Quick Index Board Index Home FAQ Site Map

View thread | Previous message | Next message


Slighting LIzzie   Written by Geri-Lynn (4/29/2007 7:03 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, I think that I agree with..., penned by Spencer
Are you new?

It just seems to me that Charlotte is taking some secret pleasure in Lizzie's being slighted by Mr. Darcy. She rebounds quickly and makes the comment about wishing he had danced with Lizzie, but I think it's to save face for herself more than it is to heal any wound Darcy may have inflicted upon Lizzie.

In Chapter 6. Charlotte says the following: (the underlined parts are my own emphasis)

"It may perhaps be pleasant," replied Charlotte, "to be able to impose on the public in such a case; but it is sometimes a disadvantage to be so very guarded. If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him; and it will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally in the dark. There is so much of gratitude or vanity in almost every attachment, that it is not safe to leave any to itself. We can all begin freely -- a slight preference is natural enough; but there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement. In nine cases out of ten a woman had better show more affection than she feels. Bingley likes your sister undoubtedly; but he may never do more than like her, if she does not help him on."

Charlotte comes across as such a schemer. She's got the rules of the game down, and could, most likely, go toe-to-to with the likes of Caroline Bingley. On second thought, Caroline bumbles much in her pursuit of Darcy and is never able to secure his affection - so, I guess it's Charlotte who comes out the master in this situation. I always thought that Charlotte was a bit of an opportunist, I just never saw it to this degree/intensity before. Then again, perhaps I am being too hard on our dear Charlotte.


Previous message | Next message | Board index

All messages in the thread


Password:

Groupread is maintained by Myretta with WebBBS 3.21.


View thread | Previous message | Next message
Board index

Group Read Board Pride & Prejudice Board Emma Board Sense & Sensibility Board Persuasion Board Mansfield Park Board Northanger Abbey Board Austenuations Board Jane Austen's Life & Times Board Lady Catherine & Co. Board Library Board Virtual Views Board Ramble Board Meetings Board Newcomers' Board Milestones Board Help Board Pemberleans Board





- Jane Austen | Republic of Pemberley -

Quick Index Home Site Map JAInfo

© 2004 - 2012 The Republic of Pemberley

Get copyright permissions

Quantcast