Pride and Prejudice
Posted by Cheryl on March 23, 1998 at 01:46:42:
In response to Three Books, written by Cheryl on March 23, 1998 at 01:27:45
Tomalin says that Mrs Bennet was the "first modern mother" in novels and that she dominates the book, listing a number of concerns and goals of Mrs Bennet's which all come to pass. I can agree that she has a large presence, but she certainly doesn't overshadow Lizzy! It is Lizzy's voice which we hear and live with throughout the book. We identify with her, so much so that we are as embarrassed by Mrs Bennet as Lizzy is.
Something that I'm not sure I can buy is the assertion that "Lydia is the id to Lizzy's ego" and that Lizzy has a touch of envy of Lydia where Wickham is concerned! I always thought that Lizzy had far too much sense for that...
The connection made between Lizzy's three refusals, to Collins, Darcy and especially the last one to Lady Catherine, as the device which finally brought her to acceptance, was a new idea for me, though when it is spelled out like that, it makes perfect sense! ;-)
I've often read the line of how JA "lop't and crop't" P&P... I wish to see this more than I long for P&P2 outtakes. ;-)
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