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in the same profession, you know; only in different lines.
Written by Stephanie
(5/11/2010 11:30 p.m.)
in consequence of the missive, Disparaging Lizzy's social status, penned by Kathi
We disagree with whether one's status includes one's connections. I admitted that Darcy condemned her connections (among other things). I only defended Elizabeth's social standing: she is the daughter of a gentleman, a land-owner, whose family has been established in the area for how long? She actually thinks of her father's 'respectability [as the kind] which [Darcy] will probably never reach.' (Ch. 33) Why do you say the Bennett's improprieties had no weight in Darcy's decision to resist his attraction? Yes, during the proposal, he tells her of her inferiority and that it would be a degradation - but that insult is not clarified until his letter, which never disparages her social status. (He never even mentions her lack of fortune -- that puts him one up on Mr. Collins!). He mentions her connections, yes, and he mentions her family's actions, but never her social standing. I agree with you that before the novel started, Darcy had decided what kind of woman he was going to marry and it was NOT Elizabeth's. His attraction to her took him by surprise, and he did not even realize the strength of it at first. He certainly never thought himself in danger, even after it is obvious to the reader that he is. But he never drew back from her for not being of his own stature. He may be related to titled families, but he is a landowner and gentleman, not of the peerage himself. Elizabeth is born into the same sphere. Their standing is equal. |
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