Mr. Tilney and Elizabeth
Posted by Constanza on December 28, 1997 at 09:22:32:
Henry Tilney:
"I have hitherto been very remiss, madam, in the proper attentions
of a partner here; I have not yet asked you how long you have been in Bath; whether you were ever here before;
whether you have been at the Upper Rooms, the theatre, and the concert; and how you like the place altogether.
I have been very negligent--but are you now at leisure to satisfy me in these particulars? If you are I will
begin directly."
Tilney's speech reminds me of Lizzy's at the Netherfield ball:
Elizabeth Bennet:
``It is your turn to say something now, Mr. Darcy. -- I talked about the dance, and you ought to make some kind of remark on the size of the room, or the number of couples.''
Perhaps they both share a disdain for conversation conventions. Besides, there's some similarity in the way both talk, a little "archness" in their manners. Tilney could very well have been Elizabeth's elder brother in that respect.
I hope this sounds sensible, it's quite early for a Sunday but I was anxious to post ;-)
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