Posted by Lynne on June 10, 1997 at 19:12:02:
Having read the earlier thread about Caroline Bingley as another Emma, I just had to note that quite a few what I term "parallel characterizations" occur in JA's novels. I can only think that JA wants to say that while two people can be in the same situaton in life---they need not nor should they behave the same. So many factors contribute to how a younger second son will handle his life----or someone who is termed a "natural daughter" will choose to live her life or two rich women such as Emma and Caroline Bingley. Certainly, Emma has some attributes of Caroline's---but in the end she comes to wisdom and realizes how her snobbishness (as in with Miss Bates) and self-righteous interference has blinded her to finding self-awareness. I doubt that Miss Bingley ever learns how her behavior/attitudes keep her from experiencing her humanity. This, in turn, will influence the type of men who want to court her---and I don't believe a Mr. Knightley would put up with her pompous airs for one minute! She will probably end up with a Mr. Elton or a Willoughby---and well she deserves such! In fact, one could argue that Mr. E's and Mr. W's wives are Caroline Bingleys---but I will let someone else do it---this post is long enough as it is!