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Discuss Pride & Prejudice 2009
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Discuss Chapters 13-23
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SarahC, Austen Votary & Mods' Asst.
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Jan 25, 2009 06:14AM

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If anyone is ready to begin discussing this section...
Sometimes the folders are hidden at the end of the list, so I thought I would bring it forward.
Sometimes the folders are hidden at the end of the list, so I thought I would bring it forward.

Kimberly I agree that he feels he must marry at this time, but I don't believe that he felt that his choices were limited. In fact, I believe that he feels he is quite the catch. After all he has the priviliage of securing the patronage of lady catherine de bourgh and he holds a secure income and is actually quite proud of all he's accomplished. I'm sure he feels that it would be quite the privilage of any young woman to be his wife.
How does Elizabeth respond to Mr. Collins's proposal? What does her response reveal about her character?

But he could very well loose his patronage if he does not marry right then. He might think he's the hottest thing since sliced bread, but if Lady Catherine decides to remove him ; he's toast.

I am actually going to jump characters on you to keep a bit of continuity.
Elizabeth's meeting Mr. Wickham happens before Mr. Collin's proposal.
Why do you think Mr. Wickam is so believable? How many other women has fallen for him? Why do you think all the Bennet women feel they are the subject of his affection?
And do you feel that when Jane Austen was writing this part, she was meaning to have Wickham as the hero not Darcy?
I dont believe Austen meant to go too deeply into the character of Wickham. I tend to see him as a device to make a common connection between the families of Darcy and Eliza. I don't mean that too sound too mechanical though. Austen created this part of the story beautifully.
No, I don't believe Wickham was ever thought to be the hero. I believe darcy was always expected to fill that part. However, I believe Wickham served as a reason for Elizabeth to confirm her own prejudices agains darcy. She was quick sympathize with his story and believe darcy to be that wicked.


I love all the comments as well! Mr. Wickham can really stir up some conversation!
I agree with a lot of what you are saying. When I see Wickham as a "device" as I mentioned earlier, it is because he is mainly "offstage," going about doing these things that he is doing. There is very little dialogue with him and mainly we "hear" about his mischief and "feel" his impact on our main characters.
There is also the interesting conversation between Eliza and Aunt Gardiner about Wickham pursuing Miss King for money, which figures largely into one of the main themes. Still, there, he is an object of conversation and a link between the two families rather than in the forefront as a main character.
I agree with a lot of what you are saying. When I see Wickham as a "device" as I mentioned earlier, it is because he is mainly "offstage," going about doing these things that he is doing. There is very little dialogue with him and mainly we "hear" about his mischief and "feel" his impact on our main characters.
There is also the interesting conversation between Eliza and Aunt Gardiner about Wickham pursuing Miss King for money, which figures largely into one of the main themes. Still, there, he is an object of conversation and a link between the two families rather than in the forefront as a main character.

You are funny, Kathryn, but right on the nose! I like it when Mr. C. is discussed because he doesnt get much air time, so to speak. He is an important character in the story though and it is interesting to look at all his actions. I agree that he might need some credit for at least considering a family marriage connection desirable.