Elizabeth's being taken by surprise

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Elizabeth's being taken by surprise Written by Laraine (5/3/2007 2:03 p.m.)

In Chapter 4, Elizabeth says to Jane, "But that is one great difference between us. Compliments always take you by surprise, and me never."

And yet, in Chapter 6, we are told, "Occupied in observing Mr. Bingley's attentions to her sister, Elizabeth was far from suspecting that she was herself becoming an object of some interest in the eyes of his friend."

Elizabeth doesn't miss that Mr. Darcy is paying attention to her, but she is being taken by surprise regarding the compliment he is paying her.

It's interesting that JA sets this up in the first few chapters--Lizzy's quickly-formed opinion of Mr. Darcy influences her own ability to see him or his attitudes with her usual acuity.

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Elizabeth's being taken by surprise Laraine (5/3/2007 2:03 p.m.)

I confess Lia (5/4/2007 7:01 p.m.)
- A sign of Lizzy’s self-esteem and affection for Jane Robbin (5/5/2007 4:17 a.m.)
IMHO... Donna H (5/3/2007 9:08 p.m.)
- That's the way I've always read it Ramya (5/3/2007 10:33 p.m.)
  - I agree, she does seem Donna H (5/3/2007 10:36 p.m.)
more delicious irony nan duval (5/3/2007 6:21 p.m.)
- Her prejudice makes her blind to his admiration. nf Stephanie J. (5/4/2007 3:46 p.m.)
  - Prejudice, or realism combined with modesty? Line (5/4/2007 7:03 p.m.)
Compliments Michaela (5/3/2007 3:19 p.m.)
- Me too... Maria Liourdi (5/3/2007 7:28 p.m.)
- This is the way I have read it as well. NFM Jen S (5/3/2007 5:34 p.m.)
  - Same here! :-) (nfm) Line (5/3/2007 6:39 p.m.)
- Interesting Laraine (5/3/2007 4:15 p.m.)
- Oh, indeed Marilynn (5/3/2007 4:00 p.m.)

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