Welcome to Week 3 of the Pride & Prejudice read-along! You can learn more about the read-along schedule in this invitation post. (We're reading 2 chapters a day.)
Today we're going to discuss chapters 21-23 of volume I and chapters 1-11 of volume 2. If you came prepared, go ahead and share your thoughts in the comments section or in your own post! (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to the Pride & Prejudice read-along tag.) If you still have to catch up on some reading, you're welcome to check in later this week or whenever you're ready. :)
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
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Pride & Prejudice Volume I: Chapters 21-23 and
Volume II: Chapters 1-11
Volume II: Chapters 1-11
Discussion Format: One favorite quote, some general impressions, and three questions for each week's reading.
Favorite Quote
"Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed in love a little now and then. It is something to think of, and gives her a sort of distinction among her companions." ~ Mr. Bennet
General Impressions
How interesting that when last we left Elizabeth, she had just turned down a proposal from Mr. Collins...and now we end this section with her turning down another proposal. But it's hard to blame her when neither of the offers are very appealing, given the information she knows and the assumptions she has made.
I must admit it's rather telling that Elizabeth is so willing to forgive Mr. Wickham for seeking a more profitable match, while she holds it very much against Mr. Darcy for having concerns about making a match with her. And her conversation with Jane suggests she also cannot imagine Charlotte making a match that would benefit herself materially at the expense of mutual love and respect. I'm not quite sure what to make of all that, to be honest!
I think I have to agree with Elizabeth's aunt: "Take care, Lizzy; that speech savors strongly of disappointment." By excusing Wickham and thinking of him in only a friendly manner (wishing him the best), she would certainly put distance between herself and any personal disappointment or hurt. Not that I can blame her! I feel like I understand. But it's in her lack of grace toward Charlotte (mostly just at first) and Mr. Darcy that is difficult to accept.
Difficult to accept, perhaps, but also easy to understand. She's a fallible human being who wants the best for her family and friends, and isn't as eager to see her perceived enemies in a forgiving light.
It makes her relatable. Elizabeth is like a fierce friend to commiserate with; whereas Jane is the one who inspires and motivates someone to grow in love and compassion. I suppose in some ways I wish Jane were more open with her feelings, but I definitely do admire her for wanting to make "allowances" (as it says at the end of chapter 1, volume II) and think the best of others.
As for the other characters... Well, the group at Rosings is an odd bunch. Fitzwilliam seems nice enough. I feel sorry for Anne in some ways, but she doesn't seem eager to break free from her mother's shadow or reach out to others. I like that Elizabeth and Darcy don't encourage Lady Catherine in her rudeness.
And Mr. Darcy still hasn't won me over. ;) But he's had his favorable moments! Like when he shows affection for his sister, and when he listens to Elizabeth even when he's angry and suffering. (In chapter 11, volume 2, it says at one point "he listened without attempting to interrupt her." I feel like that says a lot, especially in that context.) He's awkward and proud, but I'm looking forward to seeing more to him in future chapters.
Discussion Questions
Feel free to answer one, two, or all three of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post!
1. In chapter 1 of volume II Jane tells Elizabeth, "Let me take it in the best light"—referring to the situation with the Bingleys. Do you admire Jane for her way of approaching life, or do you think she's too naive? Is it better to always think positively, or are there times when it's more harmful than good?
2. Pick a character from this section of reading and imagine yourself having a conversation with him or her. How would it go? What would you talk about, and how would you respond to this person's attitude and manners?
3. How would you respond to Mr. Darcy's proposal in this section?
Join us next Tuesday for our fourth discussion!
(Vol. II: Ch. 12 - Vol. III: Ch. 6)
4 comments:
Excellent observations Amber! Isn't the group at Rosings something else? Lady Catherine needs to come down from her throne! I don't get Anne except that she has been so overshadowed by her mother that she has just wilted in on herself. Mr. Darcy is still so full of arrogance and has no idea that someone would reject his suit! I honestly think he has no clue how to handle the feelings that he is having for Lizzy. Poor guy has been thrown for a loop! Sorry he hasn't won you over. He definitely isn't one of Austen's likable hero's(yet). Hope he grows on you as we near the end of the book. Here is my post for the week: https://myfavoritepastime.blogspot.com/2017/10/pride-and-prejudice-read-along-week-3.html
Julie,
Aww, thank you! :)
And yes, "something else" is a good way to describe them, haha! That's an apt observation about Anne, how she's "wilted in on herself." So sad! And I love the way you view Mr. Darcy. He definitely does seem lost and confused in knowing what to do with his feelings for Lizzy! I'm looking forward to seeing how his painful conversation with Lizzy might eventually change them both. :)
So glad you're participating in the read-along!
~Amber
Another great post, Amber! I agree, the folks at Rosings are a different sort. Not terribly welcoming. And Mr. Darcy's pride is just too off-putting at this point.
Here's my post for the week! https://arealwriterslife.blogspot.com/2017/10/pride-and-prejudice-read-along-week-3.html
Miranda,
Thank you, friend!
Yes, "off-putting" is a good way to put it. ;) Poor Mr. Darcy... I think I can see what Julie's saying, about him not knowing what to do with himself and his feelings, haha!
Will have to hop over to your blog! Thank you for participating!
~Amber
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