Henry Tilney-He's Our Man!
Posted by Cassia on December 28, 1997 at 13:40:45:
In response to Mr. Tilney and Elizabeth, written 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 ;-)
I see it as them employing the conventions to their advantage-to get their partners to talk. Anyhow, I adore Henry Tilney above all Austen heros, I would love to encounter such a man; not only can he talk, he dances!
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