| Future sisters-in-law: what a difference!
Written by kathleen (elder)
(2/20/2004 6:20 a.m.)
In the next to last chapter (Chapter 61) we read a lot of letters or descriptions of letters. I especially liked the two consecutive paragraphs which compare how Miss Bingley's letters compared with Miss Darcy's letter.
"Miss Bingley's congratulations to her brother on his approaching marriage were all that was affectionate and insincere. She wrote even to Jane on the occasion, to express her delight, and repeat all her former professions of regard. Jane was not deceived, but she was affected, and, though feeling no reliance on her, could not help writing her a much kinder answer than she knew was deserved.
The joy which Miss Darcy expressed on receiving similar information was as sincere as her brother's in sending it. Four sides of paper were insufficient to contain all her delight, and all her earnest desire of being loved by her sister."
"Affectionate and insincere" -- what a marvelous description of Miss Bingley's behaviour toward both her brother & Jane. And I am sure that she will not change; she is all superficiality. Miss Darcy, on the other hand, sincerely loves her brother and wishes to be loved by his wife -- "Four sides of paper were insufficient" so she must have had a lot to say on the matter. (Not shy when it came to writing, perhaps!)
|