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This commentary was prepared by Karmayogi of The Mother’s Service Society (India). See karmayogi.net or MSS Research. The Comments column is intended for brief insightful remarks on the text. For longer comments or questions use the Talk page of this article or create a new article and add a link in the comments section of this page or under the appropriate heading on P&P project mainpage.



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Till Elizabeth entered the drawing-room at Netherfield, and looked in vain for Mr. Wickham among the cluster of red coats there assembled, a doubt of his being present had never occurred to her. The certainty of meeting him had not been checked by any of those recollections that might not unreasonably have alarmed her. She had dressed with more than usual care, and prepared in the highest spirits for the conquest of all that remained unsubdued of his heart, trusting that it was not more than might be won in the course of the evening. But in an instant arose the dreadful suspicion of his being purposely omitted for Mr. Darcy's pleasure in the Bingleys' invitation to the officers; and though this was not exactly the case, the absolute fact of his absence was pronounced by his friend Mr. Denny, to whom Lydia eagerly applied, and who told them that Wickham had been obliged to go to town on business the day before, and was not yet returned; adding, with a significant smile --

1
  • Intense expectation yields unexpected disappointment.
  • Disappointment when no doubt ever appeared, the failure can be total, overwhelming and humiliatingly revealing.
  • Elizabeth could never doubt Wickham’s presence. Wickham is false and is a coward. Instead of seeing that, she is angry at Darcy. Wickham is only an entrance to Darcy. The subconscious object is only Darcy.
  • The care of her dressing, the certainty of her conquest are not only rewarded by his absence but a dig at his name.
  • Caroline warns her of Wickham.
  • Desire, when it accuses, accuses everyone except the right object
  • Elizabeth is unpardonably irrational in expecting Bingley or Darcy to invite Wickham to the ball.
  • Rationality expects the whole world to please oneself so that he may spite it.
  • The truth is, he was invited and he held himself back.
  • It did not strike Elizabeth ONCE that she was irrationally selfish in not accusing Wickham.
  • Denny is triumphant in announcing the absence of Wickham.
  • Denny too was as much a victim of Wickham as Elizabeth.
  • Lydia was interested in those present and does not long for him who is absent
  • As long as Elizabeth was interested in Wickham, Lydia never thought of him. It means Wickham was a necessity to the family through one of the girls.

"I do not imagine his business would have called him away just now, if he had not wished to avoid a certain gentleman here."

5

This part of his intelligence, though unheard by Lydia, was caught by Elizabeth, and as it assured her that Darcy was not less answerable for Wickham's absence than if her first surmise had been just, every feeling of displeasure against the former was so sharpened by immediate disappointment, that she could hardly reply with tolerable civility to the polite inquiries which he directly afterwards approached to make. Attention, forbearance, patience with Darcy, was injury to Wickham. She was resolved against any sort of conversation with him, and turned away with a degree of ill humour which she could not wholly surmount even in speaking to Mr. Bingley, whose blind partiality provoked her.

6
  • Interested people never fail to listen to any news relevant to them.
  • Immediate disappointment sharply attacks immediate target.
  • Darcy is attracted by the energy of hate as in truth it is her deeper interest in him.
  • Vital justice sees itself as injustice to the rivals.
  • Having resolved against any conversation with Darcy, she ends up dancing with him
  • “Blind partiality of” Bingley is really her own attitude to Wickham
  • Elizabeth vents her anger at Wickham’s absence over Darcy. She makes a sentimental ideal of it.
  • She accuses Bingley of blind partiality while she is guilty of it.

But Elizabeth was not formed for ill-humour; and though every prospect of her own was destroyed for the evening, it could not dwell long on her spirits; and having told all her griefs to Charlotte Lucas, whom she had not seen for a week, she was soon able to make a voluntary transition to the oddities of her cousin, and to point him out to her particular notice. The two first dances, however, brought a return of distress; they were dances of mortification. Mr. Collins, awkward and solemn, apologising instead of attending, and often moving wrong without being aware of it, gave her all the shame and misery which a disagreeable partner for a couple of dances can give. The moment of her release from him was exstacy.

9
  • It is remarkable that her liveliness gets the better of her temper.
  • Her partner is not Collins but her mother in her.
  • The pleasure of talking of one’s love in any measure or in any context is the most refreshing upliftment one can feel.
  • Cheerfulness is her disposition; ill-humour is a passing cloud.
  • She unburdens to Charlotte, an agent of good will for her. That brings Darcy’s dance proposal.
  • Common sense is a source of good will. Charlotte’s good will readily gets her married and that leads Elizabeth to Pemberley. Actually the entail was the beginning for Pemberley.
  • Dancing with Collins was a shame. It was the real forerunner of Darcy’s letter

She danced next with an officer, and had the refreshment of talking of Wickham, and of hearing that he was universally liked. When those dances were over she returned to Charlotte Lucas, and was in conversation with her, when she found herself suddenly addressed by Mr. Darcy, who took her so much by surprise in his application for her hand, that, without knowing what she did, she accepted him. He walked away again immediately, and she was left to fret over her own want of presence of mind; Charlotte tried to console her.

13
  • For one in love there is no greater delight than to talk about his lover.
  • Elizabeth accepts Darcy for a dance in spite of her determination. It shows the power of the Force that keeps them afloat.
  • Her accepting Darcy for dancing is actually her accepting to marry him.
  • ‘Want of presence of mind’ is really living up to the subconscious aspiration.
  • Elizabeth sees the greatest luck as the greatest evil
  • The subconscious urge gets over the surface preference.

"I dare say you will find him very agreeable."

16
  • In telling Elizabeth that she would find Darcy agreeable, Charlotte rehearses her role with Collins later.
  • Charlotte’s advice was one of common sense and good will

"Heaven forbid! That would be the greatest misfortune of all! -- To find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate! Do not wish me such an evil."

17
  • In determining to hate Darcy, Elizabeth speaks out what she thinks not what she really is.

When the dancing recommenced, however, and Darcy approached to claim her hand, Charlotte could not help cautioning her in a whisper not to be a simpleton, and allow her fancy for Wickham to make her appear unpleasant in the eyes of a man of ten times his consequence. Elizabeth made no answer, and took her place in the set, amazed at the dignity to which she was arrived in being allowed to stand opposite to Mr. Darcy, and reading in her neighbours' looks their equal amazement in beholding it. They stood for some time without speaking a word; and she began to imagine that their silence was to last through the two dances, and at first was resolved not to break it; till suddenly, fancying that it would be the greater punishment to her partner to oblige him to talk, she made some slight observation on the dance. He replied, and was again silent. After a pause of some minutes she addressed him a second time with -- "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."

21
  • Elizabeth is amazed at the dignity of dancing with Darcy. Life thrusts luck on her.
  • Elizabeth FEELS a little of the dignity in dancing with Darcy.
  • It is a true beginning of relationship.
  • In asking Darcy to do what she wants – to talk – she is already playing the role of a wife.
  • All the neighbours took notice of it
  • It was Elizabeth who spoke first expressing the rule
  • Darcy did not speak, answers her and keeps silent because he was too full of emotions.
  • Elizabeth tells him it was his turn to speak and after his reply she declares silence will do.
  • Already she behaves like a married wife taking liberties with him.
  • She further lays down the rules of talking during a dance

He smiled, and assured her that whatever she wished him to say should be said.

27
  • Darcy behaves like an obedient husband.
  • Darcy is unable to know her point of reference. To him she was an enigma

"Very well. That reply will do for the present. Perhaps by and by I may observe that private balls are much pleasanter than public ones. But now we may be silent."

28

"Do you talk by rule, then, while you are dancing?"

32
  • His patience came to an end.

"Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know. It would look odd to be entirely silent for half an hour together; and yet for the advantage of some, conversation ought to be so arranged, as that they may have the trouble of saying as little as possible."

33
  • She orders him about as if she was a married wife.
  • She gives an instruction that is almost an order.
  • Perhaps she is already aware of the fact that she would be marrying him

"Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, or do you imagine that you are gratifying mine?"

36
  • His real response comes out.

"Both," replied Elizabeth archly; "for I have always seen a great similarity in the turn of our minds. We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the éclat of a proverb."

37
  • In some context Elizabeth finds herself using ‘both’ uniting them. In his letter he does it. Even later in this dance he includes her in a statement.
  • She gives him a true, if unflattering description of his personality.
  • She points out the similarities of their disposition, both anti–social

"This is no very striking resemblance of your own character, I am sure," said he. "How near it may be to mine, I cannot pretend to say. You think it a faithful portrait undoubtedly."

39

"I must not decide on my own performance."

42

He made no answer, and they were again silent till they had gone down the dance, when he asked her if she and her sisters did not very often walk to Meryton? She answered in the affirmative; and, unable to resist the temptation, added, "When you met us there the other day, we had just been forming a new acquaintance."

43
  • He refers to her walking to Meryton, perhaps to dwell on his seeing her the other day. He constantly tries to unite her with him in his thoughts. She does the opposite.
  • She takes the first occasion to introduce Wickham
  • It is she who forcibly brings in Wickham into their conversation.

The effect was immediate. A deeper shade of hauteur overspread his features, but he said not a word, and Elizabeth, though blaming herself for her own weakness, could not go on. At length Darcy spoke, and in a constrained manner said, "Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his making friends -- whether he may be equally capable of retaining them, is less certain."

45
  • Whatever the conscious aim of either, she subconsciously touches him. His efforts are on the surface mind. The lady touches the man first.
  • The aim is to touch him effectively if not on the surface at least subconsciously.
  • He was touched to the quick.
  • Offence reaches the other deeper. She does touch him so
  • His statement about Wickham becomes exactly true.
  • Intentionally, intensely, she pulls him out. He refrains from responding.

"He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship," replied Elizabeth with emphasis, "and in a manner which he is likely to suffer from all his life."

48
  • She directly accuses him of injustice to Wickham

Darcy made no answer, and seemed desirous of changing the subject. At that moment Sir William Lucas appeared close to them, meaning to pass through the set to the other side of the room; but on perceiving Mr. Darcy he stopt with a bow of superior courtesy to compliment him on his dancing and his partner.

49
  • That silences Darcy who withdraws into himself. He was deeply touched by her
  • Sir Lucas comes then. Wherever the surface conscious mind of Man insists on deviation, life responds readily. (take a full list)
  • Sir William is drawn to Darcy, exactly as Collins is.
  • Here is a hint, which I am not able to see, that Charlotte’s wedding and Sir William’s approach to Darcy are connected.
  • Her deep touching of Darcy resulted in his being deeply touched about Jane’s wedding by Sir Lucas.

"I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear sir. Such very superior dancing is not often seen. It is evident that you belong to the first circles. Allow me to say, however, that your fair partner does not disgrace you, and that I must hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Miss Eliza (glancing at her sister and Bingley) shall take place. What congratulations will then flow in! I appeal to Mr. Darcy -- but let me not interrupt you, sir. You will not thank me for detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me."

51
  • Sir Lucas’s compliment on his superior dancing is, perhaps, recognition of their love. Sir Lucas speaks of a certain event. Is it Darcy’s wedding?
  • Sir Lucas gets a distant perception but voices it as Bingley’s wedding. Coming events cast their shadows in advance. Darcy was alerted. Was he alerted by Jane or his own attraction to Elizabeth? Consciously it is to Jane, subconsciously it is to Elizabeth
  • Sir William refers to Elizabeth’s bright eyes which attract Darcy which means the character of her eyes is known.

The latter part of this address was scarcely heard by Darcy; but Sir William's allusion to his friend seemed to strike him forcibly, and his eyes were directed with a very serious expression towards Bingley and Jane, who were dancing together. Recovering himself, however, shortly, he turned to his partner, and said, "Sir William's interruption has made me forget what we were talking of."

58
  • Elizabeth was beside herself. It can be directly attributed to her missing Wickham but I would attribute it to her meeting Darcy whom she subconsciously longs for
  • She straight away goes to a comment he had made earlier which touches his character. She consciously seeks to touch him there in an effort to reach him more deeply. He becomes silent unable to stand the touch
  • Darcy was so powerfully disturbed that he forgot his conversation.

18 dance Pride and Prejudice

"I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir William could not have interrupted any two people in the room who had less to say for themselves. We have tried two or three subjects already without success, and what we are to talk of next I cannot imagine."

60
  • She has to unbend her mind from Wickham and it is not easy

"What think you of books?" Said he, smiling.

63
  • In the 18th century two people in conversation talk of books which does not happen in India even today.

"Books -- Oh! No. I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings."

64

"I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there can at least be no want of subject. We may compare our different opinions."

66

"No -- I cannot talk of books in a ballroom; my head is always full of something else."

68

"The present always occupies you in such scenes -- does it?" Said he, with a look of doubt.

69

"Yes, always," she replied, without knowing what she said, for her thoughts had wandered far from the subject, as soon afterwards appeared by her suddenly exclaiming, "I remember hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its being created."

70

"I am," said he, with a firm voice.

72

"And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?"

73
  • She is at pains to powerfully provoke him.

"I hope not."

74

"It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first."

75

"May I ask to what these questions tend?"

76

"Merely to the illustration of your character," said she, endeavouring to shake off her gravity. "I am trying to make it out."

77
  • Young people discussing the formation of character is unknown in India.

"And what is your success?"

79

She shook her head. "I do not get on at all. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly."

80
  • He is a puzzle to her.

"I can readily believe," answered he gravely, "that report may vary greatly with respect to me; and I could wish, Miss Bennet, that you were not to sketch my character at the present moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance would reflect no credit on either."

83

"But if I do not take your likeness now, I may never have another opportunity."

84
  • She declares never to meet him.
  • She tells him there may not be another opportunity to study his character which later comes true. It is her announcement to him that she is unavailable
  • When a beloved offends, even if it is intentional, the anger is directed against another object of hate

"I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours," he coldly replied. She said no more, and they went down the other dance and parted in silence; on each side dissatisfied, though not to an equal degree, for in Darcy's breast there was a tolerable powerful feeling towards her, which soon procured her pardon, and directed all his anger against another.

85
  • He is unable to suspend such opportunities.
  • It is Elizabeth who provoked him and he is angry at Wickham, a trait of partiality.

They had not long separated when Miss Bingley came towards her, and with an expression of civil disdain thus accosted her: -- "So, Miss Eliza, I hear you are quite delighted with George Wickham! Your sister has been talking to me about him, and asking me a thousand questions; and I find that the young man forgot to tell you, among his other communications, that he was the son of old Wickham, the late Mr. Darcy's steward. Let me recommend you, however, as a friend, not to give implicit confidence to all his assertions: for as to Mr. Darcy's using him ill, it is perfectly false; for, on the contrary, he has been always remarkably kind to him, though George Wickham has treated Mr. Darcy in a most infamous manner. I do not know the particulars, but I know very well that Mr. Darcy is not in the least to blame, that he cannot bear to hear George Wickham mentioned, and that though my brother thought he could not well avoid including him in his invitation to the officers, he was excessively glad to find that he had taken himself out of the way. His coming into the country at all is a most insolent thing, indeed, and I wonder how he could presume to do it. I pity you, Miss Eliza, for this discovery of your favourite's guilt; but really considering his descent, one could not expect much better."

87
  • The moment she stops provoking Darcy, Caroline provokes her.
  • The intensity Elizabeth created with Darcy, is continued by Caroline’s news
  • The act is alive and is continued by another. Life turns against Elizabeth. It can be said she saw life from two sides while life remained the same.
  • The statement of Caroline invites several descriptions.
    • 1) Caroline unconsciously defends Darcy.
    • 2) She cannot easily give up an occasion to abuse Elizabeth.
    • 3) It appears to me that Caroline too wants to relate to Wickham intensely.
  • A gentleman in England would not avoid even an enemy from inviting to a function. Darcy, after the attempted elopement, does not remove Wickham’s miniature from his picture gallery.

18 caroline elizabeth Pride and Prejudice

"His guilt and his descent appear by your account to be the same," said Elizabeth angrily; "for I have heard you accuse him of nothing worse than of being the son of Mr. Darcy's steward, and of that, I can assure you, he informed me himself."

94
  • Clever people voluntarily disclose their weakness.
  • Wickham spoke of his father.

"I beg your pardon," replied Miss Bingley, turning away with a sneer. "Excuse my interference: it was kindly meant."

95
  • The conversation between Caroline and Elizabeth is not acrimonious, but their manner and tone was.
  • Caroline’s negative act really is positive in its ultimate result.

"Insolent girl!" Said Elizabeth to herself. "You are much mistaken if you expect to influence me by such a paltry attack as this. I see nothing in it but your own wilful ignorance and the malice of Mr. Darcy." She then sought her eldest sister, who had undertaken to make inquiries on the same subject of Bingley. Jane met her with a smile of such sweet complacency, a glow of such happy expression, as sufficiently marked how well she was satisfied with the occurrences of the evening. Elizabeth instantly read her feelings, and at that moment solicitude for Wickham, resentment against his enemies, and everything else, gave way before the hope of Jane's being in the fairest way for happiness.

97
  • Elizabeth is incensed by the news of Caroline. Caroline is her rival and that rivalry incenses

"I want to know," said she, with a countenance no less smiling than her sister's, "what you have learnt about Mr. Wickham. But perhaps you have been too pleasantly engaged to think of any third person; in which case you may be sure of my pardon."

103
  • Elizabeth’s devotion to Jane is of greater intensity than her attractions for Wickham
  • Jane matters to Elizabeth more than Wickham. In Jane’s pleasure Elizabeth forgets Wickham. Her goodwill is pure GOOD Will.

18 jane elizabeth Pride and Prejudice

"No," replied Jane, "I have not forgotten him; but I have nothing satisfactory to tell you. Mr. Bingley does not know the whole of his history, and is quite ignorant of the circumstances which have principally offended Mr. Darcy; but he will vouch for the good conduct, the probity, and honour of his friend, and is perfectly convinced that Mr. Wickham has deserved much less attention from Mr. Darcy than he has received; and I am sorry to say that by his account as well as his sister's, Mr. Wickham is by no means a respectable young man. I am afraid he has been very imprudent, and has deserved to lose Mr. Darcy's regard."

105
  • Jane found enough justification for Darcy.
  • What would satisfy her is equal justification of Wickham.

"Mr. Bingley does not know Mr. Wickham himself?"

108
  • Elizabeth exerts herself to refute the story.

"No; he never saw him till the other morning at Meryton."

109

"This account, then, is what he has received from Mr. Darcy. I am perfectly satisfied. But what does he say of the living?"

110
  • Rationality is capable of fully justifying the irrational.
  • Integral completion requires the irrationality of the rational.

"He does not exactly recollect the circumstances, though he has heard them from Mr. Darcy more than once, but he believes that it was left to him conditionally only."

113
  • Any circumstance has one small event to justify the opposite.

"I have not a doubt of Mr. Bingley's sincerity," said Elizabeth warmly; "but you must excuse my not being convinced by assurances only. Mr. Bingley's defence of his friend was a very able one, I dare say; but since he is unacquainted with several parts of the story, and has learnt the rest from that friend himself, I shall venture still to think of both gentlemen as I did before."

114
  • One who defends a story without knowing all the details cannot defend his sincerity.
  • Elizabeth has enough rational basis to reject Caroline’s and Jane’s version of Wickham – Darcy deal

18 bingley Pride and Prejudice

She then changed the discourse to one more gratifying to each, and on which there could be no difference of sentiment. Elizabeth listened with delight to the happy, though modest hopes which Jane entertained of Bingley's regard, and said all in her power to heighten her confidence in it. On their being joined by Mr. Bingley himself, Elizabeth withdrew to Miss Lucas; to whose inquiry after the pleasantness of her last partner she had scarcely replied before Mr. Collins came up to them, and told her with great exultation that he had just been so fortunate as to make a most important discovery.

116
  • Elizabeth avoids conflicts, unpleasantness, etc.
  • Jane does not allow herself to hope for Bingley’s regard.
  • To her it is almost a violence. It is a deeper silent will.
  • Jane persuades herself that she cannot allow the world to know she loves Bingley.
  • She wants a great public secret to be unknown to anyone.
  • Mr. Collins adds intensity to Elizabeth’s dance with Darcy and Caroline’s warning about Wickham.
  • It means the atmosphere is opening up for intensity.
  • Mr. Collins is irresistible.
  • An idea is an initiative to the physical mind. A move of the physical mind whether it is an urge or initiative is irresistible.

"I have found out," said he, "by a singular accident, that there is now in the room a near relation of my patroness. I happened to overhear the gentleman himself mentioning to the young lady who does the honours of this house the names of his cousin Miss de Bourgh, and of her mother Lady Catherine. How wonderfully these sort of things occur! Who would have thought of my meeting with, perhaps, a nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh in this assembly! I am most thankful that the discovery is made in time for me to pay my respects to him, which I am now going to do, and trust he will excuse my not having done it before. My total ignorance of the connection must plead my apology."

119
  • Mr. Collins sees the wonder of this coincidence of his discovery.
  • Collins paying his respects to Darcy is his respecting himself
  • Life is a wonder, its touches are intense, its revelations are a Marvel. Stupidity has a very strong element of genius in it. The genius in him is now actuated by a sense of Wonder.
  • We see the same insistence in Mr. Collins, Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, and Lady Catherine. Insistence is intense energy seeking expression. Absence of organisation – culture – makes this outburst possible.
  • From another point of view, Charlotte and Elizabeth serve as examples of passivity and dynamism. Elizabeth’s dynamism is due to the energy organised into intelligent perception in a forward looking personality. Charlotte’s passivity is due to the energy organised into common sense which understands it has no opening in life.

"You are not going to introduce yourself to Mr. Darcy!"

125
  • Collins completes the cycle of Mr.Bennet’s family’s vulgar display. For the next cycle of activity to start, the preceding cycle must be completed.
  • Collins is irrepressible. We first see it here, next in his proposal, finally in his letters to Bennet on Lydia and Darcy. His cycle was completed when he had to leave Rosings to avoid the Lady’s anger.
  • Collins is the medium between Elizabeth and Darcy. In one it is irrepressible buffoonery in the other it is irrepressible passion. Hence he acts as the medium. Compare Lydia’s shameless pursuit of men with Wickham’s shameless employment of falsehood.
  • As Lizzy is unable to control Lydia or Mary, she is unable to control Collins. Mrs.Bennet, Lydia, Collins are irrepressible in one fashion. Darcy and Lady Catherine are irrepressible in another fashion. All reflect Lizzy’s uncontrollable attraction to Wickham.
  • Collins disregards Eliza’s warning even as Eliza disregards Caroline’s.
  • A snob receives a snub as reception

18 collins darcy Pride and Prejudice

"Indeed I am. I shall entreat his pardon for not having done it earlier. I believe him to be Lady Catherine's nephew. It will be in my power to assure him that her ladyship was quite well yesterday se'nnight."

126

Elizabeth tried hard to dissuade him from such a scheme, assuring him that Mr. Darcy would consider his addressing him without introduction as an impertinent freedom, rather than a compliment to his aunt; that it was not in the least necessary there should be any notice on either side; and that if it were, it must belong to Mr. Darcy, the superior in consequence, to begin the acquaintance. Mr. Collins listened to her with the determined air of following his own inclination, and, when she ceased speaking, replied thus: -- "My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have the highest opinion in the world of your excellent judgment in all matters within the scope of your understanding; but permit me to say that there must be a wide difference between the established forms of ceremony amongst the laity and those which regulate the clergy; for, give me leave to observe that I consider the clerical office as equal in point of dignity with the highest rank in the kingdom -- provided that a proper humility of behaviour is at the same time maintained. You must, therefore, allow me to follow the dictates of my conscience on this occasion, which leads me to perform what I look on as a point of duty. Pardon me for neglecting to profit by your advice, which on every other subject shall be my constant guide, though in the case before us I consider myself more fitted by education and habitual study to decide on what is right than a young lady like yourself." And with a low bow he left her to attack Mr. Darcy, whose reception of his advances she eagerly watched, and whose astonishment at being so addressed was very evident. Her cousin prefaced his speech with a solemn bow: and though she could not hear a word of it, she felt as if hearing it all, and saw in the motion of his lips the words "apology," "Hunsford," and "Lady Catherine de Bourgh." It vexed her to see him expose himself to such a man. Mr. Darcy was eyeing him with unrestrained wonder, and when at last Mr. Collins allowed him time to speak, replied with an air of distant civility. Mr. Collins, however, was not discouraged from speaking again, and Mr. Darcy's contempt seemed abundantly increasing with the length of his second speech, and at the end of it he only made him a slight bow, and moved another way. Mr. Collins then returned to Elizabeth.

130
  • Being a clergyman, Collins awards to himself the social superiority of aristocracy. That being his right, he would not allow a woman to prevail against his move.
  • The point of duty he insists on as his right is to establish his own superiority.
  • That it came to her notice – Collins’ move – has the significance of life for us in the sense he underlines the social weakness of Elizabeth to Darcy.
  • Mr. Collins is so foolish as to understand an affront as one of approbation.

"I have no reason, I assure you," said he, "to be dissatisfied with my reception. Mr. Darcy seemed much pleased with the attention. He answered me with the utmost civility, and even paid me the compliment of saying that he was so well convinced of Lady Catherine's discernment as to be certain she could never bestow a favour unworthily. It was really a very handsome thought. Upon the whole, I am much pleased with him."

141

As Elizabeth had no longer any interest of her own to pursue, she turned her attention almost entirely on her sister and Mr. Bingley; and the train of agreeable reflections which her observations gave birth to made her perhaps almost as happy as Jane. She saw her in idea settled in that very house, in all the felicity which a marriage of true affection could bestow; and she felt capable, under such circumstances, of endeavouring even to like Bingley's two sisters. Her mother's thoughts she plainly saw were bent the same way, and she determined not to venture near her, lest she might hear too much. When they sat down to supper, therefore, she considered it a most unlucky perverseness which placed them within one of each other; and deeply was she vexed to find that her mother was talking to that one person (Lady Lucas) freely, openly, and of nothing else but of her expectation that Jane would be soon married to Mr. Bingley. -- It was an animating subject, and Mrs. Bennet seemed incapable of fatigue while enumerating the advantages of the match. His being such a charming young man, and so rich, and living but three miles from them, were the first points of self-gratulation; and then it was such a comfort to think how fond the two sisters were of Jane, and to be certain that they must desire the connection as much as she could do. It was, moreover, such a promising thing for her younger daughters, as Jane's marrying so greatly must throw them in the way of other rich men; and lastly, it was so pleasant at her time of life to be able to consign her single daughters to the care of their sister, that she might not be obliged to go into company more than she liked. It was necessary to make this circumstance a matter of pleasure, because on such occasions it is the etiquette; but no one was less likely than Mrs. Bennet to find comfort in staying at home at any period of her life. She concluded with many good wishes that Lady Lucas might soon be equally fortunate, though evidently and triumphantly believing there was no chance of it.

146
  • It is significant that in spite of Bingley being violently in love with Jane which has attracted the attention of all, he has not allowed one symbolic significant expression of his commitment to her.
  • Lizzy formulates her expectation and thus cancels Jane’s prospects.
  • All that Darcy accused her in his letter, she witnesses now. Man totally ignores his own shortcomings, gets angry if pointed out. Elizabeth is superstitiously irrational. She only expects as did her mother. So did Collins as well as Darcy
  • Jane Austen speaks of Elizabeth’s idea of Jane settling into Netherfield, but she gives us no such thoughts of Bingley. Bingley needs Darcy’s permission even to think, but he can feel outside Darcy’s influence.
  • What Elizabeth calls the unlucky perverseness of life is the character of life making two people of similar thoughts sit together
  • For a person of Mrs. Bennet’s intelligence knowing is doing. To her, Jane’s marriage is over as he mind has sensed it.
  • An act permits hiding only in the measure it is incomplete.
  • As no grown child can still remain in the womb, no completed act can be hidden from the public. Therefore she talks to Lady Lucas.
  • What one believes comes true in his life and what he professes does not. Mrs. Bennet believed Jane would be married and Charlotte would not. Charlotte married at once and Jane did not.

18 mrsb embarasses Pride and Prejudice

In vain did Elizabeth endeavour to check the rapidity of her mother's words, or persuade her to describe her felicity in a less audible whisper; for, to her inexpressible vexation, she could perceive that the chief of it was overheard by Mr. Darcy, who sat opposite to them. Her mother only scolded her for being nonsensical.

155
  • What Elizabeth did to Darcy in the dance, her mother does at the dining table. How can she control her mother?
  • Put Mrs. Bennet’s words about Darcy and Elizabeth’s questions and thoughts about Darcy in the dance and arrange them side by side in two tabular columns. The parallel will emerge.
  • Mrs.Bennet is proud of her exhibition

"What is Mr. Darcy to me, pray, that I should be afraid of him? I am sure we owe him no such particular civility as to be obliged to say nothing he may not like to hear."

157

"For heaven's sake, madam, speak lower. -- What advantage can it be to you to offend Mr. Darcy? You will never recommend yourself to his friend by so doing."

159

Nothing that she could say, however, had any influence. Her mother would talk of her views in the same intelligible tone. Elizabeth blushed and blushed again with shame and vexation. She could not help frequently glancing her eye at Mr. Darcy, though every glance convinced her of what she dreaded; for though he was not always looking at her mother, she was convinced that his attention was invariably fixed by her. The expression of his face changed gradually from indignant contempt to a composed and steady gravity.

162
  • Indignant contempt changes into composed gravity in Darcy. Later he was to accept it and serve its wrong effects. That is life.
  • Elizabeth suffers intensely. Through transformation it later becomes intense enjoyment.
  • Her suffering issues out of her present view, which is the spiritual definition of suffering.
  • Elizabeth blushed and blushed as her mother spoke, but when Darcy pointed it out at his proposal, she was only angry.
  • Anger is the subconscious awareness of material that makes one blush. One does not blush to be angry.
  • Her thoughts are full of Wickham, but her feelings are saturated with Darcy.
  • His attention is fixed by her. Her looks were on him.
  • Her mother occupies both of them.
  • The core of the story is here.
  • Darcy realises the uselessness of anger and settles for grave forbearance.

At length, however, Mrs. Bennet had no more to say; and Lady Lucas, who had been long yawning at the repetition of delights which she saw no likelihood of sharing, was left to the comforts of cold ham and chicken. Elizabeth now began to revive. But not long was the interval of tranquillity; for when supper was over, singing was talked of, and she had the mortification of seeing Mary, after very little entreaty, preparing to oblige the company. By many significant looks and silent entreaties, did she endeavour to prevent such a proof of complaisance -- but in vain: Mary would not understand them; such an opportunity of exhibiting was delightful to her, and she began her song. Elizabeth's eyes were fixed on her with most painful sensations, and she watched her progress through the several stanzas with an impatience which was very ill rewarded at their close; for Mary, on receiving, amongst the thanks of the table, the hint of a hope that she might be prevailed on to favour them again, after the pause of half a minute began another. Mary's powers were by no means fitted for such a display: her voice was weak, and her manner affected. -- Elizabeth was in agonies. She looked at Jane, to see how she bore it; but Jane was very composedly talking to Bingley. She looked at his two sisters, and saw them making signs of derision at each other, and at Darcy, who continued, however, impenetrably grave. She looked at her father to entreat his interference, lest Mary should be singing all night. He took the hint, and when Mary had finished her second song, said aloud, "That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit."

167
  • The patient politeness of Lady Lucas instead of any disapproval, polite or mild, soon rewarded Lady Lucas. Had she been irritated by Mrs. Bennet’s performance, it would have prevented her luck
  • Lydia, Collins, mother, and Mary are vulgar. None of this leaves in her a persistent residue
  • Mrs. Bennet was followed by Mary. Elizabeth rarely realised that she had begun the chain nor is she aware of the rule that intense life movements cannot have any respite. The performers may change but the performance will be non-stop.
  • Mary delighted in exhibition. So did Mrs. Bennet. Equally so was Elizabeth.
  • Elizabeth, Collins, Mrs. Bennet, Mary are maintaining the negative intensity while Jane and Bingley are absorbed in each other. It is equally intense and also as negative as the effusions of the family.
  • Love of Bingley and Jane has nothing redeeming about it except the great good will of Elizabeth.
  • Elizabeth acts in the case of Mary and Mr. Bennet responded, while in the case of Lydia, Elizabeth was not willing, so also Mr. Bennet. Here we see the extent of restraint available in the family. This can be compared with that of Darcy and Caroline.

18 mary Pride and Prejudice

Mary, though pretending not to hear, was somewhat disconcerted; and Elizabeth, sorry for her, and sorry for her father's speech, was afraid her anxiety had done no good. Others of the party were now applied to.

180
  • Mary would not hear her father’s admonition. Lydia at the house of Gardiner would not hear a word of advice.
  • Compare Lady Catherine’s would-be proficiency in music had she learnt it, with Collins’ professed act of self-giving.

"If I," said Mr. Collins, "were so fortunate as to be able to sing, I should have great pleasure, I am sure, in obliging the company with an air; for I consider music as a very innocent diversion, and perfectly compatible with the profession of a clergyman. -- I do not mean, however, to assert that we can be justified in devoting too much of our time to music, for there are certainly other things to be attended to. The rector of a parish has much to do. -- In the first place, he must make such an agreement for tythes as may be beneficial to himself and not offensive to his patron. He must write his own sermons; and the time that remains will not be too much for his parish duties, and the care and improvement of his dwelling, which he cannot be excused from making as comfortable as possible. And I do not think it of light importance that he should have attentive and conciliatory manners towards everybody, especially towards those to whom he owes his preferment. I cannot acquit him of that duty; nor could I think well of the man who should omit an occasion of testifying his respect towards anybody connected with the family." And with a bow to Mr. Darcy he concluded his speech, which had been spoken so loud as to be heard by half the room. -- Many stared -- many smiled; but no one looked more amused than Mr. Bennet himself, while his wife seriously commended Mr. Collins for having spoken so sensibly, and observed in a half-whisper to Lady Lucas, that he was a remarkably clever, good kind of young man.

182
  • Other’s shortcomings, our strength will stand out in our minds, not our shortcomings or other’s merits.
  • Thinking aloud is the beginning of thinking, as loud reading is preceded by silent reading.
  • Mrs. Bennet actually applauds Collin’s vulgar outbursts
  • The entire audience listened to every word of Mrs. Bennet on Jane’s wedding. The louder talk of Mr. Collins was not heard at all. Both are loud declarations. One belongs to gossip and the other relates to self-congratulations.
  • Mrs. Bennet handsomely commending Collins where she should be ashamed of his speech is one end of Pride and Prejudice.

18 bennets Pride and Prejudice

To Elizabeth it appeared, that had her family made an agreement to expose themselves as much as they could during the evening, it would have been impossible for them to play their parts with more spirit or finer success; and happy did she think it for Bingley and her sister that some of the exhibition had escaped his notice, and that his feelings were not of a sort to be much distressed by the folly which he must have witnessed. That his two sisters and Mr. Darcy, however, should have such an opportunity of ridiculing her relations, was bad enough, and she could not determine whether the silent contempt of the gentleman, or the insolent smiles of the ladies, were more intolerable.

191
  • Elizabeth is not without the right perception of her family. Only that it does not enter into her scheme of things.
  • The insensible actions escape the notice of the insensitive passivity.
  • Insensitivity achieves among insensible people letting them not see the sensitive side of it.
  • Lydia, Jane, Charlotte were thus married. Even Elizabeth was a past beneficiary of it in that she remains wedded to the falsehood of Wickham to the end.
  • Those who perceived, Bingley’s sisters, did not accomplish
  • Jane is lost in Bingley.
  • Darcy and Caroline observe all

The rest of the evening brought her little amusement. She was teased by Mr. Collins, who continued most perseveringly by her side, and though he could not prevail with her to dance with him again, put it out of her power to dance with others. In vain did she entreat him to stand up with somebody else, and offer to introduce him to any young lady in the room. He assured her that, as to dancing, he was perfectly indifferent to it; that his chief object was, by delicate attentions, to recommend himself to her, and that he should therefore make a point of remaining close to her the whole evening. There was no arguing upon such a project. She owed her greatest relief to her friend Miss Lucas, who often joined them, and good-naturedly engaged Mr. Collins's conversation to herself.

193
  • Mind teases inconscience.
  • Inspite of low exhibitions the whole assembly seeks enjoyment, a sign of prosperous dynamism. That gives the atmosphere strength and a positive character. It is that which changes the course of events when the negative powers exhaust themselves. Meryton is low, but its lowness is less than the revolutionary power that dominates. Elizabeth sees Darcy’s attention was constantly on her. She interpreted it differently. She was aware of the attention, not his love
  • It is true no event descends unannounced
  • Relationship with ignorance prevents the enjoyment of knowledge.
  • What irritates Elizabeth, entertains Charlotte.
  • Charlotte’s common sense is the intelligence of shame-faced character.
  • As Sir Lucas received the title, Charlotte enjoys perception.
  • Charlotte could enter the picture only after Wickham is physically removed. At Phillips, Elizabeth is warm, expansive, emotionally creative towards Wickham’s falsehood. Shamelessness cannot enter their atmosphere until Wickham shamelessly stayed away.
  • The parallels in Darcy’s notice and Collins moving towards Charlotte reveal their related functioning.

18 bingleys Pride and Prejudice

She was at least free from the offence of Mr. Darcy's farther notice; though often standing within a very short distance of her, quite disengaged, he never came near enough to speak. She felt it to be the probable consequence of her allusions to Mr. Wickham, and rejoiced in it.

199
  • Darcy’s offence of close noticing Elizabeth relaxes a little when Charlotte takes away Collins.

The Longbourn party were the last of all the company to depart, and by a manoeuvre of Mrs. Bennet, had to wait for their carriages a quarter of an hour after everybody else was gone, which gave them time to see how heartily they were wished away by some of the family. Mrs. Hurst and her sister scarcely opened their mouths, except to complain of fatigue, and were evidently impatient to have the house to themselves. They repulsed every attempt of Mrs. Bennet at conversation, and by so doing threw a languor over the whole party, which was very little relieved by the long speeches of Mr. Collins, who was complimenting Mr. Bingley and his sisters on the elegance of their entertainment, and the hospitality and politeness which had marked their behaviour to their guests. Darcy said nothing at all. Mr. Bennet, in equal silence, was enjoying the scene. Mr. Bingley and Jane were standing together, a little detached from the rest, and talked only to each other. Elizabeth preserved as steady a silence as either Mrs. Hurst or Miss Bingley; and even Lydia was too much fatigued to utter more than the occasional exclamation of "Lord, how tired I am!" Accompanied by a violent yawn.

201
  • Mrs. Bennet manoeuvres to stay, Charlotte engages Collins, Darcy stations himself at a distance and fixes his attention on Elizabeth, and Elizabeth recalls Wickham in Darcy’s attention.
  • To see the motives of all of them in the accommodation of life is perceptive of life’s vision.
  • Yawning is the energy indicating it is no longer there.
  • Silence is eloquent.
  • When everyone displays, Darcy is silent.
  • Man is capable of intensely enjoying his own ruin or shame if only he thinks it pains his rival.

When at length they arose to take leave, Mrs. Bennet was most pressingly civil in her hope of seeing the whole family soon at Longbourn, and addressed herself particularly to Mr. Bingley, to assure him how happy he would make them by eating a family dinner with them at any time, without the ceremony of a formal invitation. Bingley was all grateful pleasure, and he readily engaged for taking the earliest opportunity of waiting on her after his return from London, whither he was obliged to go the next day for a short time.

208
  • Intense desire is self-defeating
  • When emptiness expands, it cancels even the smallest gain.
  • Thought fulfils itself while thought of the physical mind cancels every shade of possibility.

Mrs. Bennet was perfectly satisfied, and quitted the house under the delightful persuasion that, allowing for the necessary preparations of settlements, new carriages, and wedding-clothes, she should undoubtedly see her daughter settled at Netherfield in the course of three or four months. Of having another daughter married to Mr. Collins, she thought with equal certainty, and with considerable, though not equal, pleasure. Elizabeth was the least dear to her of all her children; and though the man and the match were quite good enough for her, the worth of each was eclipsed by Mr. Bingley and Netherfield.

210
  • The physical mind’s imagination is satisfied by imagining. Its energy is enough only to imagine, not to achieve.
  • Available energy for achievement is expended by thought adding an extra item.
  • Mrs. Bennet has completed Jane’s happiness in her imagination and it cancels the chance. So does Elizabeth. To see today’s events in the light of later developments puts the course of events in life’s perspective
  • Mrs. Bennet cancels Jane’s wedding by adding Elizabeth’s to it.

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