Notes on Elizabeth Bennet

ELIZABETH:

• Sees other’s flaws – not her own  chapter 4, after the Ball, Elizabeth reasons that Jane can only see the good in others, while Elizabeth mainly notices the negative traits.

o ‘More quickness of observation and less pliancy of temper than her sister’ (p.17)

 Narrative voice

o ‘Elizabeth, however, had never been blind to the impropriety of her father’s behavior as a husband…She endeavored to forget what she could not overlook.’ (p. 228)

Narrative voice, occurs soon after Elizabeth confronts Wickham once hearing the truth from Darcy

 The narrative voice describes Mr Bennet as being a bad example of a husband and Elizabeth is aware of this, but is willing to overlook her father’s flaws for her own comfort (a flaw of her own in that she can recognize issues, but does nothing about it)

o ‘There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.’ (p.133)

 This occurs after Elizabeth returns to see Jane, Jane is heartbroken over Bingley’s behavior.

 Elizabeth admits that she focuses too much on people’s flaws and as a result is not close to many people

o POSITIONING TECHNIQUE – NARRATIVE VOICE, BINARY OPPOSITION

• Strong willed - despite her family’s wish and need to marry Mr. Collins, she refuses as the marriage would not be based on love

o ‘She is a very head strong, foolish girl.” (p.108)

 Mrs Bennet, cannot understand Elizabeth’s view that marriage should be based on love, rather than financial security, thus Mrs Bennet perceives Elizabeth as foolish and headstrong, when in reality, Elizabeth is standing up for what she believes in. (The reader is positioned to agree with Lizzie on this point, although, given the way society operated, Mrs Bennet has a point! Lizzie turns down two offers of marriage and could have put herself and her family in danger of grave poverty in doing so. Because we are positioned through characterization to admire Lizzie and see Mrs Bennet as foolish, the reader is positioned to agree with Lizzie’s attitudes to llove and marriage and her values.)

o ‘Mr. Darcy with grave propriety requested to be allowed the honor of her hand; but in vain. Elizabeth was determined.’ (p. 27)

 Narrative voice

o ‘Elizabeth, feeling really anxious, was determined to go to her, though the carriage was not to be had.’ (p.32)

 Narrative voice, just before Elizabeth walks Netherfield to visit Jane, who is ill and staying with the Bingley

Despite the possibility of falling sick, or appearing ‘unsightly’ Elizabeth is determined to see her ill sister, and is not phased by what others may say or think about her actions.

• POSITIONING TECHNIQUE – NARRATIVE VOICE, BINARY OPPOSITION, CHARACTERISATION

• Doesn’t fit the mold for women of the time

o Her view on marriage:

- Women should have choice
- Choice based on love

“ I do assure you that I am not one of those young ladies… who are so daring to risk their happiness on the chance of being asked a second time… You could not make me happy.” - Lizzy (p.105)

Other women’s views:

- Expected to marry for family (babies, help larger family)
- May find love
- Doesn’t matter if you don’t
- Security (financial)

Positioning techniques - Dialogue & language choices:

- Lizzy’s conversations with Jane or Charlotte
- With the mother and father (regarding Collins’ proposal)
- Charlotte marrying Mr Collins – Lizzy visiting her – conversation

• Opinionated

o She refused to marry Mr Collins

- “You forget that I have made no answer … except for the thanks of the compliment you paid me … but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than decline them” – Lizzy pg 104

o Talks cruelly to Mr Darcy when he is rude to her

o Points out her own opinion at every possible moment

• Independent

o Walked to the house where her sister was sick

- “I hope you saw her petticoat, 6 inches deep in mud, I’m absolutely certain” – Ms Bingley pg 36
- “It shews an affection for her sister that is very pleasing” – Mr Bingley pg 36

o She doesn’t listen to her mother especially about being presentable

- “How can you be so silly as to think of such a thing, in all this dirt! You will not be fit so seen when you get there.” – Mrs Bennet pg 32

Positioning technique -

Point of view – by giving both Mr and Ms Bingley’s point of view, as well as Mrs Bennet’s, in relation to this, we see that society views Lizzie’s independence negatively but it can be seen as a positive. Mr Bingley, and eventually Mr Darcy, see it this way positioning readers to do the same.