Chantelle's Section 1 & 2 Responses

Section 1

2) The first sentence of Pride and Prejudice “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife”. What does this show about the author and what does it foreshadow in the book?

The first sentence “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife” (Austen,1) shows me that the author Jane Austen is writing a story during older times. I believe this because today, people don’t always work for a good fortune for the reason of getting a wife or husband. A man or woman might strive to be successful for themselves, and being married would be another blessing but not the main reason to become wealthy. This line foreshadows that love will be what the book is about. The theme of the whole novel is immediately introduced even through the first line, and sets in motion the rest of the mood of the book. It hints to readers that there may be a wealthy single man who is in search of a wife.

4) When was Elizabeth looked down upon or criticized in the beginning of the book? What did she do and what did they say about her in the Netherfield’s home?

        In the beginning of the book, Elizabeth was looked down upon when she arrived at Mr. Bingley’s home to visit her sick sister Jane. Elizabeth walked all the way from home and arrived dirty, tired and sweaty; as if she just ran a marathon. Upon arriving, “… her appearance created a great deal of surprise…” (Austen, 36). Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley were surprised to hear about her journey and Elizabeth felt that they held her at contempt for it, having little to say to her. Despite their judgemental reactions, they didn’t withhold treating Jane well, so Elizabeth was pleased because of it. When Miss Bingley offered her a carriage for the ride home, Elizabeth wanted to stay longer so they invited her to stay at their Nertherfield’s Home. There, Elizabeth was able to wait and check up on her sister every now and then.

Section 2

       1) Many of the important plot turns happen through letters. A letter from Miss Bingley tells Jane that Bingley is gone for good and he is supposed to marry Miss Darcy. Do you think Jane would feel better if she had not known about Mr. Bingley’s marriage?

No,  I don’t think Jane would have felt better if she had not know about Mr. Bingley’s marriage because just the long moments without knowing how Mr. Bingley was doing made her suffer enough. If she had not found out about his marriage she still would have felt even more hurt that he didn’t feel the need to tell her after all they went through. Mrs. Gardiner, Mrs. Bennet’s sister in law says to Elizabeth “Poor Jane! I am sorry for her, because, with her disposition, she may not get over it immediately. It had better have happened to you Lizzy…” (Austen, 160) Jane is described to be more sensitive compared to Elizabeth as their aunt compares the two.  I believe that either way, if Jane was to receive the letters or not, her feelings would have been hurt.

5) The love Elizabeth feels toward Mr. Darcy evolves without direct contact. Does that make you question their love?

Yes, the love Elizabeth feels towards Mr. Darcy evolving without direct contact makes me question their love because without direct contact you can’t really tell if you love someone. You aren’t exactly taking the time to get to know them at a more deeper level than just eye contact and small talk. This makes me question if there love in the beginning− the feelings Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy felt towards each other – was actually love or just infatuation. Infatuation is when you have strong feelings towards someone without knowing the reason why. Elizabeth felt contempt towards Mr. Darcy at first without really getting to know him so how could someone love another without really getting to know them either?