Mr. Bennet

[Haley]

Ok, so we can all breathe more easily. I went back and found the passage and, after rereading it and listening to Brenda, I definitely got confused in how it was written.

"Her father, captivated by youth and beauty, and that appearance of good humour which youth and beauty generally give, had married a woman whose weak understanding and illiberal mind had very early in their marriage put an end to all real affection for her. [...] But Mr. Bennet was not of a disposition to seek comfort for the disappointment which his own imprudence had brought on, in any of those pleasures which too often console the unfortunate for their folly of their vice. He was fond of the country and of books; and from these tastes had arisen his principal enjoyments."

There's a NOT in there, which I obviously missed when I was going through it and going WHAT?! Sorry to confuse everyone!

[Jill]

I enjoyed the discussion about it. Wouldn't have been the first time I missed something! Lol Reading that I can see your interpretation!

[Haley]

Oh now THERE'S an idea. Can you just imagine Mr. Collins in that story? Bloody hell.

[Brenda]

Hahaha!!! Mr. B does seem to value intelligence above all else, and Lady Catherine might be the smartest (if not nicest) woman in the book... Well, there's Mrs. Gardiner, but I don't see her cheating with Mr. B somehow. Do we ever meet a single smart woman in Meryton other than Lizzie and Charlotte Lucas? I don't think Jane Austen had a very high opinion of most members of her sex.