Brutus is an honourable man...
Posted by Helen on December 05, 1997 at 10:37:25:
In response to Just keep the salt away, Bob! , written by Mark on December 05, 1997 at 10:17:21
Bob S.? (? - I'm confused)
] ] ] I don't disagree that Elizabeth might have married Col. F if circumstances were different, but I don't think that the order of his birth would have been one of the circumstances she would have considered.
Mark
] She would not have considered it, but he does. Remember in their walk in the woods, he specifically tells her that he must marry for money, the reason being he is the younger son.
I think this is a fascinating discussion. Don't you think that the fact that Col. F. considers marrying for money in the way he does - as a primary consideration in his choice of bride - would stand in the way of Elizabeth giving him her complete respect? She certainly doesn't despise men for finding themselves heiresses (see Wickham and Miss King, though I have always thought she protests a bit too much over that) - but I think that her response to Charlotte's marriage shows that she does not think a suitable establishment the most worthy motive for marriage.
Bob S.
] ] ] As for Elizabeth being Emma Woodhouse, that would make it a whole different book. :-)
One for fan fiction, perhaps? - Miss Woodhouse and the Stud-Muffin ;-)
Kate? (I'm confused again)
] ] I think Lizzy would have thought very seriously about marrying Fitzwilliam if he had asked - he was certainly a much better prospect than either Mr Collins or one of the officers at Meryton - and as far as we know, there weren't any other eligible beings around. She is well aware of the circumstances of her family - while she won't sacrifice herself to Mr Collins, I think she recognised her own vulnerable position enought to consider a good offer like Fitzwilliam very seriously indeed.
Again, an interesting question. I agree, it's easy for Elizabeth to dismiss Collins out of hand, but if Col. F. did offer himself, it would be a lot more difficult for her to refuse - would she be holding out for true love, or would she think that what she got from him was enough? (and, again, another fan fiction romp springs to mind...)
Helen
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