Hmmmm...
Posted by Robyn on October 05, 1997 at 04:46:21:
In response to Emma vs. Lizzy, written by Elizabeth Rose on October 04, 1997 at 21:49:20
Hmmm...I agree with what you say to some extent, but I also agree with the writer of the article you quoted from, saying that Emma was more motivated to educate herself than Elizabeth. Emma knows very well that she could be a lot more accomplished in such things as playing the pianoforte and drawing, if only she would practice more (Perhaps she needs Lady Catherine on her back about it!!!) The way I see it, Emma seems to derive her motivation from what others think of her - particularly Mr Knightley. I remember that in one part of the novel, Emma is annoyed at herself for not having practiced more on the pianoforte, and so she sits down at it for 2 hours or something, just playing it. So she was motivated to play it by her own 'guilt', if you will!
Lizzy, on the other hand, doesn't appear to me to be quite so motivated to become more educated & accomplished. We get the feeling that she dislikes playing and singing, and prefers to have her nose in a book, or be outside walking or whatever. She knows herself to be a somewhat 'underaccomplished' player - that is, she can play tolerably well enough to be bearable to listen to. But I don't recall ever reading anything in the novel about her taking time out to actually practice.
Mmm...I have no idea if any of what I just said made any sense whatsoever!!! :)
Robyn :)
"No! It was very...elegant!"
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