Respect for intelligence
Posted by kates on December 03, 1997 at 18:46:54:
In response to Chicken and the Egg, written by Mark on December 02, 1997 at 10:03:34
Sure, Mark's right. Respect is the first thing to establish. Love can't happen without it. But I think Austen intends respect that leads to love to incorporate respect for intelligence and understanding, respect for moral values, respect for a lively mind and respect for their attitudes to society and others within that society. Very few characters get ticks for all of these. Mr Bingly is a good man but none too bright, Mr Bennett is bright but none too good a spouse or a parent. Colonel Fitzwilliam doesn't get enough ticks to make it. Lizzie wouldn't be happy without respect for all these attributes in place, Jane (none too bright herself) can intellectually respect her partner who is on a level with her in the lively-mindedness stakes.
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