That lovely little poetry conversation
Posted by Hil on November 23, 1997 at 06:05:05:
In response to Considering that Time Period, written by Janet on November 22, 1997 at 11:22:55
] ]
]
] Okay, I asked the questions; now, here is my thinking. I can only imagine that love poetry was regarded by many young women of the period as a plus in the mating ritual. JA possibly did not view it as such, hence Lizzy's reaction and Darcy's final reaction(Darcy only smiled). Is it plausible that Lizzy's reaction is atypical of that period, thus causing Darcy to further appreciate Lizzy's character?
I don't know what was usual in that time period, but I think you are probably right. I have always loved that little conversation. I find smaltz love poems boring and embarrassing, but not others. Good ones are surprisingly hard to come by. I like to think Lizzy thought the same: she was pretty discerning, but did not dismiss them altogether. She was partly just being confrontational too. And if one's affections are not engaged, you have the distance to stand back and laugh or sneer. As you suggest, Janet, I think Lizzy's opinion was atypical. You can see by Darcy's response, and imagine him thinking...'Whoa...what have I got here! Someone who doesn't perform to strangers...Hmmmm!'
Posting followups to old messages is disabled; instead go to the main index and post a new message which mentions this one.
