2) Please re-read the letters from Jane Austen's novel.
3) Choose a character from Pride & Prejudice and take on that persona. Think about a character you want to write to as you...
4) ...compose a letter explaining your experience reading this novel. Post the letter in this space.
5) The letter is due Tuesday, October 17th. THIS IS WORTH A MAJOR GRADE, SO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY.
Criteria & Rubric
A range has the following qualities:
* Well-written 1-2 page letter
* Genuine review of the novel using apt and specific details from the novel
* Voice is clear, as is the person to whom it is written
* Apt and specific references to the characters are employed in the letter
* Apt and specific references to plot points are employed in the letter
* Passion and a satirical flare of Austen are present
* Jane Austen would be proud!
B range
* Adequately written one page letter
* General review of the novel using some examples from the novel
* Voice is not quite as clear as the A, as is the person to whom it is written
* Some references to the characters are employed in the letter
* Some references to plot points are employed in the letter
* Bingley says, "Excellent!"
C range has the following qualities:
* Adequately written letter
* General review of the novel, with few examples from the text
* Voice is not clear, as is the person to whom it is written
* Few references to the characters are employed in the letter
* Few references to plot points are employed in the letter
* Sir. Lucas says, "Capital! Capital!"
D and F range has the following qualities:
* Letter is written
* General review of the novel with no examples from the text
* Voice is not clear, as is the person to whom it is written
* No references to the characters are employed in the letter
* No references to plot points are employed in the letter
* Lady Catherine DeBourg says, "I am quite put out!"
Please read this letter from the University of Pemberley
I was deferred!
What? Collins Community College, too? That was my safety!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTrevor Albano
ReplyDeleteBlock D
10/15/17
Dear Mr. Collins,
It brings me such great misfortune that I must share with you my feelings on the novel Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. I do find my character to be very self centered and much obsessed with the materialistic things of life. It is clearly shown that the thought of owning Mr. Bennet’s estate pleases me. As if I would want my cousin to die for my own personal benefit. Must I really be such a selfish human being? It ails me to see my character depicted so negatively. How could Ms. Austen be so cruel?
I am merely just a clergyman, I would never display such dastardly behavior. To make matters worse, I am shown to be a relentless creep. My repeated proposals of marriage to Elizabeth Bennet proves it. Oh what a saint she is for putting up with my repulsiveness. I am utterly embarrassed with myself. In this novel, I am blind to everyone’s emotions for that I am too obsessed with my own. In such a social era of gentlemen, mannerisms, and balls, it surprises me on how I was able to last so far uncondemned. My very being is a disease that sickens people with just a glance. I am much surprised that ye ol’ hotshot Mr. Darcy didn’t gouge his eyes out with our first interaction at the ball. Though I did find it very rude that he would just give me a slight bow, and just walk away from our conversation. That was heartless, even by my own standards. He could’ve came up with some fake excuse to dismiss himself, and knowing me I would’ve bought it, but that bloody proud son of a bugger was too good for little ol’ me. Yet then again, almost everyone in this novel seems to have some sort of contempt for me.
I really do wish that my character had at least a shred of dignity. Don’t get me started on how I was with Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I saw this old hag of a woman as a goddess. I was proud that I was worthy enough for her to be so condescending to me. Why must Ms. Austen make an immense fool out of me? I could handle the creepiness, the selfishness, even the social awkwardness, but to be so easily content of making a mockery out of myself being inferior to Lady Catherine de Bourgh is so utterly absurd! I am such a dull-minded character that doesn’t have the mental capacity to understand anything!
Though, as luck may have it, Jane Austen spared some mercy for me, and gave me my own happy ending. I am indeed thankful to her on that part. Yet even though I am still a fool in my own fortune I guess I can’t be too greedy. Ms. Charlotte Lucas, now Mrs. Charlotte Collins, decided to marry me in this novel. Even though it was for her own benefit, and my life doesn’t seem to change much for it, it’s nice to see something positive happen to me for a change. Other than my own misfortunes, I did find the novel very intriguing. I found myself disgusted with Mr. Wickham’s character even more than my own. It is far worse to be an evil human being, than to be a fool. Wouldn’t you agree? He is even more of a creep than I am, knowing his pattern of interest towards very young women such as Georgiana Darcy and Lydia Bennet. I enjoyed seeing the sarcastic and nonchalant side of my dear cousin Mr. Bennet. I do wish that I talked with him more often, but he’d probably wish to be left alone in his library. I even started to root for Jane to marry Mr. Bingley, and for Elizabeth to finally get with Mr. Darcy. This novel was indeed a splendid experience to read. For that, I am thankful to Jane Austen, despite all the hardships she has given me.
From your most favorite person in the world,
Mr Collins
"From your most favorite person in the world," Nice note there-very Collins-esque. ;}
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteKamillye Contreras
ReplyDeleteD-Block
10/16/17
Dear Miss Austen,
I was extremely dissatisfied when I read your novel about my family and our connections with the Bingleys and Mr.Darcy. You made me out to seem like some sort of mad woman and I am not pleased at all. The way the Bingley’s and my very own family deliberated about me behind my back was alarming quite frankly. To describe me as embarrassing and vulgar is just simply untrue. I am the most intelligent and sophisticated of the entire family (with an exception of Mr.Bennet of course). After all, I am the most driven of the family to make sure that my daughters are wed to wealthy young men! I have worked far too hard to create security for the future of the Bennet’s to be written lies about. You made Jane and Bingley out to be such angels so I ask you, why not share the goodness of my intentions in your novel? How would you feel if you were written as a psychotic, pushy woman who only was spoken poorly about by her friends and family? I searched your entire falsification of a novel to seek for one kind description of me and I have yet to find it. To say that I am confounded in this moment would be much of an understatement. How dare you jump to conclusions of my character and publish it for all the world to see! I present myself most wonderfully at gatherings and speak to everyone about my accomplished daughters. Guests love to hear about just how beautiful my daughter Jane is, they absolutely love it. As for the way you wrote about my interactions with my husband, I will correct you. I simply needed Mr.Bennet to visit Mr.Bingley to benefit the future of my family. It's not my fault that it took so much convincing. Did you just expect me to sit there and be okay with the future of my daughters being blown to smithereens? I think not Miss Austen, I think not. For one thing is certain and that is that I surely will not be picking up any of your inaccurate novels again. You have rattled me and that has imposed much stress on my family. My family knows me so well that they somehow can manage to detect when I am unwell. So I hope you are happy with your novel but I am fully confident in the fact that it will not go very far because of your absurd depiction of me.
Regards,
Mrs.Bennet
Yuval Shechter
ReplyDelete10/17/2017
Block D
Dear Mrs. Darcy.
I am writing this letter with utmost merriment and pleasure after hearing of your engagement to Mr. Darcy. I daresay you shall be very happy with your future husband, and I would like to extend an apology for my previous letter to your father. It is not entirely of my own failing, however, Ms. Austen had always made me out to be an extraordinarily shallow and envious person. Along with this unfortunate intrinsic characteristic I have received so unceremoniously (which I believe is how I should receive everything) I am now forever subservient and indebted to Lady Catherine De Bourgh. My Lady is always a humble and forgiving person, and I'm sure she can find it within her many virtues to forgive you for marrying her daughter's intended. Charlotte is requesting that I apologize on her behalf for what she calls "Lady Catherine's unacceptably rude behavior" towards you in the duration of these past months, but I would like to interject that Lady Catherine had every right to do whatever she did. Please also pass on my delight upon hearing the news to your sister, the new Mrs. Bingley, she was always the, excuse my forthrightness, most well-mannered of your siblings. Speaking of your sisters, how is Lydia faring? Such a disgraceful marriage, Lady Catherine and I agree that it was a terrible deed that Lydia committed, and she is seething at Wickham still: disgracing the Darcy's in such a manner. I again must agree with her sentiments on such subject matter, he ran away with a child of no more than 16 years and has the nerve to require a large sum of money to marry; such a terrible man. But I digress, you must feel quite in love with Mr. Darcy in order to accept his invitation of marriage after his shameful mannerisms at the ball, while I was the embodiment of grace and fluidity along with never having said a bad word at your direction. Alas, what you missed out upon... although Mr. Darcy receives 10,000 pounds a year and seemingly turned out to be a tolerable fellow (at least that is what My Lady tells me) and has one of the largest estates I have seen, you missed out on the most pleasurable company of myself and the condescension of my generous patron. Now onto the second point of this letter, I would like to make a request of you if I may. I have heard through the grapevine that Ms. Austen is writing the next installment of her series soon, and I would like to give her some of my important commentary and criticisms. First of all, I enjoyed Pride and Prejudice's directness of language and must request that it remains for the next. Secondly, I'd enjoy much more if there were multiple perspectives used to view the novel (principally through my own, well educated, eyes). Thirdly and lastly, it is of utmost importance that me and Lady Catherine remain as the main characters (My Charlotte has reminded me to include her, since she is my wife). I must adjourn this letter now as it is time to leave for evening tea and chat with Lady Catherine, give my regards to your parents, Kitty, and Lydia, and please do come over soon so I can show you the most splendid book collection I have just bought.
PS: Hello Elizabeth, this is Charlotte, I will write to you my own letter soon, but please do come visit use again, it is dreadfully... not dull here, but I could use a friend.
Better Formatted Link: https://1drv.ms/w/s!Av-rfpSoCBg5lC8-rYfZTgplj0tK
DeleteMy Dearest Cousin,
ReplyDeleteI write this letter to you in hopes of some better reconciliation between us. Though we are not on terrible terms, I still feel an apology is necessary for the way I acted towards you and your family. It is a sad fact that this realization took place after reading Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice. Oh how distasteful my actions were, as well as my intentions. My incessant proposals, my actions toward your obvious and repeated rejection, then marrying your dear friend Miss. Lucas (now Mrs. Collins). I cannot think of a more detestable creature. Miss Austen had no trouble depicting me as such. Though, as much as I find it disagreeable, she is right. For being a clergyman and being so obsessed with material items, it is truly unpardonable. Though, Lady Catherine quite understands my level of condescension. For she is at far greater level, as you have experienced. I wish to apologize on behalf of Lady Catherine’s as well. However indignant she may have been to the marriage of you and her nephew Mr.Darcy, she has slowly warmed to the thought of you, possibly out of suspicion, yes, but nevertheless, she is far less disagreeable as the latter. All in all I am in a state of much felicity, more than I have been in a while. Specifically after writing my apology to you ,my dear cousin. I am as much embarrassed as I am pleased with Miss Austen’s novel. Though I am portrayed as very thoughtless, insensible man, from this I have learned a valuable lesson about myself. And shall work on repairing myself and becoming better. I pray you , your sisters, and your husband are well. I can only wish for the best for all of you. Again Congratulations on your marriages all of you. I hope you shall come visit Rosings some, Mrs. Collins wishes for you to be here, she needs her dear friend.
Your Cousin,
Mr. Collins
Cara Richardson
ReplyDeleteBlock D
10/16/17
Dear Jane,
I think I have read through your novel 5 times now, it is so odd reading my life on paper from everyone’s eyes. It is nostalgic to read through the ups and downs I have been through with my family and the bumpy road that was Mr. Darcy and I’s relationship. The way my family is depicted in the novel amuses me to no end. My mother, oh my mother. Her character is perfect! Always so dramatic and boisterous. And my father always brushing off my mother's nonsense. It is grand to go back to these days when we were all so young. It sure is fun to have such fond memories in print.
Though I love the novel I have a question that has been mulling over in my head since the first day I read it. You wrote in a letter to your sister once “I must confess that I think her as delightful a character as ever appeared in print, and how I shall be able to tolerate those who do not like her at least, I do not know”. What was the infatuation with me? Why did you feel I was such a lovely creature when in fact, to society, I was considered aloof and disengaged? I’ve never really found anyone who understands me in that sense. I was always looked down upon for not finding a husband early on and, as you showcased in the novel, for disregarding any relations I had become a part of except when it came to Darcy, but I’ll get to that. It is refreshing to read of a woman such as yourself who won’t judge me as people in the novel did. Like that Lady Catherine de Bourgh, gosh did that woman irk me. Always looking down upon me and trying to intimidate me. She never liked the idea of Mr. Darcy and I, she didn’t like it one bit. But I was never scared of her, I always stood my ground. Despite her endless stabs at me and nonsense talk of that daughter of hers, once Darcy and I were married she would pay us a visit now and again. And now to my love Mr. Darcy, when reading the novel I feel as though it is clear to readers that I loved him from the first time we met.
When Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley arrived at the first town ball way back when I found him infuriating. He was so nonchalant about how no one was suitable for him at that ball. I tried to act so careless of the fact that he had brushed me off like I was dust yet I would constantly talk about it, about him. I hated that I had fallen for a man so quickly when I wanted to be strong and come across as the girl who didn’t give a damn about money or love, come across as an independent figure in society, such as yourself, but he got to me fast. I enjoy reading back to the first time Darcy and I met. It’s odd to see him so uninterested in me when now it feels as though we can’t go a minute without conversing! Even though I lived it, as I read the novel I found myself yearning for the moment when Elizabeth and Darcy wake up and realize that they (we) love each other!
I suppose that is what you get when you put two stubborn and self-reliant people together.
Sincerely, Elizabeth Bennett
Dear Madam Austen,
ReplyDeleteI was in deep thought as to whether or not I write such a letter to your abode, yet my troubles mustn’t be imprisoned to the solidarity of my mind. You see, I was lost In many raptures due to the presence of your novel in my hands, for such a read couldn’t be put down. This same characteristic is prominently acquired, dare I say earned due to its suspenseful nature, and the many illusions assumed to be true by the reader. Yet blessings aside, flattery is not the intent of this note.I have written to you to address the misconceptions you denote under my character as thoroughly prominent in your novel “Pride and Prejudice”. You have portrayed my character as one who prefers to devote my time rather to a good novel, than to social relations, yet in a rather imprudent way which alters my true sophisticated personality. By no means are these presumptions false, in regards to relationships, “I confess, they would have no charms for me. I should infinitely prefer a book.”(150) These same ways of thought meander in the soul of Mr Darcy, yet your natural tendency to favor the well to do in such a novel hinders my characters growth, especially when compared to Darcy himself. His character at first, described as disagreeable and unpleasant, had time to evolve into the generous and gracious man that he always was. My character, sadly had no such privileges or chances to show true character. I feel as though, growing up in the same circumstances, and being adopted under the same persuasions of literature, You can relate to the bad representation we cultured girls receive. With that said, I bid you a good day, and hope that you may reconsider the role and voice a character of our nature in future novels would hold. If ever you would like to talk to another scholar or discuss related topics concerning this letter, I would have no problem with you coming to visit in Longbourn; In fact I would surely mark the day
Yours truly, Mary Bennet
My Dear Sister Mrs. Phillips,
ReplyDeleteI am writing to you to tell you of all the wonderful events that have taken place over the last year. Oh, how my poor nerves have been stressed over all the events. It all started when a man of 5 thousand a year moved into Netherfield! I instantly dreamed of one of my daughters marrying him, 5 thousand a year. Mr. Bennett did nothing to help my stressed nerves throughout the year, I had to do all the work of getting my daughter married, I had to since the thieving Mr. Collins and Charlotte were hoping for the death of my dear Mr. Bennett to Longbourn. Image that, Charlotte mistress of Longbourn! Anyways, Mr. Bingley was instantly in love with Jane but his friend, Mr. Darcy, a man of 10 thousand a year, seemed horrible, if only I had known what was to come! It was all going so well, the officers were there, I remember my heart being broken when the officers left, Jane seemed set to marry Bingley. We went to many balls in the Beautiful Netherfield; Lydia, my favorite at the time, and Kitty were able to mingle with the officers and Jane was able to get closer to Bingley’s 5 thousand a year and little did I know, Darcy was developing a love my dear Miss Elizabeth! Suddenly by some cruel twist, Bingley moved away with marrying Jane. Oh, how my nerves were stressed! Then the officers left with Lydia with them, I tried to convince Mr. Bennett to bring the whole family, how lonely I was those months without her company. Suddenly at 12 right when we were retiring for the night, we got news that Lydia ran away with Wickham! It only got worse when we received news that Wickham and Lydia did not plan to marry and were somewhere in London. When Mr. Bennett went off to London to find her, I thought for sure that he was going to himself killed in a duel. Luckily, my dear brother, Mr. Gardiner, was able to work out a deal with Wickham so that he would marry Lydia. Oh, how happy I was, my daughter was married, I always knew that she was going to married first! She and Wickham came to Longbourn and I was so sad when Lydia left, I might never see her again! After Lydia got married I was intent on getting another one of my daughter's getting married. Once Bingley returned to Netherfield where it all began I planned Bingley and Jane getting together. Of course, it worked and Jane was set to get married to a man of 5 thousand a year, I could have never hoped to this lucky. Then out of nowhere Darcy and Elizabeth said they were engaged, I believe my heart stopped, one of my daughters marrying someone of 10 thousand a year. I do not even care that Mr. Collins will get Longbourn because I will be living in Pemberley. I do believe that I should get much of the praise for my daughters marrying so well. It is the role of the mother to make sure that her daughters marry well and Elizabeth got 10 thousand a year, Jane got 5 thousand a year and Lydia married a charming man and Kitty is now in circles to marry equally well. As the mother of the household, I should have gotten a larger role in the story and I was made out to be a socially toxic person. If I was a not a great person would my daughters married so well, especially since Mr. Bennett did not help at all?
Best wishes,
Mrs. Bennett
My dearest Mrs. Bennet,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Ms. Austen’s take on the past year of our lives in her book Pride and Prejudice, I’m now reevaluating my character and questioning all of my actions. My biggest regret is not being as sensible to your feelings nor our daughters. My deepest apologies for my lack of sensitivity and carelessness towards your feelings, and I am sincerely sorry for all that had happened. I understand your desperation to find our daughters a husband, and I should have been kinder about the subject. Reading about myself from the point of view of our daughters I can come off as useless and intolerable. This book paints our marriage to be loveless, it makes it seem as if I never listen to you when I promise that I do, my dear. I now realize how some of the things that I have uttered are insensitive and are taking out of context. How rude of me to say that our daughters had “none of them much to recommend them” when that was simply unkind, though still very much true. Even though it is true, I never should have said that to you. My outward favoritism to Lizzie was selfish of myself, and maybe if I had taken the time to properly raise Lydia and the other girls Lydia never would’ve ran off with Mr. Wickham. I should’ve seen Mr. Wickham for what he was, because I am Lydia’s father, and I should’ve cared more. I should’ve had more authority over Lydia and she wouldn’t have tarnished the family name like she did - that was entirely my fault. I am grateful that Lizzie did not marry Mr. Collins; after reading about her visit to Mr. and Mrs. Collins and Catherine de Bourgh, I am very much grateful she has found love with Mr. Darcy. Speaking of Mr. Darcy, I did not enjoy his insulting commentary on our family, although what he said was unjust, it was very much true. I am writing this letter hoping that you’ll forgive me my dear for all that I have done, and if you would like to read this ...insightful book by Ms. Austen I encourage you to. You could use some self evaluation too, my handsome wife.
Sincerely,
Your husband,
Mr. Bennet
Sarah Walsh
ReplyDeleteBlock D
Dear Miss Austen,
I have read your novel about my relations with my wife, Miss Bennet, I have enjoyed it very much and had a pleasant time reading about Jane and my friend, Mr.Bingley’s relations and how they were able to continue to fall in love with each other throughout the beginning of the novel. I was enjoying how part of the novel focused on Bingley and Jane’s relationship, witch Bingley thought was “Brilliant!”, and slowly transitions over to the relationship between Elizabeth and I. However, I don’t like how much of a fool you made me around Elizabeth Bennet especially when I started to develop feelings for her. I wish for you to change my actions so that Elizabeth would enjoy my company instead of saying that “I have every reason in the world to think ill of you”(131). The entirety of her anger toward my character alarmed me. This is not true, I refuse to accept that people will possibly think that my dear wife would have ever thought of me that way. And to think what I would even think to hurt her dear sister by taking Bingley away from her. The words you made my Elizabeth say to me sickened me and i’m still quite bothered by the words, as well as I am starting to get the impression that you are trying to oppress me. I have confronted Elizabeth about this only to have her laugh about how ridiculous i’m being about this, witch made me feel like more of a fool. I suppose the ending where she fully understood my side of things was good. “Hate you! I was angry perhaps at first, but my anger soon began to take a proper direction”(249). I was pleased to read that Elizabeth changed her mind about me and thought undoubtedly about me. Though that was only the short ending of your novel, it is almost nothing compared to the large mass of writing leading toward the end. However, I have to say, I am both pleased and displeased about your novel and I hope you would take my criticism seriously.
Sincerely, F. Darcy
Dear Mrs. Austen
ReplyDeleteI have recently read the novel Pride and Prejudice in which I am portrayed in a most horrid way in the former half of the novel. I feel as though you should have not made me be this shy simpleton that is doing anything and everything for Mrs. Elizabeth Bennet. Even if I was to have feelings for Elizabeth I was taking a great risk because this relationship could tarnish my own name. Therefore I acted not because I only wanted to be with Mrs Bennet but because I needed to preserve the dignity of our family names. If I had not gone and looked for Mr. Wickham and Lydia Bennet Elizabeth’s family name would have been tarnished by this relationship and in turn mine when I would marry Elizabeth. You seem determined to portray my character as one who is shy and quite unlikeable at the beginning of the story but I was very pleased when you got around to showing my true intentions. I was also pleased to see that Elizabeth did start to have honest feelings towards me, not for my money but for who I am. Even though my estate and wages is more than anyone she could ever hope to marry given her family’s… nature. Mr. Wickham’s character has been a cause of many sleepless nights for me and I am sad that I had to end up paying the man what he wanted but I was glad to do it if it meant preserving what honor the Bennet name had left. To be blunt I was very displeased with the first part of the novel where you show me as this whispering narcissist but you made up for it towards the end showing other readers my true and good intentions. My one request for if you write another novel about me is to at least show your readers my good side a bit sooner. - Your most socially illiterate critic, Mr. Darcy
Dear Mr. Darcy,
ReplyDeleteMy dearest nephew, I write to you now to express my most respectable opinion on the Pride and Prejudice novel by some miss Jane Austen. I shall begin with considerably the most important part of the book, myself. This miss Austen portrays me as some conceited, domineering grievance to everyone around me. She is absolutely wrong in that for I am simply correct about everything and my opinion is always ideal. How could that be interpreted in any way but an optimal character? I do dare say I was not as prominent in this book as I should have been, for I played one of the most important roles in the book, I was the wise advice giver. Miss Austen is becoming on of the most disagreeable women I have ever had the displeasure of knowing. I am uncommonly displeased with your marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, now Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy I suppose. Unfortunately there is nothing I can do but help guide you and her in your new marriage, for I have much experience in marriage and hope for you, my dear nephew, a better fate than mine and for you both to live long lives. Most importantly you, for if you die and Mrs. Darcy inherits your wealth and Pemberly, well then that would be a true misfortune. I shall shape her to be worthy of being your lady and in due time she will fit in somewhat in our society, though I do wish she would lose that sharp tongue of hers. To get back to the novel, I would like to talk about the portrayal of Mrs. Bennet. Although she is quite… outgoing, she has a great merit, she knows how to control her family. While that good for nothing husband off hers dawdles around all day, she organizes the daughters and pushes them to get husbands for her own good. That is a most respectable quality that I value very highly, and as we know my praise is not easily won. Letting all five daughters out at once though was a defect of hers I am sad to say. I do not wish to start on writing of Miss Lydia Bennet for then my somewhat good opinion of her mother and your wife will once again falter. Such an unbefitting match, that wretched Mr. Wickham and young Miss Bennet, it pains me to speak of such things so I shall not. My sweet, precious daughter was devastated to hear the news of your marriage, her hopes had been so high and she would have been such a splendid match for you. What is done is done though and you cannot turn back on your actions now, even if I wished you could. Do not fret though for I will transform your bride into the most polite and graceful lady you will have ever had the pleasure of knowing. There I go again straying from the my initial intent, now let me get back to the book. I just have so much to say it seems like I will never stop talking. If I were to overlook the books rude characterization of me I would have to say, in my humblest opinion, that it was a decently enjoyable read, something I could skim through whilst lounging in Rosings Park. I do admit, there were a couple of plot twist that even I didn’t see coming, Miss Lydia Bennet running away with the dastardly Mr. Wickham, that was a true surprise. This Miss Austen I would like to have a word with though, for I have some advice that she would be lucky to receive and that would better her adequate writing. I am compelled to come visit you and Mrs. Darcy and help your new bride with managing the estate for she cannot be suitable enough yet to do it on her own seeing as she comes from such a humble background. Pemberly must be a shock to somebody like her. It pains me to end this letter, but I must for my clergyman is coming to dine and I have to see to that.
Your most humble Aunt,
The Right Honourable Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy
ReplyDeleteDear mrs. Jane bingley
I have come to terms that I was wrong of what I thought of you I know that reading a person's character isn't an easy task and requires a level of skill my dear Elisabeth seems to have I know many people saw me as a man who thought only of himself and consistently on a high horse but perhaps I was too shy and kept my self contained from the social world, I thought you'd only be interested in the wealth of my good friend mr.bingley it was hard to see that you should any attraction to him so I try to pull him away from you and for that I am truly sorry mrs.bennet pardon me mrs.bingley I still have to get us to call others by their new sir names. I was never a man to believe in luck or anything of the sort to be honest but perhaps our meeting was something of the sort is it not strange how life works? How our families and friends meet and two different class levels coming together out of love rather than wealth but at last I should stop while I'm ahead do rest assured you and your family will always have my full support I wish you and your family good health and fortune
Sincerely Mr.Darcy
Brodie Turner
Dear Miss Austen,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to thank you on my behalf for creating a novel basically about the obstacles Darcy and I went through. I loved being the center of attention of the story, and not one of my misbehaved sisters. All people who read this story have seen my struggle with impressions, especially my impression of Darcy, I would say it was “hate at first sight.” Apparently he was supposed to give some of his inheritance to Wickham, but he didn't, how awful! He then tried to propose to me, but I rejected, several times. But then, I ran into him the next day and he gave me a letter explaining that everyone was horribly mistaken about the whole situation. After that, I fell in love with him. When people were telling us that we shouldn't be together, we did it anyways. When Lady Catherine didn't approve she replied “In marrying your nephew, I should not consider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman's daughter; so far we are equal.” I will be with him for better or for worse, in sickness and in health.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
Addressed to the residence of Miss Jane Bennet
ReplyDelete201 Pemberley Estate, Lambton
~
My dearest Jane,
It has been an age since I have last written to you, which you may recall the series of transient letters addressing the ever so capricious elopement of Lydia and Wickham, which as it may have it, still feel considerable guilt for Lydia, her appalling and deplorable actions fault. I dare recall the grief it caused mama! For consideration and esteem as surely follow command of language as admiration waits on beauty, but I imagine you would say that people are better than we think. But even if kindness given, Do you believe that? I almost did favour kindess and I could easily forgive his pride, had he not motified mine. But thanks be to God that Lydia, as well as us, were able to surpass our grief, but albit it still-if she is to be happy, in which I then curiously ask if you have heard from her in a recent time, I have grown to have no more damage. But there is no charm equal to tenderness of heart in which, to the focus of my heart and the feelings in it, it hurts me more than I thought it would, not seeing nor hearing from you. I wish that you would hastily be in my company, as well as I transpire in yours. We shall go everywhere, thee and me. Once you return back from your leave, please do me the honour of not parting for some time... I fondly miss our conversations and your ever kind companionship. Aside from the midst, do make the promise that you will never bequeath or be alone again, for I have finished that piece of literature you so desperately encouraged myself to read. I agree that Miss Austen works are a masterful collection of grace and I do wish that you will send myself more pamphlets in the coming future. The character of Elizabeth I dare say is quite the feminine individual. I do not mean to boast, but I simply love her strength and ability to be ever posed even when in distress. I dare say that you are much like Miss Jane Austen! though apart be it a last name. She is ladylike and reserved, yet in her writing is a tempestous feminine novelist, who in her observations and deduction, prove the world we live in to honestly be rather nasty in nature. I am certainly glad to have taken your advice to read this, I have heavly enjoyed much of the witty banter when I so much need something to smile about. I certainly cannot wait post haste for your reply and do tell me all that has occupied the fortnight since our last communication.
"A person who can write a long letter with ease, cannot write ill." (Jane Austen)
I love you til time has lost all meaning.
Your sister Elizabeth Bennet
You did a great job taking on Elizabeth's voice. I love the quote at the end. :)
DeleteDear Lady Catherine de Bourgh,
ReplyDeleteIt is of greatest honor that I write to such a prestigious and honorable character like yourself, and I write with hopes of neither displeasing nor angering your ladyship. As a clergyman upon your grounds, I have dedicated my life to the propriety and wellbeing of those who pass through the fields of Rosings Park, and with such responsibility, I bring your attention upon a novel I have discovered in the library of my lovely Charlotte. Though “My dear Charlotte and I have but one mind and one way of thinking”(181), being in possession of this book does not conclude that I agree with its contents. Your ladyship is most kind and polite, so I entreat your ladyship to not think that in revealing the contents of Pride and Prejudice I mean to harm.
When reading a book, I am always looking for the accuracy and enjoyment I may pull from within its pages. When time allowed it, for I am a very determined and diligent man of my trade, I looked for such themes. When describing the homes and style of living, I dare say that it was rather agreeable. When recounting events or things of the past, I have found it most effective and poetic when comparing what I mean to explain to something found in pleasant society. In establishing a connection with whom I speak with, it may also be pleasing to the ears. So, while reading this novel, I found that the environment for the story was very well done, and in doing so was rather like the scenery in a painting in which it provides a backdrop to the plot. Though, I must add, when the plot reached your abode, Lady Catherine, it could not encapsulate the grandeur and magnificence of where within you reside. However, was it ever deemed possible to fit the beauty of Rosings Park into words? Neither a painting nor a book could ever give the halls of your manor justice.
(Pt. 1)
Now, Lady Catherine, I must provide the misfortune of the plot to your ladyship. Though to some it may be tolerable, and dare I say enjoyable, its vulgarity and ill judgement of my patroness could never tempt me. I am a man of integrity, and such insults thrust upon myself and my ladyship are unforgivable. It begins in the home of the Bennet family, and unfairly follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet, whom though I may have affection for, since she is my cousin, I believe her tales are far less entertaining than yours. Her wit and intelligence catches the attention of your nephew, Mr. Darcy. Though maybe in another setting their match would have been agreeable, Mr. Darcy should have been alongside your wonderful daughter. It was enjoyable to observe her change in perception of your nephew over the course of the book, since I already knew that any relative of Lady Catherine de Bourgh must be well natured. It was particularly interesting when after reading the contents of Mr. Darcy’s letter how quickly her opinion changes. As she understands her mistakes, “She grew absolutely ashamed of herself. - Of neither Darcy nor Wickham could she think, without feeling that she had blind, partial, prejudiced, absurd”(174) and quickly sees the amiability of the young Mr. Darcy. Now, like the pulling of a bandage from a festering wound, I must endeavor to describe what this book thinks of your ladyship and myself as quickly as possible. First, upon my arrival at Longbourn, I intended to present myself with the utmost formality. However, when reading this book, I discovered that I was not thought as highly. After praising your gardens, “Mr Bennet’s expectations were fully answered. His cousin was as absurd as he had hoped…”(57). Never, in the course of my life, has such been said about me. It is difficult to brush aside such a comment, but then again, I must remind myself that Mr Bennet, though pleasant, may not be as level headed as I am. However, when I showed this to Charlotte, she was not as displeased as I had hoped, and perhaps a chuckle was emitted, but I dare to wish it was a sob. Then, when Elizabeth visited Rosings, “There was little to be done but to hear Lady Catherine talk, which she did....delivering her opinion on every subject...as proved that she was not used to have her judgement controverted”(137). How dare this Jane Austen question the authority of the Lady Catherine de Bourgh? A woman of such great intellect like yourself should never be judged. Then, when you tried to persuade Elizabeth to avoid a marriage, as it would be harmful to the pride and wellbeing of your family, the author had the nerve to side with Elizabeth. Please Lady Catherine, do not let these foul words wound you. Enjoy your evening, and I hope this letter may keep Pride and Prejudice away from you, because though it may be a good read for a simpleton, such words are beneath you.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Mr. Collins
(pt. 2)
Dear Madam Jane Austen,
ReplyDeletePlease do not be alarmed on receiving this letter, I have been made to write a letter to you upon my opinions on the book you wrote that pertained a part of my life. I thought that it was very unnecessary to portray my character as such, but what’s done is done and would like to move to the next matter. My thought’s on the book is that it is a good novel, it showed what was the custom of the time and also broke those customs. It may seem uncharacteristic of me to say that but it is true that I have always detested the social system and the lies thrown around just to please everyone, it may be fun for the first two or three times but just gets annoying and suffocating to try and be polite to every passing stranger who is just trying to get a part of my family's fortune,it is also frustrating to see other families talk about mine or other rich families as though they are in the same level just because we danced with their daughter such as when Mrs. Bennet just assumed that Bingley and Jane would marry just because he danced with her a lot of times, but this desire doesn’t go to the point of the unfavourable behaviour presented by the Bennet family during the balls, but I believe my point has been made. Now on to the next point, I believe the matter with my sister should not have been revealed as although it got my honesty out in the open it is a personal matter and even if such was the case then I believe the letter should have asked Elizabeth to burn it after she read because if someone else read it, it would be a disgrace to my family and I believe that is something that I would never want for my family and also in the same letter I wish you would have written the incident of Georgiana and Wickham in a different manner because now she looks like a lady that will fall in love with anyone easily. But although these are the flaws that I found and have stated I liked the novel very much and would not mind being added in another novel of yours.
- FITZWILLIAM DARCY
Dear readers,
ReplyDeleteOh, haven’t you adored this novel just as much as I have? I just love how Jane Austen captured how fun the balls were, and what a wonderful time I’ve had in the past year! I sure was portrayed as the most fun sister, which is certainly true, especially compared to Mary, poor girl. No wonder I was the first out of all my sisters to be married. I must admit I did skip over most of the boring parts, like all the nonsense between Jane, Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth, and Mr. Darcy. Nothing could compare to the love story of Mr. Wickham and I! I don’t think Jane Austen touched enough on that, and if she had written more from my point of view, you could have seen how truly beautiful our wedding was. I think my sisters would have enjoyed it more as well, if they weren’t so jealous, of course. If Mr. Wickham were here, I’m sure he’d love to say hello, I just know it. However, he is off on “important business” as he calls it, though he never specifies exactly where he is going. I do wonder where he gets all this money from, but he treats me so well I just cannot complain! Now I simply cannot write this letter without addressing all the negative comments I’ve received on my spontaneous marriage to my dear husband. I believe I am not to be blamed or ridiculed for just having fun! What’s a girl my age to do, sit at home bored when I could be dancing at balls and am desired by so many soldiers? No way! And to think that my family has forced Kitty into avoiding me, it is only her loss to not lead such an interesting life as I am.
So long for now!
Love,
Lydia Wickham
Dear Cousin Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI write to you after another evening well spent dining at Rosings with Lady Catherine deBourgh. I am compelled to confess that her abode only grows more impressive with each visit. Though I have no confirmation, I expect that her new dining table is solid oak and would have cost at least 150 pounds. What lovely taste her Ladyship has! In fact, over the past few months she has become fond of Mrs. Collins. I knew I made the right choice in marrying your good friend. I am happy to inform you that is of good health and high spirits. She is quite fond of the greenery at Rosings Park. Between her long walks and my strenuous work in the parish, we barely see each other until dinnertime! Despite this, she regularly encourages me to tend to my garden. What a considerate creature to choose my personal happiness over hers, as I am sure it pains her to be away from me for so long.
I must confess that Mrs. Collins and myself are incredibly relieved to hear that the Lydia issue has been resolved. I only wish their marriage could have occurred before they started shamefully living together. I still am of the opinion that this licentiousness of behaviour in your daughter, has proceeded from a faulty degree of indulgence(198). I am certainly not one to carry ancient grudges; however, I shall feel tremendous relief after the Longbourn estate is in more capable hands and I am able to restore its reputation with my impressive connections. Though I am inclined to think that her own disposition must be naturally bad(198), the parish has taught me to show tolerance towards all that stray.
But, as Lady Catherine deBourgh has condescended to me numerous times the importance of getting to the point, I shall reveal the real reason that I write to you. It has come to my attention that you have written a novel. I must commend you on your splendid imagination, one of the many fine qualities of the gentler sex. Had I not known of your exaggerated writing style, I would have found myself quite offended by your crude portrayal of me. In your words, Mr. Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society… [he was] a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility(47). In the event that someone unaware of my true character read your novel, they would be wrongly influenced to assume me wrongfully prideful, immodest, and socially inept-all characteristics that are extraordinarily inaccurate. Perhaps next time I may offer my services in editing so as to avoid such gross distortion of character. Writing sermons and composing complements have cultivated me into an impressive author. After all, I am Oxford educated. Mrs. Collins and I hope that you may find time to come visit soon. I remain, good cousin, with respectful compliments towards yourself and your family,
‘William Collins’
By Roman Shepeliev
ReplyDeleteDear Mrs. Austen
After reading the novel "Pride and Prejudice" in which I am depicted in the most horrible manner and at the same time the most adored in the novel. I think you should have made me look even more attractive, more handsome. Yes, I have many skeletons in the closet about which I and readers would like to not know. I apologize to Lizzie and her family, for deceiving her and making Darcy think in a bad way. I honestly did not want to manipulate your feelings for my close relative Darcy. And I'm sorry for the escape that Lydia and I did, we did not in any way want to damage the reputation of your family, otherwise I would not be able to marry such a pre-teenage girl as your younger sister. Also, I offer my deepest apologies to Darcy himself, I was the reason for your many sleepless nights, I spread gossip about you and told everyone that you are not who you are, but have we finished drinking relatives? Right? Therefore, I would like to reconcile not only for what you would pay me more, although on this one too, and if you do not want to reconcile I will understand you, I know that I'm not the kindred relative that you can only dream about, but we are not all without distortion. I also wanted to say that I did not have to blame Lydia for escaping, that I made her run away, and you all tell me "How could you? She was not yet of age" I understood what I was going on, but still all ages were submissive to love !! My request to you Miss Jane, if you write another novel with my participation which I read with the same pleasure, then please make me at times more beautiful, and add on fewer skeletons in the closet.
Your Beauty Wickham
Also sorry for sending this so late, I didn’t have the power.