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For Robbin--Darcy's views on accomplished women..   Written by Lila (6/14/2007 11:21 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, I agree it is an excellent letter..., penned by Robbin
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Thanks for setting me straight on the word "want". As for your question about Darcy's views of an accomplished woman...In chapter 8 Darcy agreed with Caroline Bingley when she described an accomplished woman.

-Must have a thorough knowlege of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages,
-she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions
-she must improve her mind by extensive reading...

he does not view painting tables, covering skreens, and netting purses as being within the realm of the accomplished.. He says as much to Bingley who thinks these are signs of an accomplished woman.. "your list of the comment extent of accomplishments, has too much truth. The word is applied to many a woman who deserves it no otherwise than by nrtting a purse, or covering a skreen."

Which one of these qualities does Lizzy possess and is it important that she possess them in order for Darcy to love her?

She sings and plays the piano, but only in mediocre fashion... She can dance, but it is not described as extraordinary.. We don't know about her drawing skills or whether she has an understanding of modern languages... But it is likely that her knowlege in these areas is not beyond others...

As for her manner of walking and her expression... While she is self assured and confident, she doesn't appear overly concerned with the manner of her walk or her expression..

she does read quite a bit...

Now, if Darcy's intention was to only marry an accomplished woman (in his eyes) than Lizzy would not have been his match..It could be that an accomplished woman still had to meet the above criteria even after he loved Elizabeth. But perhaps he did not necessarily want to marry an accomplished woman. Perhaps he wanted to marry a witty, kind and loyal woman. Is there anywhere in the book that he says he will only marry an accomplished woman?... Mrs. Reynolds apparently thinks there is no one good enough for Darcy.. ""I do not know who is good enough for him." (ch 43). "I have never heard a cross word from him in my life and I have known him ever since he was four years old." "If I were to go through the workd, I could not meet with better. But I have always observed, that they who are good- natured when children, are good- natured when they grow up; and he was always the sweetest-tempered, most generous- hearted boy in the world."

How could such a man want to have as a mate someone limited only to the superficial qualities that define an "accomplished" woman? Surely, his notion of a life-mate was was not simply an accomplished woman.

No, I'm convinced that even if Darcy did not re-evaluate his definition of accomplishment, he still would have loved Elizabeth, because his nature (as described by Mrs. Reynolds would demand it... He could not settle for less.


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