Out of character
Posted by Dianna on November 21, 1997 at 13:11:48:
In response to Dancing, written by Constanza on November 21, 1997 at 12:43:24
] ] Mr. Darcy is asking Elizabeth to dance with him. A Scottish reel is a type of country dance. He is suggesting that they take advantage of having a piano player (Miss Bingley) available who could play dance music for them. They could probably dance a reel to the "lively Scotch air" Miss Bingley was at that moment playing.
] It seems extrange that Darcy would ask Elizabeth for a dance at a moment when nobody is dancing and would put him "in evidence" and moreover subject him to some extra "teasing" from Caroline Bingley.
] I though that it was, perhaps, a theoretic questions, meaning something like: " this song is very lively, you are so fond of music, doesn't it make you want to dance, etc." without it being an actual invitation.
] What do you think?
This overture of his has always puzzled me as much as it did Lizzy (although, unlike her, I never interpreted it as an intention to make fun of her). I agree that the situation seems awkward for dancing, but maybe that's just by today's standards. I've also been inclined to think that he was just trying to make pleasant conversation about the music but, even if I didn't suspect his motives as Lizzy did, I don't think I'd know how to respond.
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