I don’t understand why Elizabeth won’t tell the truth to her family like Jane for example. She won’t tell jane about how Bingley still likes her. Why won’t she tell them the truth from what she read in Mr. Darcys letter?
I was surprised when Mr. Wickham wanted to marry Lydia. My first reaction to this was "Why does this guy always go for the young girls?". I couldn't understand how Mrs. Bennet wasn't really against the situation, but rather advocated it. She is so focused on her girls getting married that she really doesn't care what kind of lunatic they go with. On the other hand its good to see Mr. Bennet do something rather than stay in his library for a change. I agree with him on not approving of the marriage, but I didn't think it was the the best decision to say he didn't want to get involved.
As the Bennett family struggles with the news of Lydia and Wickham's elopement, Elizabeth seems to take it the hardest. She wished that she had exposed Wickham's personality to her family because, "(her) eyes were open to his true character"(185). As we discussed in class, Wickham might be running off with Lydia to "get back" or "lash out" at Elizabeth and possibly Darcy. Personally I stand by with what I mentioned before, where as that situation could be possible- but I honestly just don't think Wickham is smart enough to have that deep of a reasoning. I think his actions mirror those of Mr. Collins briefly because he has realized that he could not make it with the young rich female inheritee, or Elizabeth, so he has settled for the next best available thing. As stated above the one positive thing that comes out of this situation, is that Mr. Bennett is finally taking some responsibility for his neglect and removed character from the family. Don't get me wrong, I love his sarcastic comments to Mrs. Bennett and the others- but it was nice to see him have some deeper feelings on certain subjects.
To me, Lydia running off with Wickham was a huge plot twist. I was also not so surprised that Mr.Bennet didn't approve of the marriage. He seems to have a really good head on his shoulders throughout the novel but rarely does any action to prevent what he believes is the wrong thing from happening. I feel like it would be much better if he spoke up because he is the final decision maker and they would all have no choice but to listen to him because everyone in the house holds so much respect for him.
I feel that this is the climax of the book because as we are going towards the end of the book I feel that nothing worse can happen to the Bennet family because Lydia runs with Wickham, Elizabeth rejects two offers of marriage and it kind of puts the Bennet family in jeopardy because with Jane-although not rejected-kept away from Mr. Bingley the only chance of financial security was marrying Darcy or Mr. Collins. I want to see these problems ride themselves out and reach a happy ending.
I feel that in this section we really see who the characters are. With Lydia missing and in the company of Mr. Wickham, the whole family is in panic. Mr. Collins is his predictable self. In his letter, He chastises the family for their parental leniency, and recommends that they cut ties with Lydia. It is no surprise that Lady Catherine condescends, “that this false step in one daughter, will be injurious to the fortunes of all the others”(198). While she is correct, her sentiments lack the polite sensitivity that a family in crisis requires. It’s interesting that though Mr. Darcy has shared a similar disdain for Elizabeth’s family, when he hears of the news, his feels “grieved[and] shocked”(185). He then offers to help her in anyway possible. I imagine that he is motivated by guilt and love. He feels guilt because this almost happened to his sister, and he likely believes that he could have prevented this misfortune. I think he also wants to help Elizabeth because he still loves her and because he wants to prove that he is not the man she thought he was.
I feel empathic for Elizabeth; she knew of Wickham and yet she was unsure of how to reveal it (considering the possible risk that may come with making such accusations), and to her detriment, her decision not to speak openly could have cost Elizabeth her dear sister. As much as Lydia is naive and embarrassing, but is still innocent, Elizabeth still loves and cares for her. But one concern I have still resonated with me is why would the Bennets allow one of their youngest daughters elope with a man with the unkindest of reputations and one could be uncertain of what could happen to her... I mean do they not have one inkling of consideration, concern or even heart to the circumstances they have ever so carelessly accepted their daughter the privilege to meet? I say it's shameful for parents to allow such behaviour to be exhibited in their children.
In these chapters we see first hand what Mr. Wickham is actually like when he takes Lydia and trys to marry her. The fact that he has taken her and is trying to marry her even though she doesn't have a lot of money shows how he is just after her to get back at Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. In these chapters we also see the strong connections begin to form in Elizabeth for Mr. Darcy. They are now in the same location so I am expecting Elizabeth to have a more romantic relationship with Mr. Darcy but I am unsure how the whole deal with Mr. Wickham will play out. I think that Mr. Darcy will try and resolve this with Mr. Wickham because he has seen him try and do this before with his sister.
During the time that the Bennetts are in utter shock and surprised to know that Lydia ran off with Mr. Wickham, Elizabeth is taking this the hardest out of all of them. She never told her family the truth about Mr. Wickham. I find it concerning that Mrs. Bennett approved of them, she is too focused on getting her daughters married that she doesn't see how old he is and how young lydia is. On the other hand, Mr. Bennett doesnt approve. I am happy to see him actually doing something in this story, though. He hasnt made him a very prominent character in the novel so far.
Elizabeth has not received a letter from her sister Jane since arriving in Lambton. However, on her third day there, two letters from Jane arrive. The first reveals that Elizabeth's youngest sister Lydia has run off to Scotland, purportedly eloping, with the disreputable George Wickham.The second letter relates that Lydia and Wickham appear not to have gone to Scotland, after all, but rather are still in England, unmarried. The couple appears unconcerned about their scandalous behavior. After hearing this news, sick and distraught, Mrs. Bennet takes to her room, while Mr. Bennet decides to go to London to search for his daughter.No sooner has Elizabeth finished the second letter than she takes off running, frantic to find her uncle. Instead, she runs into Darcy. With the blood drained from her face, the sight of Elizabeth unnerves him. 'Good God!' Darcy exclaims, 'what's the matter?' She begins to cry, tears streaming down her cheeks.Darcy is horrified to hear Elizabeth tell him what Lydia and Wickham have done. While Elizabeth expresses her guilt for not acting on her misgivings about Wickham, Darcy paces back and forth, frowning.Assuming that Darcy's frown reflects his disapproval of her suddenly disreputable family, Elizabeth hides her face in her handkerchief. Her grief only intensifies when Darcy offers his sympathy and makes it clear that he is about to leave. He then expresses his regret that the 'unfortunate affair' will force the cancellation of Elizabeth's visit today to his sister. Elizabeth replies, 'Conceal the unfortunate truth as long as possible--I know it cannot be long.'Darcy promises not to reveal the truth and again offers his condolences before leaving her. Watching as he walks away, Elizabeth worries she will never see him again. All that remains for her to do now is to return home.As the carriage makes its way to Longbourn, Elizabeth's uncle Mr. Gardiner says, 'I am strongly inclined to hope the best.' Although her uncle's words momentarily give her hope, Elizabeth quickly becomes dejected again and begins to cry. Elizabeth's unhappy thoughts now turn to Wickham. 'We both know that he has been profligate in every sense of the word,' she says. 'That he has neither integrity nor honour. That he is as false and deceitful as he is insinuating.' When they reach Longbourn, Elizabeth finds her mother in a deplorable state: amidst tears, she sputters with rage against Wickham. Thinking he might calm Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Gardiner tells her of his intention to go to London to help search for her daughter. Mrs. Bennet welcomes this news and tells him that when he finds Lydia and Wickham, he must force them to wed. She adds that Lydia can have all the money she wants to buy bridal clothes.-Brodie Turner
In these chapters, the reactions to Lydia and Wickham’s situation make the dysfunctions of Elizabeth’s family more apparent than ever. Even though it is obvious that this is her and her husband’s fault, Mrs. Bennet, in a frenzy, blames Colonel Forster and his wife for her daughter’s conduct. Austen perfectly describes Mrs. Bennet’s hysteria, “Mrs Bennet, to whose apartment they all repaired, after a few minutes conversation together, received them exactly as might be expected; with tears and lamentations of regret, invectives against the villainous conduct of Wickham, and complaints of her own sufferings and ill usage, blaming every body but the person to whose ill judging indulgence the errors of her daughter must be principally owning”(239). Then, Mr. Bennet, who has remained disinterested in his daughters’s affairs throughout the novel, finally takes responsibility and looks for Lydia and Wickham with Mr. Gardiner in London. However, he does not stay to see that his daughter is found and safe. Its concerning that he is willing to end his search and return to Longbourn. As a result, Lydia’s uncle finds her and Wickham, making him seem more like a responsible adult than both Mr and Mrs Bennet. Then, to top it all off, Mr Collins gives his opinion on the matter, which no one asked for nor wanted. He even has the nerve to write, “The death of your daughter would have been a blessing in comparison of this”(247). Between the madness and carelessness of Mr and Mrs Bennet and their younger daughters, and the ridiculousness of Mr Collins, it is unsurprising that Mr Darcy found Elizabeth’s family chaotic.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with some parts if your statement. I feel as though, it was a good thing that Mr. Bennet returned home first, rather than to have found Lydia. His anger as expressed in Jane's second letter was so hot that, even they were not of what means he'd use to get Lydia back. Thus bringing the idea of a "duel" between him and Mr. Wickham. That would, in Mrs.Bennet's mind lead to the death of her husband. Not only that, I feel that him coming home despite his anger, was a good thing so that way he could ease the worries of the Bennet girls and also give time for his temper to rest.
ReplyDeleteAfter the end of the last reading, it seemed like there was a clear path to the end of the book. Elizabeth and Darcy were in the same geographical place and it seemed like Elizabeth was warming up to Darcy, and they would end up marrying. The path takes a sudden turn when Wickham and Lydia elope. It is sudden and unexpected this puts Elizabeth and Darcy in the backseat and Elizabeth spends most of her time trying to figure out the ramifications of Lydia’s actions. After a couple of chapters of figuring out where Wickham and Lydia are we find out that Wickham is able to pay off his debts and willing to marry Lydia for little money. This is obviously not the case, Mr. Bennett thinks that Mr. Gardiner is paying most of the money, “But there are two things that I want very much to know: one is, how much money your uncle has laid down, to bring it about; and the other, how I am ever to pay him”. Although Mr. Bennett thinks that Mr. Gardiner is paying it does not seem likely, Elizabeth and others are skeptical of his ability to pay that much money. It is more likely that it is someone wealthier, possibly Darcy who paying the money. Darcy has a connection to Wickham and the money. Elizabeth is willing to marry Darcy if he were to propose again, “the proposals which had proudly spurned only four months ago, would now have been most gladly and gratefully received!” Lydia’s actions are exactly what Darcy stated in her conversation with him about her family, Lydia is not responsible and too young to be out. At this point, there is still not a clear path to Elizabeth and Darcy being together which is a testament to Austen’s storytelling ability.
ReplyDelete-Conor Walsh
I certainly adjoin to your statement. The clearness concerning that of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship suddenly took an alternate turn in a radically different direction; which to the dismay of Elizabeth (and the audience), both are left with a foggy "path" on Darcy and Elizabeth's future.
DeleteIt is clear that after hearing the news of Lydia and Wickham's elopement that Elizabeth blames herself for the situation because she did not warn her family of his true personality soon enough. On page 185 she says "When my eyes were open to his real character. –Oh! had I known what I ought, what I dared, to do! But I knew not –I was afraid of doing too much. Wretched, wretched mistake!" I think Sabine hit it right on the nose when she said that the situation truly reveals how dysfunctional the Bennet family really is, specifically the parents. Mrs Bennet is absolutely hysterical, but still is quick to blame Colonel Foster for the misfortune rather than herself or her husband. It is shocking to me that Lydia, although she is young and naive, would still have so little regard for her family's, or even her own, reputation. I was further disturbed when Mr Bennet actually agreed to actually pay Wickham to marry her! He would really rather pay a sleazy man to fake-love his daughter then to deal with the embarrassment if he doesn't. I guess that does say a lot about that time period.
ReplyDeleteThis section of reading was certainly a lot to handle. I am very turned off, for lack of a better term, by the way Mrs.Bennet acted on upon hearing the news that her 16 year old daughter was to be married to a most horrid man. " Well! I am so happy. In short time I shall have a daughter married"(205). I find her joy in the matter very distastful and awful. Not only is she neglecting the fact that one of her eldest once fancied said man, but just at the fact that only a few hours ago she was so distraught that she hadn't moved from her chambers for nearly a "fortnight" yet now she says she shall go to Meryton and "...tell the good,good news.." (205) to her sister and Lady Lucas. I understand that the hope of having a daughter married would save them from a possible life of debt, and no housing. But with an arrangement such as this, one where "...in looking foward, neither happiness nor worldly prosperity, could be justly expected for her sister..."(206). It is honestly a sad case.
ReplyDeleteThis "marriage" between Mr. Wickham and Lydia seems like a case of kidnapping and ransom of the legal kind. Essentially what has happened is an adult has convinced a young teen that they are in love in order to have her run away or elope with him, and in return for marring Lydia (and thus not destroying the family honor and name) he is requesting a large sum of money. It's ridiculous that none of what has happened here is illegal in any way. On a semi-related note: Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are again portrayed as polar opposites in this situation. On one side we have Mr. Bennet saying that he doesn't want to see Lydia again, nor give her money for wedding clothes, nor even be at the wedding, and on the other side we have Mrs. Bennet who thinks that everything is fine and dandy since one of her daughters is getting married (she conveniently immediately forgets all the events that came before the proposed marriage). One question that I have is why Elizabeth says that "[Mr. Darcy] was exactly the man, who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her [in marriage]." (208-209) I really don't understand her train of thought here.
ReplyDelete-Yuval
To answer your Question: After Elizabeth read Darcy's Letter, and fully comprehended the entire situation and not just the bias parts she assumed, Elizabeth started to really have a knack for Darcy. Especially with coming to the conclusion that Darcy was just In all areas of accusation regarded in her post rejection, she really sees that she was the one with prejudices, not He. Along with that fact that the two of them had closure and are on the same page, furthermore gives reason for romanticizing and feelings to show in there true form.
DeleteSecondly, I fully agree with you on your opinion about the marriage. Though I don't know if Wickham was smart enough to have concocted such a plan of Blackmail by himself. Nonetheless, he went through with it, and came out with a win-win decision; either ruin the livelihood and future of the family, and of the girl that ruined his reputation, or get payed 10,000 pounds a year to marry. He is truly an evil man, yet since Jane Austen loves throwing us in a vicious cycle of realizing everything is the opposite of what it really is (Hey look the title!), I bet Wickham still has some good left in his intentions...hopefully I'm wrong though, Wickham is, how they love saying in the book- "very non-agreeable"
DeleteI’m glad that Mr. Bennet is finally realizing he's been a little too lazy with his family. I liked him in the beginning of the book because he was a chill man who didn’t seem to care too much about anything. As the book went on his care-free attitude got on my nerves since he was endangering his family's futures and ignoring the growing problems. In this section though, he realizes his mistake and even admits them, “Who should suffer but myself? It has been my own doing, and I ought to feel it” (200). Accepting and trying to fix his wrongdoings showed a bit of character development in him which I appreciated. I agree with Skye that this marriage is an unfortunate situation, I would add that Lydia dug her own grave, or her parents dug her grave and Lydia just jumping in it. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet didn’t give their young girls the tools needed to survive in their world. They didn’t teach them enough about people and who to trust. The older girls were given that responsibility while Lydia and the younger ones were able to live idly and do what she wants. Lizzy even says so, “she has never been taught to think on serious subjects; and for the last half year, nay, for a twelvemonth, she has been given up to nothing but amusement and vanity” (189). While the parents didn’t teach her well enough, she was the one to make a rash decision without thinking of the consequences on her family.
ReplyDeleteIt made me uncomfortable that the Bennet family would be so happy that Lydia will run off and marry Mr. Wickham. Even Elizabeth and Mr.Bennet think this is ridiculous. “That is very true’ said Elizabeth; ’though it occurred to me before. His debts to be discharged, and something still to remain! Oh! it mush bey uncle’s doings! Generous, good man, I am afraid he has distressed himself. A small sum could not do all this.’ ’No’, said her father, ‘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 very beginning of our relationship.’”(203) Elizabeth seems to be the only logical person in this situation while her father listened and tried to come up with excuses on why he should like Mr.Wickham. I don’t understand why Elizabeth won’t tell the truth to her family like Jane for example. She won’t tell jane about how Bingley still likes her. Why won’t she tell them the truth from what she read in Mr. Darcys letter?
ReplyDelete-Sarah Walsh
I'm glad someone brought that up; didn't they have a ounce of concern for the youngest Bennet daughter?
DeleteI was surprised when Mr. Wickham wanted to marry Lydia. My first reaction to this was "Why does this guy always go for the young girls?". I couldn't understand how Mrs. Bennet wasn't really against the situation, but rather advocated it. She is so focused on her girls getting married that she really doesn't care what kind of lunatic they go with. On the other hand its good to see Mr. Bennet do something rather than stay in his library for a change. I agree with him on not approving of the marriage, but I didn't think it was the the best decision to say he didn't want to get involved.
ReplyDeleteAs the Bennett family struggles with the news of Lydia and Wickham's elopement, Elizabeth seems to take it the hardest. She wished that she had exposed Wickham's personality to her family because, "(her) eyes were open to his true character"(185). As we discussed in class, Wickham might be running off with Lydia to "get back" or "lash out" at Elizabeth and possibly Darcy. Personally I stand by with what I mentioned before, where as that situation could be possible- but I honestly just don't think Wickham is smart enough to have that deep of a reasoning. I think his actions mirror those of Mr. Collins briefly because he has realized that he could not make it with the young rich female inheritee, or Elizabeth, so he has settled for the next best available thing. As stated above the one positive thing that comes out of this situation, is that Mr. Bennett is finally taking some responsibility for his neglect and removed character from the family. Don't get me wrong, I love his sarcastic comments to Mrs. Bennett and the others- but it was nice to see him have some deeper feelings on certain subjects.
ReplyDeleteTo me, Lydia running off with Wickham was a huge plot twist. I was also not so surprised that Mr.Bennet didn't approve of the marriage. He seems to have a really good head on his shoulders throughout the novel but rarely does any action to prevent what he believes is the wrong thing from happening. I feel like it would be much better if he spoke up because he is the final decision maker and they would all have no choice but to listen to him because everyone in the house holds so much respect for him.
ReplyDeleteI feel that this is the climax of the book because as we are going towards the end of the book I feel that nothing worse can happen to the Bennet family because Lydia runs with Wickham, Elizabeth rejects two offers of marriage and it kind of puts the Bennet family in jeopardy because with Jane-although not rejected-kept away from Mr. Bingley the only chance of financial security was marrying Darcy or Mr. Collins. I want to see these problems ride themselves out and reach a happy ending.
ReplyDeleteI feel that in this section we really see who the characters are. With Lydia missing and in the company of Mr. Wickham, the whole family is in panic. Mr. Collins is his predictable self. In his letter, He chastises the family for their parental leniency, and recommends that they cut ties with Lydia. It is no surprise that Lady Catherine condescends, “that this false step in one daughter, will be injurious to the fortunes of all the others”(198). While she is correct, her sentiments lack the polite sensitivity that a family in crisis requires. It’s interesting that though Mr. Darcy has shared a similar disdain for Elizabeth’s family, when he hears of the news, his feels “grieved[and] shocked”(185). He then offers to help her in anyway possible. I imagine that he is motivated by guilt and love. He feels guilt because this almost happened to his sister, and he likely believes that he could have prevented this misfortune. I think he also wants to help Elizabeth because he still loves her and because he wants to prove that he is not the man she thought he was.
ReplyDeleteI feel empathic for Elizabeth; she knew of Wickham and yet she was unsure of how to reveal it (considering the possible risk that may come with making such accusations), and to her detriment, her decision not to speak openly could have cost Elizabeth her dear sister. As much as Lydia is naive and embarrassing, but is still innocent, Elizabeth still loves and cares for her. But one concern I have still resonated with me is why would the Bennets allow one of their youngest daughters elope with a man with the unkindest of reputations and one could be uncertain of what could happen to her... I mean do they not have one inkling of consideration, concern or even heart to the circumstances they have ever so carelessly accepted their daughter the privilege to meet? I say it's shameful for parents to allow such behaviour to be exhibited in their children.
ReplyDeleteIn these chapters we see first hand what Mr. Wickham is actually like when he takes Lydia and trys to marry her. The fact that he has taken her and is trying to marry her even though she doesn't have a lot of money shows how he is just after her to get back at Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. In these chapters we also see the strong connections begin to form in Elizabeth for Mr. Darcy. They are now in the same location so I am expecting Elizabeth to have a more romantic relationship with Mr. Darcy but I am unsure how the whole deal with Mr. Wickham will play out. I think that Mr. Darcy will try and resolve this with Mr. Wickham because he has seen him try and do this before with his sister.
ReplyDeleteDuring the time that the Bennetts are in utter shock and surprised to know that Lydia ran off with Mr. Wickham, Elizabeth is taking this the hardest out of all of them. She never told her family the truth about Mr. Wickham. I find it concerning that Mrs. Bennett approved of them, she is too focused on getting her daughters married that she doesn't see how old he is and how young lydia is. On the other hand, Mr. Bennett doesnt approve. I am happy to see him actually doing something in this story, though. He hasnt made him a very prominent character in the novel so far.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth has not received a letter from her sister Jane since arriving in Lambton. However, on her third day there, two letters from Jane arrive. The first reveals that Elizabeth's youngest sister Lydia has run off to Scotland, purportedly eloping, with the disreputable George Wickham.The second letter relates that Lydia and Wickham appear not to have gone to Scotland, after all, but rather are still in England, unmarried. The couple appears unconcerned about their scandalous behavior. After hearing this news, sick and distraught, Mrs. Bennet takes to her room, while Mr. Bennet decides to go to London to search for his daughter.No sooner has Elizabeth finished the second letter than she takes off running, frantic to find her uncle. Instead, she runs into Darcy. With the blood drained from her face, the sight of Elizabeth unnerves him. 'Good God!' Darcy exclaims, 'what's the matter?' She begins to cry, tears streaming down her cheeks.Darcy is horrified to hear Elizabeth tell him what Lydia and Wickham have done. While Elizabeth expresses her guilt for not acting on her misgivings about Wickham, Darcy paces back and forth, frowning.Assuming that Darcy's frown reflects his disapproval of her suddenly disreputable family, Elizabeth hides her face in her handkerchief. Her grief only intensifies when Darcy offers his sympathy and makes it clear that he is about to leave. He then expresses his regret that the 'unfortunate affair' will force the cancellation of Elizabeth's visit today to his sister. Elizabeth replies, 'Conceal the unfortunate truth as long as possible--I know it cannot be long.'Darcy promises not to reveal the truth and again offers his condolences before leaving her. Watching as he walks away, Elizabeth worries she will never see him again. All that remains for her to do now is to return home.As the carriage makes its way to Longbourn, Elizabeth's uncle Mr. Gardiner says, 'I am strongly inclined to hope the best.' Although her uncle's words momentarily give her hope, Elizabeth quickly becomes dejected again and begins to cry. Elizabeth's unhappy thoughts now turn to Wickham. 'We both know that he has been profligate in every sense of the word,' she says. 'That he has neither integrity nor honour. That he is as false and deceitful as he is insinuating.' When they reach Longbourn, Elizabeth finds her mother in a deplorable state: amidst tears, she sputters with rage against Wickham. Thinking he might calm Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Gardiner tells her of his intention to go to London to help search for her daughter. Mrs. Bennet welcomes this news and tells him that when he finds Lydia and Wickham, he must force them to wed. She adds that Lydia can have all the money she wants to buy bridal clothes.-Brodie Turner
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