Pride and Prejudice Chap. 48-end

Pride and Prejudice Blog Post

Due: 9/30/14

Christine Flynn, Margo Tanner and Thomas Brown

Lydia’s Elopement

After Lydia runs away with Mr. Wickham, Collins argues, “They agree with me in apprehending that this false step in one daughter will be injurious to the fortunes of all the others; for who, as Lady Catherine herself condescendingly says, will connect themselves with such a family?... Let me advise you then, my dear sir, to console yourself as much as possible, to throw off your unworthy child from your affection for ever, and leave her to reap the fruits of her own heinous offence,” (258).

• It is known Lady Catherine, the ideal woman in Collins’ eye, is related to Darcy… is it satiric that while Collins disapproves of Lydia so feverishly he can at the same time defend Lady Catherines’ family (who experienced this same thing with Darcy’s sister)?
• How important is reputation in this novel?  How would the story be different if reputation was not a factor?  
• Do you think reputation is still as important in some ways/for some people?

The Gardiners

Throughout the novel, the Gardiners seem to be the only ones looking out for the girls’ best interest in a practical fashion.  While Mr. and Mrs. Bennett represent the two extremes of parenting (overbearing and inattentive), the Gardiners are level headed and genuinely care about the girls.  What is Austen’s goal with these characters?  She seems to like having clear opposite characters in this novel, who are the others?  

• Is there a deeper meaning to the over-exaggerated, polar opposite characters she develops.

Since Ms. Gardiner seems to know everything from the start, can we view her as a type of omniscient narrator?

Darcy and Lydia

Once it is revealed that Darcy paid off Mr. Wickham to marry Lydia, how does this change our opinion on him?  If this did not happen, would we even want him to marry Elizabeth?

As mentioned, Austen loves to include polar opposite characters to highlight two extremes, does this mark the point where Wickham and Darcy switch roles or are they not opposing characters at all?

Final Stand

When Lady Catherine visits Elizabeth, Elizabeth does not promise to deny an engagement to Darcy.  This can be seen as Elizabeth finally admitting to the world that she does love Darcy, prompting him to propose yet again.  

Can we view this scene as a rejection of caution regarding social status?  Lady Catherine is more powerful than Eliza and yet Elizabeth stands her ground, is this a “new” concept for people during this time period?

The Proposal

The climax of the novel occurs when Darcy asks for Elizabeth’s hand in marriage the second time.  However, despite the long build up, this scene is brief and relatively non-descriptive.  Why does Austen do this?  She seems to lack coverage on successful proposals (such as Collins and Charlotte) but extensively discusses rejections (like Collins and Elizabeths).  Does she do this since Austen herself was never married and feels she may not describe this accurately?  Or is it just more interesting to watch the negative side to these things?

Is it ironic that the only character in the novel who seems not to care about social status ends up marrying the “best” and wealthiest man in the novel?

Final Thoughts

"By Elizabeth's instructions she began to comprehend that a woman may take liberties with her husband, which a brother will not allow in a sister more than ten years younger than himself" (366)

-How does this quote juxtapose the first line in the novel, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife”?      

-In what ways has the sentiment towards women’s rights, especially as it pertains to the civil union of marriage, changed and evolved throughout the course of the work?

“How little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue” (296)

-How does this quote portray Elizabeth’s view of the role of marriage?  Does she     decide marriage is meant to be about true love, or rather a way for a woman to advance in society?

Why is the title Pride and Prejudice?  

• Do you think each of the aforementioned opposing roles have do deal with both pride and prejudice, or just Darcy and Elizabeth?
• Think about Mr. and Mrs. Bennett in this sense

This novel, while some believe it to be the prototype romance story, has been described as “cold and calculated.”  What do you think?  Although the storyline is the same as many of these stories, is the style and delivery of this information similar to what we’d see now?

Pride and Prejudice 184-278

Cavitt Bradley

Zach Piazza

Anna Preston

Pride and Prejudice: Pages 184-278

Darcy’s Proposal

-How Elizabeth’s reaction to Darcy’s proposal differs from her reaction to Collins’s, even though she rejects them both.

-Darcy is ostensibly a more desirable husband than Collins, but Elizabeth’s rejection of him is more emotionally driven.

-How do we see both Elizabeth and Darcy’s feelings change after the proposal and why do you think this is?

The Letters

-Darcy’s Letter, Elizabeth’s letter, Lydia’s letter

-How the opinions and views expressed in the letters differ from the free independent discourse that the novel has used so far.

         “You must, therefore, pardon the freedom with which I demand your attention; your feelings I know will bestow it unwillingly”(191).

-Does this give us a more objective view into the character’s minds or not?

-Do you think the characters are reliable narrators?

Visit to the Countryside

Elizabeth accompanies the Gardiners, her aunt and uncle, on a trip through the English countryside.

She is quite surprised at Pemberley, not thinking she would enjoy it since it belonged to Darcy.

“They were all of them warm in their admiration; and at that moment she felt, that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something!”(235).

Elizabeth is also surprised to hear how highly Darcy’s servant, Mrs. Reynolds, speaks of Darcy.

“I have never had a cross word from him in my life, and i have known him ever since he was four years old”(238).

         “Some people call him proud; but I am sure I never saw anything of it. To my fancy, it is only because he does not rattle away like other young men”(239).

“Elizabeth was not comfortable, that was impossible, but she was flattered and pleased” at Darcy’s invitation to meet his sister(245).

Lydia and Mr. Wickham

Even though Lydia and Wickham running away comes as sort of a surprise, it is seen earlier in the book that this is in Lydia’s character to do something like this.

"If you were aware,'' said Elizabeth, "of the very great disadvantage to us all, which must arise from the public notice of Lydia's unguarded and imprudent manner; nay, which has already arisen from it, I am sure you would judge differently in the affair.''

Lydia elopes with Mr. Wickham who does not have the best of intentions. This not only is harmful to her own reputation, but also to that of her sisters and family. Her actions could affect all her sisters’ chances at marriage as well.

         “Her power was sinking; every thing must sink under such a proof of family weakness, such an assurance of the deepest disgrace. She could neither wonder nor condemn… and never had she so honestly felt that she could have loved him, as now, when all love must be in vain”(264).

         Lydias letter shows she has no idea what she has done by running off with Wickham. she says, “you will laugh when you know where I am gone”(276).

         Question: Why would Lydia running away with Wickham and not get married ruin her sisters’ chances of getting married?

        

Characters’ Changing Opinions of Each Other

Explain these more.

-Darcy and Elizabeth’s feelings towards each other keep changing. (pemberley, letters, meeting Miss Darcy)

-People’s changing views of Wickham.

-The sisters’ reactions to the choices each of them makes, and how they interpret and misinterpret each other, ie Lydia underestimating the reaction to her eloping with Wickham and not anticipating the consequences.

Pride and Prejudice Pages 87-183

Pride and Prejudice pgs 88-183

Angelique, Lauren, and Mike

Social Standings

-The Bennet’s world is divided into the the Darcys and Bingleys, the Bennets, clergy, and the officers.

-This is seen as Mrs. Bennet wishes for at least one of her daughters to marry Mr. Bingley. Just as Miss Bingley wishes that her brother doesn’t marry someone without connections.

- Mrs. Gardiner speaks to Elizabeth about her interest in Officer Wickman: “I have nothing to say against him; he is a most interesting young man; and if he had the fortune he ought to have, I should think you could not do better,” (142).

-In the case of Mr. Collins his current connections with his patroness, Lady Catherine is what gives him the social connections he believes he deserves.

-However, for people like Charlotte, Mr. Collins’s social standing is all she need at that point in time in her life.  When Mr. Collins and Charlotte become engaged, Charlotte says, “I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins’s character, and situations in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair, as most people can boast on entering the marriage state,” (123).

Question: In this time, what is the balance between love and social standing mean to people in this society?

Double Standards

-At this time women cannot inherit their parents’ estates and it is given to the closest male heir.  While Lady Catherine’s daughter is to inherit the entire Rosing estate.

-Lady Catherine comments on the fact that all five Bennet girls have been received by society while none are married.  Elizabeth states, “ I think it would very hard upon younger sisters, that they should not have their share of society and amusement, because the elder may not have the means or inclination to marry early.  The last-born has as good a right to pleasures of youth at the first,” (162).

Question: Why does society continue to accept double standards? Do you think there is a chance for them to change?

Parenting

- Mrs. Bennet is comic relief in the novel and her inability to hold a constant opinion of others is what allows her to pursue different men as suitors for her daughters if it benefits her family.

-Where Mrs. Bennet is pushy and obsessed with marrying her daughters off, Mr. Bennet is silent and only voices his opinion in order for his daughters to pursue their own happiness.

-As seen in the following quote, Mr. Bennet can take a stand against Mrs. Bennet if it impedes on his daughters happiness. “Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you agian if you do,” (110).

-Mrs. Gardiner on the other hand is the voice of reason compared to the Bennet parents.  She takes Jane to London with her in order to clear her head of Bingley.

Question: How does Austen use Mr. and Mrs. Bennet to show the differences in parenting individually, versus what society should think?

Proposals

-There are two proposals in this section of the novel, both centered around Mr. Collins.  When Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth, Austen shows the comedy of it as he continuously tries to tell her that she will change her mind as she rejects him.

-On the other hand, Mr. Collins proposes to Charlotte and the readers only see one sentence about it until it is announced publicly.

Question: Why does Austen write the proposals this way? What do you think about the different reactions to the proposals by Elizabeth and Charlotte?

Rasselas page 90-end

Rasselas page 90-end

Margo Tanner, Christine Flynn, Thomas Brown

Due: 9/16/14

Negative outlook  

Nekayah connects family to a kingdom that is full of unhappiness and rivalry.  She says such a family is “torn with factions and exposed to revolutions,” (90).  She also insists that varying generations are in constant conflict by saying, “Parents and children seldom act in concert… The opinions of children and parents, of the young and the old, are naturally opposite,” (90). 

Nekayah is also feverishly against marriage, while Rasselas believes “Marriage is evidently the dictate of nature,” (94).  How does this affect her theory on generations disagreeing? If her a Rasselas (brother and sister) disagree, then doesn’t her family theory fall apart?

Pyramid visit

When they visit the pyramids, Imlac comments on the lack of necessity for the pyramids, but the desire for them anyways.  Is this the type of “want/desire” Rasselas is looking for?  Or does he crave a deeper passion and more meaningful? (102).

In class, we discussed the necessity to understand misery in order to experience happiness.  When Nekayah loses Pekuah, she experiences a deep sadness, has she ever felt this way before?  Is this the type of depression that one must feel to appreciate the good in a life?  When Pekuah returns, do you think Nekayah forgets her previous misery?

Fated to be unhappy

The chat with the sage reveals at an old age that the “world has lost its novelty,” (125).  As the sage reminisces of his old life filled with curiosity and passion, Imlac attempts to persuade the man to reinvent himself.  To which the sage responds, “Nothing is now of much importance; for I cannot extend my interest beyond myself,” (125).  Is Johnson indicating this is the fate for everyone?  If Rasselas is already feeling this way as a 20-something, is he destined for ultimate unhappiness? 

The last chapter of the book is titled, “The conclusion, in which nothing is concluded” (137).  Why is it titled this?  How is this an appropriate title?  Think about Rasselas’s initial goals and what was ultimately achieved. 

-          In this conclusion, the characters all realize what they want will never be attained in Abyssinia—henceforth, no real change has been made.

Final Questions

How does the concept of imagination play a role in this novel?  Is it seen as a positive characteristic or a dangerous one?

When Rasselas concludes that perfect virtue could lead to perfect happiness, but then suggest perfect virtue is not a possible concept, is he suggesting life is fated to be unhappy, regardless of one’s attempts?  What was Johnson trying to do with this conclusion?  Do you think the book maintains such negative sentiments because Johnson was unhappy himself? 

Think about Pekuah’s transformation.  Did she change for the worse or did her experiences give her the important “want” that Rasselas craves even though she knows she cannot be treated as a princess in Abyssinia? 

-          Also consider how her wants are what Nekayah and Rasselas have

-          Is this Johnson suggesting people will never be happy no matter what they are given?

They realize their desires cannot be achieved upon return to Abyssinia, why do they go?  What is the reason for their return?  Have they learned anything?

The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia: Samuel Johnson (pgs 43-89)

Jordan Bronson, Tania Montalvo, McKenzie Maddox

Isolation

The Prince lives "confined in a private place" (43), which leaves him unsatisfied and restless.  "Every desire was immediately granted," (43) however there was no purpose to his life and he was unhappy.

Animals are simpler and find happiness more easily than people.  

Search for Purpose

"If you had seen the mysteries of the world you would know how to value your present state," (48)  This quote sparks a desire for the Prince to find purpose in his life, and he now wants to see the world to understand what true happiness entails.  

The way he will find this true happiness is to compare it to his current state of unhappiness.

Search for Escape to Find Happiness

• The gate that keeps them locked in is only opened once a year, so the Prince can not set of on his mission.
• How valid is it that this place is considered the happiest if they are locked away?  Regardless of how many teachers they have, there is no way they can really learn about the world when they are locked away. 
• Imlac: 
• How is he similar to Robinson Crusoe?
• He does not have happiness either, but he at least has found a purpose for his life.  How did he find this purpose? 
• "I am less unhappy than the rest because I have a mind with images..." (68) 
• Theme of Education

Predetermined Destiny

Rasselas and Imlac both had plans for their lives which they just could not bear to follow.  Their so called happy and satisfactory lives are not enough for them and they need to escape them.

Nekayah

• The fact that Nekayah wants to go on the journey to escape their "perfect" life helps to depict that it is not uncommon for people in this society to be unhappy.  Even if they have the lifestyles that many people envy. 

The Actual Escape

"Wherever he came (he) expected to be obeyed and the princess was frighted..." (73). 

"Detained them several weeks in the first village to accustom them to the sight of common mortals," (73).

• They divide how they want to explore.  Rasselas searches for happiness among the rich, Nekayah goes among the poor, but neither of them are successful. 

We are slightly confused about what is meant by "The happiness of a life led according to nature," (84).

Chapters make the book easier to read.  Also the chapters are titled give you details about what is to come in the next few pages.  

We haven't noticed a lot of religious themes thus far. 

Blog Post Robinson Crusoe: Pages 242-304

Cavitt Bradley

Zach Piazza

Anna Preston

Robinson Crusoe: Pages 242-304

Importance of Civilization

-Crusoe calls Friday, Friday’s father, and the European’s from the shipwreck his “subjects.” He also refers to them as his “men”(271) and Friday as his “lieutenant general”(271).  As if he is a king, imposing his own form of civilization (monarchy) on the natives. He has no need for an army, but he creates one anyway because it is a hallmark of English civilization.

-Crusoe is hesitant to kill the cannibals that are on Robinsons land because of his growing religious beliefs, saying that God does not grant him the right to judge and kill. He kills the savages justifying that it is okay because it is an act of war since they are enemies with Friday’s tribe.

“Friday might justify it, because he was a declar’d enemy, and in a state of war with those very particular people and it was lawful for him to attack them, but I could not say the same with respect to me”(243).

Do you think killing the cannibals on his island because of Friday’s relation to them is a good reason to go against his initial thoughts on killing the savages?

Comparisons between Europeans and Savages

-Historical rarity to have a close relationship with a “savage” or someone of non european descent. There are still clear boundaries between them, but not nearly as profoundly as in the rest of society at the time.

- Although Crusoe and Friday have a close relationship, Crusoe still holds onto European ideals of foreigners, calling Friday “creature” and continuously being surprised by his actions, especially of the love he shows for his father.

“It is not easy for me to express how it mov’d me to see what ecstasy and filial affection had work’d in this poor Savage, at the sight of his father, and of his being deliver’d from death”(247).

How do Friday’s emotions toward his father differ from that of Crusoe’s relationship with his father? Do you think Defoe had a purpose for these differences?

-Treatment of the European crew(mutiny)

“They conveyed them to a cave, as to a prison”(273).

-Imprisoning crew members and threatening the European crew members who were mutinous that they will be put in chains is similar to how slaves are put in chains.

“If they were sent to England, they would all be hang’d in chains, to be sure”

- Crusoe and his men are willing to threaten the lives of the European mutineers. How does this differ from the savages killing each other? Is it different? and do you think Defoe is making a comment with this juxtaposition?  

Holding to European Ideals

- Doesn’t trust the spaniards (historic enmity between England and Spain)

- Crusoe is effectively declaring himself king of the natives (reminiscent of colonization)

- Crusoe is overjoyed when he realizes he will soon get to return to civilization in Europe

“Such was the flood of joy in my breast, that it put all my spirits into confusion, at last broke out into tears...we rejoiced together”(276).

Pgs. 177-242: Topics for Discussion

Pgs. 177-242: Topics for Discussion

Angelique Bassard, Lauren Lauterbach, and Michael Weaver

Religion

1. At this point of Crusoe’s time on the island it seems as if his religious beliefs have stabilized and become a constant in his life.

       a. Due to past experiences will Crusoe’s faith change again?

2. Crusoe becomes Friday’s teacher in terms of religious beliefs.

a. Does being Friday’s teacher stregthen Crusoe’s own beliefs?

       

Human Companionship

1. Crusoe has been on the island in solitude for quite some time now and has replaced human contact and companionship with that of animals.

2. After seeing the footprint in the sand, his immediate reaction is fear instead of relief (176).

         a. Assuming Crusoe wants to leave the island why would this be his reaction?

3. When Crusoe saw the footprint in the sand the Bible verse from Psalm 50:15 came to him, “Call upon me in the Day of Trouble, and I will deliver, and thou shalt glorify me,” (179).

      a. In Crusoe’s mind, did God send Friday to be a companion for him or even a different form of deliverance from his solitude?

Time

In this section, Defoe jumps around quite a bit in regards to events on the island. On page 182, Crusoe says “[t]hat I had liv’d here fifteen Years now…”, then on the next page a total of five or six years has passed while Crusoe was growing a “thick Grove…before my Dwelling….” (183) and so forth. To the modern reader, this skipping of large chunks of time is often frustrating.

1. Why would Defoe allow so much time to pass by with little explanation to what happened during these years? And would this part especially benefit from the modern-day invention of chapters or some type of break?

2. On the flip side, would adding breaks disrupt the flow of time and make this novel less realistic? If so, how and why?

Pgs. 112-177: Topics for Discussion

Pg. 112-177: Topics for Discussion

Religion

1. Before he landed on the island and in the beginning of his time on the island, Robinson Crusoe had only used God as needed
2. He questions why God would do this to him, but then realizes that God could have killed him instead of stranding him on the island
1. He comes down with a sickness (119) but prays to God; the fire man says, “Seeing all these things have not brought thee to Repentance, now thou shalt die” (121).
2.  Questioning God (124)
3. He begins to have hope that God would hear his plea for repentance (127, 128)
4. Realization that God could have killed him (156)
3. Regret
1. “That if I did take this foolish Step, God would not bless me, and I would have leisure hereafter to reflect upon having neglected his Counsel, when there might be none to assist in my Recovery” (123)
2. He regrets not being grateful of what he had and learns that material things are useless
4.  Appreciation of Life (141)

Exploration 

1. He explores the island and finds that his side is the worst but doesn’t make any moves to change his location, why? (139)

Adaptation to living on the island 

1.  His learning of farming and all other survival techniques (i.e. training the parrot, keeping goats, basket weaving, shelter making (country house) and finally making a raft) makes him in control of his fate and not a passive bystander
2.  Do you think he lives in Luxury?
3. How can he be in “solitary confinement” for so long—is his journal his escape?

Time

1. Why did Defoe make certain events occur on the same day but different years? (159)