Stpehanie, you have just made me realize how conversation/talking is a theme of the novel. Of course, with all Gianni has presented us, I should have noticed this earlier. I've been thinking the last couple days about JA's argument for true sens in P&P. I will post on that elsewhere. I now think she was also trying to show us her conversational ideal in Lizzy.

In contrast with Lizzy, with have Mr. Bennet, who displays his wit without Lizzy's tact or arch, pleasing manner. We also have Darcy, who has a hard time jumping into or starting conversations, especially with strangers. Then there is Mr. Collins, who incessantly talks of himself, his home, and his patroness. Mrs. Bennet, besides her silliness, openly insults Darcy. As you and others have recently pointed out, Lydia speaks her mind without seeming to think or care how her words might affect others. Wickham says too much about how ill he has been treated. Charlotte has to ignore much of what her husband says, rather than comment on it.