Posted by Kathy F. on June 11, 1997 at 00:16:09:
In reply to Caroline Bingley, Emma and other parallel characters in Jane Austenland 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!
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Yes. And I think it is a great tribute to JA for her to have been able to write so many variations on people who are so similar. And also for her to have similar endings for people who are so different (they all live happily ever after...).
Kathy