Austen, Jane - Pride and Prejudice - Informal Buddy Read; Start December 11, 2015 *** REVISIT starts August 1, 2018

[Emily]

Drishti wrote: "I thought the same during that discussion between Lizzy and Mr. Darcy. I hadn't significantly noticed these discussions the last time I read this book. (Maybe, that's because I was too young at that time and a neophytic reader, too.) And, I'm really enjoying them now. =)."

It's a great book to reread; I'm always finding new layers!

[Jen]

Emily wrote: "I definitely wouldn't advise reading my edition unless you've read the book at least once before and it's one of your favorites, but with that in mind, I find many of the annotations really interesting...."

I probably won't ever read an Annotated edition. While it sounds interesting, and I did love P&P, I didn't love it quite that much. I can see myself rereading it someday, but I'll never be one of those (like you?) who reads it a dozen times or more. It's not my usual genre (or my usual anything). I was actually rather surprised to have enjoyed it as much as I did.

I think it's the humor that I love the most. I wouldn't have expected a writer in the late 1700s/early 1800s to have mastered the art of snarky humor, as this seems like such a "today" sort of thing. But Jane Austen was a master. I'm very grateful. :-)

[Sully]

Up to Chapter XVIII

Sorry I am crawling through this. We are finally closing on our house tomorrow and moving Sunday so between work and packing, I barely have time to sleep! I was hoping that this would be the first book I read in my new home, so now I'll aim for it to be the first book I finish in it =)

Last night this quote really stuck out to me:

"I have no right to give my opinion," said Wickham, "as to his being agreeable or otherwise. I am not qualified to form one. I have known him too long and too well to be a fair judge."

This struck me as kind of ironic. When I want to know someone's true personality, whether it is how they honestly feel about political topics or if they are agreeable to others, the person I want to find out from is someone who does know the person well. Wickham goes on to say that he can't be impartial, but I find that kind of silly; I don't want someone to be impartial, I want to know the truth. Otherwise, it seems silly to ask someone because at that point you would almost know them as well as this other person.

What do y'all think? Either way, I really liked this quote from Wickhma.

[Jen]

Elise wrote: "Up to Chapter XVIII

This struck me as kind of ironic. When I want to know someone's true personality, whether it is how they honestly feel about political topics or if they are agreeable to others..."

I think there's some truth to what Wickham said, as the longer you know someone the more tolerant you probably are of that someone's foibles. However, to be tolerant of them - and love that person despite them - you must know that someone's defects and so you should be able to see that someone as if you were looking at that someone with new eyes.

Did that make sense?

In other words, I think Wickham probably just doesn't want to answer the question, so that was a nice way of deflecting it.

EDIT: Being cynical, if he said that to me I would have thought that his thinking/reasoning was along the lines of " if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." ;-)

[Emily]

Elise wrote: "Up to Chapter XVIII

Sorry I am crawling through this. We are finally closing on our house tomorrow and moving Sunday so between work and packing, I barely have time to sleep! I was hoping that thi..."

Don't stress about it, Elise! Real life is more important (at least in this case ;-)). I still haven't quite caught up to you (I hope to post my thoughts for up to chapter 16 later tonight).

I agree with Jen about the quote- it's Wickham's way of avoiding the question in a "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" kind of way. I think you'll better understand why he answers this way once you've finished the book.

Looking at the quote as it relates to things outside the book, I think there is SOME sense in his comment. I think that to get the best description of someone, you want the opinion of someone who has interacted with the person a lot without getting emotionally involved in any way, without having generated much "history". The "truth" with regards to a person is going to be quite subjective when coming from someone's mother or ex-girlfriend. People are complex and have different sides, and the describers can often be influenced by emotions and who they want the person to be. Some people are going to be very good at analyzing others objectively and some are not- I think it is almost like you have to know the describer as well, to know how much to trust their opinion or to take it with a grain of salt.

[Emily]

Jen wrote: "Emily wrote: "
I probably won't ever read an Annotated. edition. While it sounds interesting, and I did love P&P, I didn't love it quite that much..."

I think this is "only" my 4th or 5th time reading it, but your point still stands. Definitely not for everyone- you have to be a hardcore Austen fan.


Jen wrote: "I think it's the humor that I love the most. I wouldn't have expected a writer in the late 1700s/early 1800s to have mastered the art of snarky humor, as this seems like such a "today" sort of thing. But Jane Austen was a master. I'm very grateful. :-)"

She was definitely ahead of her time! Her snarkiness is wonderful!

[Emily]

Up to Chapter 18

Oh, Mr. Collins! You amuse me, especially when combined with Mr. Bennet.

It would really have been a bummer to have been a writer during this period, when novels were denigrated as immoral and dangerous by many people, such as Mr. Collins.

From some of the little details, especially some comments by Mrs. Phillips, the degree of gossip that was exchanged then seems just insane- such as who's carriage went where when. Like being under surveillance by your neighbors all the time- it would be stifling, I would think.

You'll note, Elise, regarding the quote of Wickham's we were discussing, that Wickham does go on to share his opinion of Darcy anyway, telling someone he just met a lot of private information, which reveals something about Wickham himself.

I read these really interesting, but racy "sequels" to this book (essentially well done fanfiction)- Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife: Pride and Prejudice Continues. I liked reading about what happened to the characters in this author's world because she kept the characters true to themselves, while including all the realities of life that Austen largely ignores (such as sex and the lower classes, etc.). I mention the "sequels" because the author makes Wickham Darcy's illegitimate half-brother, and I can never keep myself from thinking how plausible an explanation that would be for several things in Pride and Prejudice, such as old Mr. Darcy's attachment to Wickham.

[Jen]

Emily wrote: "Up to Chapter 18

Oh, Mr. Collins! You amuse me, especially when combined with Mr. Bennet.

It would really have been a bummer to have been a writer during this period, when novels were denigrated ..."

I agree with you, Emily, but I think writers still wrote stories that would have been snubbed by the Mr. Collinses of the world. Most of them just didn't survive into our time. :-( (I'm reminded of serialized stories in the newspapers.)

Interesting supposition about Wickham being Darcy's half-brother. I agree that that seems very plausible. :-)

[Sully]

Up to Chapter XXII

Sorry I'm dragging my feet on this so badly. Between the holidays and moving and work I've barely had time to sleep! I did get to read a little last night (finally!)

Lizzy's character is definitely growing on me, especially after everything that just happened with Mr. Collins. I'm glad (view spoiler)[she stood up for herself and said she would not marry him, even though her mother was so hellbent on making the arrangement work. I also really liked how her father couldn't seem to care less and really just wanted them out of his library so he could go back to reading in peace and quiet. A man after my own heart (hide spoiler)]. It's hard to imagine the kind of pressure women faced in those days to marry for reasons other than love. Even still today, in other cultures. I'd like to think I would have had the gumption to stand up for myself as Lizzy did, but I'm not so sure.

Also, Caroline... what a prick!

[Jen]

If I were who I am, I know I'd be able to hold out and stand up for myself, but if I'd had a different upbringing/life, who knows? But like you, Elise, I'd like to think I'd stand up for myself, too.

Sorry life has been intruding on your reading so much. Hopefully things will settle down for you soon. :-)

[Sully]

Up to Chapter XXIV

I like the duality between Elizabeth's character and Charlotte's character in the last two chapters.

Jen wrote: "But like you, Elise, I'd like to think I'd stand up for myself, too. "

Unlike us and Elizabeth, Charlotte leans in the other direction and it's terribly frustrating to see as a reader. I realize not everyone believes in true love and whatnot, but to (view spoiler)[agree to a marriage to someone you hardly know, simply because of the favorable life style they might be able to afford you? (hide spoiler)] I'm sure it happens more than I realize, but I was struck by Charlotte's discussion with Elizabeth (I reacted a bit like her mother and sisters). While I don't necessarily buy into soul mates, a loveless marriage sounds so depressing.

[Jen]

I know! I really disliked Charlotte. :-(

Though I did think she and Mr. Collins were well-deserving of one another. ;-)

[Emily]

Oh, my goodness. I'm so sorry! My holidays got crazy and the recovery from them ended up being harder than I expected! But I am back now and will work hard to get caught up to you, Elise. Sounds like things have been busy for you too!

I didn't dislike Charlotte exactly, but I definitely wouldn't want to be like her. Her cynical and world weary viewpoints would not be likely to lead to her happiness in my opinion, as the choices we see her make indicate. Her future prospects seem depressing to me as well, Elise.
It's interesting though, (view spoiler)[in some ways Mr. Collins and Charlotte seem well matched. They have similar priorities in some regards, and her practical nature might help ground him. I think Charlotte is too intelligent to ever love someone as silly as Mr. Collins (their marriage has some parallels with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's in that way), but maybe they could end up working out some sort of partnership where they're not completely miserable. (hide spoiler)] I think it's at least possible, anyway- what do you think?

I certainly hope that in Lizzy's situation I would have stood up for myself as well. (view spoiler)[With regards to Mr. Collins' proposal, I'm pretty sure I would have, regardless of circumstances, because I could never even like or respect or deal with on a daily basis someone like that. (hide spoiler)] Speaking more generally, though, I think a lot would depend on my situation. I would rather be alone if it were feasible than in a bad relationship. However, in that time period and in circumstances like Elizabeth's, I might consider marriage to someone I had become friends with and respected and knew would treat me well, even if I didn't passionately love him. It's impossible to know for certain what I would do, though.

[Jen]

Emily wrote: "It's interesting though, (view spoiler) I think it's at least possible, anyway- what do you think?..."

I thought they were very well matched. At first, it seemed like perhaps Charlotte was making a poor choice, but then later, when we see them at home together (I can't remember when that was; maybe you haven't got to that point yet?), they seemed to have settled in to married life well together and I realized that they were actually pretty perfect for one another.

[Sully]

Up to Chapter XXVII

Jen wrote: " but then later, when we see them at home together (I can't remember when that was; maybe you haven't got to that point yet?)"
Haven't gotten there yet, they just (view spoiler)[got married though, so I suspect it is coming soon (hide spoiler)].

There are a few great quotes I love in the chapters I've read since my last post.

Firstly:

"'Is not general incivility the very essence of love?'" While I perhaps do not wholeheartedly agree, I definitely love what Austen means. People do start to form their own little personal bubbles when they start relationships or have feelings for one another. A lot of times (and I know I'm probably guilty of this as well though we try very hard not to fall victim to it) a couple becomes like one person, and they tend to do everything together and tend to ignore everyone else, as Austen points to here by being wholly engrossed in each other.

Secondly:

"I am not convinced... that I have never been much in love; for had I really experienced that pure and elevating passion, I should at present detest his very name, and wish him all manner of evil." Which Elizabeth mentions about (view spoiler)[Wickham (hide spoiler)]. I can definitely relate to Elizabeth's sentiment here.

I can't help but think how insanely fast things move and relationships evolve and end and start again in this novel. Was that normal for the time? It's hard to imagine, but it was a different world.

Emily wrote: "It's interesting though, (view spoiler) I think it's at least possible, anyway- what do you think?"
I agree. Though I haven't gotten all that great a feel of either one of their characters since they are both secondary, and I can definitely where you and Jen are coming from, and am inclined to see the same =)


Emily wrote: "I would rather be alone if it were feasible than in a bad relationship. However, in that time period and in circumstances like Elizabeth's, I might consider marriage to someone I had become friends with and respected and knew would treat me well, even if I didn't passionately love him."
That's a good point too. In that time and circumstance, if I didn't think I would ever find true happiness and love in a marriage, I think I would have been okay with settling with marrying a friend whom I related to and trusted. Anything over a bad relationship.

[Sully]

Jen wrote: "but then later, when we see them at home together (I can't remember when that was; maybe you haven't got to that point yet?)"

I'm up to Chapter XXXIII now and at the point where Elizabeth is staying with the Collins and I have to agree that they do seem well matched for each other.

I was rather surprised by (view spoiler)[Mr. Bingley's sudden disappearance and move back to London and the sudden halt in the courting between him and Jane (hide spoiler)]. Though I feel for Jane, I actually like how Austen played out this aspect of the plot (so far). I'm a little tired of novels where the main character falls for the first person they meet in the story, so I like that the relationships in this novel are fluctuating and weren't set right out of the gate. It certainly does better at holding my attention.

[Jen]

Elise wrote: "Though I feel for Jane, I actually like how Austen played out this aspect of the plot (so far). I'm a little tired of novels where the main character falls for the first person they meet in the story, so I like that..."

I agree that it makes a story more fun to read when the main love interests don't hook up immediately. Unfortunately, I don't remember who Mr. Bingley was. (Or Jane, for that matter. I have names rolling around in my head from reading Jane Eyre, Sense and Sensibility, and Pride and Prejudice, and many of the names of characters seem to be the same.)

[Sully]

Jen wrote: "I agree that it makes a story more fun to read when the main love interests don't hook up immediately. Unfortunately, I don't remember who Mr. Bingley was. (Or Jane, for that matter"

Jane is Elizabeth's sister, and Mr. Bingley is Mr. Darcy's friend. Up to Chapter XXXV, where I've just found out that (view spoiler)[Mr. Darcy's whispering in the ear of Mr. Bingley is the reason that he up and left town and went back to London early, which is ironic because Mr. Darcy just professed his feelings for Elizabeth and asked her to marry him (hide spoiler)]. Things are definitely starting to ramp up in the plot now, and it seems like the relationship between Jane and Mr. Bingley was added in order to complicate things between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth (as if she needed any more reasons to be mad at him, lol).

Considering everything Elizabeth just found out from Darcy's cousin, I'm in the same boat with her. I would be extremely upset and insulted (even though I'd be flattered by his proclamation as well) after what she just came to learn with regard to Mr. Bingley's departure.

[Jen]

Everything you just said would make a lot more sense if I could remember Mr. Bingley, but unfortunately my memory is failing me even with the reminder you provided. I probably shouldn't have returned the book the other week. Flipping through it now would sure have come in handy!

I'm glad you're enjoying it, though! :-)

[Drishti]

First of all, I'm so sorry for vanishing off like this! I was a part of a challenge in another group and things became really crazy with that challenge. I know I should have posted about it and let you guys know. I'm so sorry!

But, I finally found time to read Pride and Prejudice in the end of January. As I read it in one sitting and did not make any notes, I have nothing to say except that I loved it. Emily and Elise, did you finish the book too?

[Jen]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Drishti! I loved it, too. :-)

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

*********THIS BUDDY READ IS BEING REVISITED!***********

Starts August 1, 2018

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

      ~ Buddy Style Reads ~
    Three Ways to Enjoy a Book!

At NRBC we use three styles of buddy reads. These will be indicated in the thread title as “Buddy Read”, “Relaxed Buddy Read” or “Informal Buddy Read”.

A “Buddy Read” has a discussion leader and a reading date is set to start the book. A reading schedule is posted prior to the start date and discussion questions are posted each day regarding that section of the book. More information about these types of reads is below. An example is here, showing a reading schedule here.

A “Relaxed Buddy Read” is similar to our usual “buddy reads” except there are less questions and break points. For example, a book may be split into three sections and those reading the book should pause at the end of the section to answer some discussion questions, make comments, or ask their own questions to other readers. An example is here.

An “Informal Buddy Read” doesn’t have a discussion leader and participants are asked to consider some generic questions when making comments about the book. An example is here.

A “Read and Watch Buddy Read” may be set up as any of the above, but we will also watch the movie or T.V. series - or even go to a play! - and make comparisons, discussing what has been left out or changed as well as the actors and actresses. There is a long debate of what one should do first: read the books or watch the movie? We usually read first, but it isn’t essential. Also, if you would like to join in, but don’t want to watch the movie, show, or play, but only read the books, that is fine, too. An example is here.


MORE UNDER SPOILER
(view spoiler)[

“Buddy Reads” (“BRs”) include:

• A reading schedule which can range from 50, 75, to 100 or so pages a day.

• Discussion questions posted daily by moderators and occasionally group members
   who help one of us out. If you want to be a Discussion Leader, let us know.

• If the book is really long, we'll plan a break day.

• Members do NOT have to answer every question, they are meant to stimulate
   conversations about the books AND allow us to glance back upon them when the
   sequels come out. This helps us to remember what exactly happened in the previous
   book.

• We find the buddy style of reading to be more fun than just posting one or two
   sentences about a book. We feel this is what distinguishes us as being a ‘book club’
   rather than just another GoodReads ‘group.’

• If you can NOT start the book on time, feel free to join in at a later date. They are
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• Moderators are people too, so occasionally we get sick, have to work late at our real
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• Discussions and questions are set up to make you think, analyze, and see things you,
   or even we, may have missed. Feel free to add your own thoughts at any time, if you
   think we've missed something.

• If you've read the book, feel free to let us know what you thought about the book.
   You can do so at the end of the buddy read, or, if you can't wait, add spoiler tags
   before you comment like:

   **************BEWARE! SPOILER FOR THE END OF THE BOOK**************

   Or insert a (view spoiler)[spoiler (hide spoiler)]. If you do NOT know how to do so, just check out our
   GoodReads 101 explanation on how to Insert a Spoiler.

• If you are looking for a reading buddy, post an inquiry in our Buddy read requests thread. Use that thread, if you want to have a repeat read of a BOM
    or buddy read, too.

• Have fun! We always do when more than one person joins in. And we look less silly
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[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

res

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

I was just about to reread this one. So glad I found this buddy read.

[Tahmina]

Yay!!! Glad so many people are joining us!

[Maria]

I'm excited for this one, it has been in my TBR pile for so long.

[JanEyre9]

Joining for Team McGonagall. This is one of my all time favorite books!

[Tahmina]

Everyone ready to start this today?

[Sharon]

Yes! Looking forward to it!

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Finished the first 2 chapters, and I like this book so much more now than when I read it a few years ago. So witty and charming. I think already knowing my favorite characters and scenes is why I am having so much fun rereading it.

Also having watched the movie a few times might be helping too. :)

[Tahmina]

♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Finished the first 2 chapters, and I like this book so much more now than when I read it a few years ago. So witty and charming. I think already knowing my favorite characters and scenes is why I a..."

haha. Which movie/ TV series version is your favorite?

No matter how many times I read this and even though I know what will happen, I can't seem to put this book down when I start it?

[Tahmina]

Sharon wrote: "Yes! Looking forward to it!"

yay!!

[Sharon]

Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Finished the first 2 chapters, and I like this book so much more now than when I read it a few years ago. So witty and charming. I think already knowing my favorite cha..."

I've only ever seen the Laurence Olivier version, but I want to watch the others. Which is your favorite or which would you recommend?

[Tahmina]

Sharon wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Finished the first 2 chapters, and I like this book so much more now than when I read it a few years ago. So witty and charming. I think already knowing..."

ooo I have to admit I don't like that one. But i loved the actors and costumes. I think before reading the book I like 2005 movie version. But after reading the book i like the Colin Firth 1995 version .... but thats a good six hours! Soooooo yeah. That has to be my favorite though! Its on Amazon Prime right now too

[Tahmina]

OOO and I forgot the Lizzie Bennett Diaries are really good too. Its a modern take on the story and I though it was pretty cute. And you can find that on YouTube. It will take you awhile to get through it though so be prepared.

Anyway I could go on but I will stop before I bore you to death on the different versions :)

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Finished the first 2 chapters, and I like this book so much more now than when I read it a few years ago. So witty and charming. I think already knowing my favorite cha..."


I have to admit I fell in love with the Keira Knightly version, but I also loved the mini series with Colin Firth. The. Been a while since I saw the mini series though so I'm do to rewatch it. Thanks for the info on Amazon Prime. I swear, first they got Psych and now they have this mini series. They are winning the streaming wars for me. Lol

[Tahmina]

♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Finished the first 2 chapters, and I like this book so much more now than when I read it a few years ago. So witty and charming. I think already knowing..."

OMG!!! no way! a fellow Psycho!! Yeah I tend to watch those two alot on there especially particular episodes of psych.

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Found an interesting article on what all the money referenced in Pride and Prejudice might be worth in US dollars today. It's filled with spoilers though so be careful if this is a first read for you.

SPOILER FILLED LINK:
https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literatur...

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Finished the first 2 chapters, and I like this book so much more now than when I read it a few years ago. So witty and char..."
Come on, son! You know I gotta watch me some Psych! Lol

Funniest show I've seen in a long time, and I miss it. Can't wait for the new movie.

[Tahmina]

Ok wow the money this makes more sense though I thought Darcy was way richer!!! 😂😂

[Tahmina]

First movie was kind of a let down, though it had funny parts. I hope it gets better cause the show itself was great

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "Ok wow the money this makes more sense though I thought Darcy was way richer!!! 😂😂"

Me too, but he made that much a year and that was just what he lived off of. He had much more actual wealth. This article explains it a little better. https://blog.gale.com/deconstructing-...

Last article link I post, I promise. Lol

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "First movie was kind of a let down, though it had funny parts. I hope it gets better cause the show itself was great"

I was a little let down too. I think they were just a little rusty so I have high hopes for the sequel.

[Sharon]

OMG, my husband and I are Psychos too!!!!!!! We own the seasons an usually rewatch the show at least once (probably twice, if I'm honest) a year!

We love to see who can find the pineapple in each episode first. Have you guys seen the movie? I feel like we could start a whole different thread about this show!

[Tahmina]

😂😂 I know we’ve derailed this whole thread. But I didn’t realize they hid pineapples!! A reason to start a rewatch!

And please post articles!!! I love the different analysis and clarifications and opinions we get from them!

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Sharon wrote: "OMG, my husband and I are Psychos too!!!!!!! We own the seasons an usually rewatch the show at least once (probably twice, if I'm honest) a year!

We love to see who can find the pineapple in each ..."

See, I've been watching for years, and watched the whole series twice this year, and I just learned about the pineapples! I had no idea there were so many.

The movie was fun, but not as hilarious as I was expecting. So much time spent letting you know what the crew had been up to. The sequel won't have to do that so I'm psyched. (Pun completely intended)

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "😂😂 I know we’ve derailed this whole thread. But I didn’t realize they hid pineapples!! A reason to start a rewatch!

And please post articles!!! I love the different analysis and clarifications an..."
Yaaaay! My Google obsession is appreciated. 😁

[Tahmina]

ok so spoilers up to chapter 15 ...

I find it appalling that a rich guy moves into the neighborhood and the people seem to just lose their mind over it. It seems everyone is going around introducing each other to make sure that they get a chance at the lottery. Though I love how Jane Austen writes about it in such a satirical way. Instead of making you hate these people you are laughing at them and the absurdity of the situation (i guess a little like Mr. Bennett himself).

Not a huge fan of having to be introduced before you are allowed to talk to anyone. To me that seems a bit much. I am not sure how strict the rules are but they seem completely unreasonable to me and restrictive. Though that might be the point.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennett (view spoiler)[ each have a favorite and that's got to be horrible for the children knowing that you are not favored by either of your parents. Neither parent ever hides it and openly praises and lets them know that they are the favored child. That is so weird. (hide spoiler)]

Mrs. Bennett: (view spoiler)[ I mean this woman and pushing her children to get married at times can be funny but I feel like she is hurting them more than helping! Reminds me a bit of my grandma though sometimes. But she does love her kids because what makes her hate Darcy is the fact that he dared called her daughter unattractive! The more you read this the more I think you realize that she is the reason that her daughters are probably still single. She very rash and does not seem to care that people overhear her gossiping about things that would be considered rude in today’s society. (hide spoiler)]

Mr. Bennett: (view spoiler)[ love this man and his sarcasm. In this regard he reminds me a little of my own dad. I love that he is constantly amusing himself with everyone else's behavior (something we would call people watching today). I'm not sure that I really like how he treats his wife though. He seems very condescending to her and that really annoys me. She is a bit much but she doesn't deserve to be treated like that. (hide spoiler)]

Mr. Darcy: (view spoiler)[ Kind of a jerk. But when he comes into the room, it is said in the book, within five minutes the word circulates that he is even richer than Bingley and now everyone is eyeing him. Well I am not sure I would be anything but a jerk to everyone around me. I mean you have no idea the motive behind someone coming and talking to you. Do not read the next spoiler if you have not finished the book (view spoiler)[ I know that in the end we see that he's just socially awkward but it does not make the scene in the Meryton ball any better. He was a complete ass! (hide spoiler)]

The way that he follows around Elizabeth, stares at her and listens in to her conversations is super creepy and weird. Not sure I like that one bit. And it was nice of her to just be like nope I am not letting this go and completely call him out on it.

When Jane and Elizabeth are Netherfield, it seems like he tries to be nice to Elizabeth but she won't let him (haha) and I love her for that. But I also like the clear message that he sends to Caroline by constantly bringing conversations back to include Elizabeth and not being ashamed of the fact that he likes her. (like when talking about an accomplished women he says he think reading is important, or when describing his sister he says she is Elizabeth's height).

Again don't read unless you have read the ending (view spoiler)[Also love how he seems to know Elizabeth more than she knows herself. Because when they are talking about faults shes kind of a jerk to him telling him he's prideful and vain while he tells her that she is deliberately misunderstanding him. And when you read all the way to the end you realize how right he is. But then again he has not been nice either. (hide spoiler)]

(hide spoiler)]

Elizabeth: (view spoiler)[ I love that she takes the insult she overhears from Darcy and just turns it into a good joke and story at her own expense. I love the relationship she has with her sister Jane. Its a real friendship and a good relationship. (hide spoiler)]

Charlotte: (view spoiler)[ Just seems really old fashioned and I just can't imagine how she is friends with Elizabeth because these two are so different. And she had absolutely no notion of romance. (hide spoiler)]

Jane: (view spoiler)[ She seems like an all around good person and so does Bingley. She doesn't think ill of anyone (even when she should). (hide spoiler)]

Caroline: (view spoiler)[ The worst of the worst. She is the stereotypical rich, lazy and a social climber. When Elizabeth and Jane are at Netherfield, she is superficial and as soon as Elizabeth leaves starts to talk behind their back. Love the description of Caroline from Austen "his faithful servant" that made me laugh!! Though I think it shows how much she wants to be in the good graces with Darcy.

She is constantly trying to get Mr. Darcy interested in her. And it's pretty obvious that it's for his money and status. And I just hate women that behave this way. I’m fairly sure that he knows that she is trying to get his attention and that is probably why he gives her none but also because he says that he thinks “there is meanness in all the arts which ladies sometimes condescend to employ for captivation.” Everything she says is wrong with the Bennets is a potential reason why she also is bad for him because socially she is beneath the Bennets. She obviously doesn’t realize this at all. (hide spoiler)]

Mrs. Hurst, Mr. Hurst: (view spoiler)[ Not sure why they are at Bingley’s house. I mean I guess they are technically visiting but it just doesn’t make sense that they are always there. These two also seem to have married each other for the benefits rather than love (hide spoiler)]

Caroline and Mrs Hurst: (view spoiler)[ These two tend to make the most hypocritical claims when talking about wealth and status. They mockingly talk about the Bennets and their status and how they are beneath Bingley’s family even though socially the Bennets have more status then they do. (hide spoiler)]

I almost forgot Mr. Collins: (view spoiler)[ Can you think of a more annoying person then him. Just wow. (hide spoiler)]

When talking about accomplished women Caroline and Mrs. Hurst say they do not know many women that would fit the description (obviously except them and obviously excluding the Bennets) but then start listing many women that they know as accomplished once Elizabeth says they couldn't possibly know any. I think just another spiteful attempt to make Elizabeth, their guest, look bad.

[Tahmina]

♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "😂😂 I know we’ve derailed this whole thread. But I didn’t realize they hid pineapples!! A reason to start a rewatch!

And please post articles!!! I love the different analysis and c..."

Ok and just read through the money articles Krystle put and holy moly!!! Darcy and Bingley are rich and that was just the interest they used. So I am guessing they were probably richer than 10,000 pounds that was suggested.

End of book spoiler (view spoiler)[When you see the numbers that Darcy spent on getting rid of Wickham and making sure that Elizabeth was happy .... wow just wow. No wonder she was so taken by it. Well at least he really did love her because he spend over a million dollars to just make her happy and without her even knowing. Dang! (hide spoiler)]