P&P 14: CH. 16-END

Mr. Darcy: "'What did you say of me, that I did not deserve? For, though your accusations were ill-founded, formed on mistaken premises, my behaviour to you at the time, had merited the severest reproof. It was unpardonable. I cannot think of it without abhorrence'" (281).

Darcy's statement owning up to his faults demonstrates that Lizzy's prejudice against him was reasonable and understandable. It seems as though Elizabeth has taken all the blame for her & Darcy's delayed engagement. While Lizzy was erroneous in her idea of Mr. Darcy, she is not to be solely blamed. Pride is of great significance in this town considering the classis structure, therefore Mr. Darcy's insult at the time came off as if he were belittling Lizzy because of her class. So we can stop looking at Lizzy as if she were unreasonable and realize how she had every reason to react the way she did. Lizzy's feelings should also be considered - with a comment like that said to her, of course she was hurt and she reacted solely on emotion. On the other hand, Darcy has acknowledged how crude he was to her and he understood why Lizzy was so impertinent towards him. And for that, I applaud him.


"Whether she [Mrs. Bennet] were violently set against the match, or violently delighted with it, it was certain that her manner would be equally ill adapted to do credit to her sense; and she could no more bear that Mr. Darcy should hear the first raptures of her joy, than the first vehemence of her disapprobation" (287).

Because Mrs. Bennet detests Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth did not know what to expect from her mother. Would she disapprove or would she rejoice in Elizabeth's potential wealth. Knowing Mrs. Bennet's shallow and "money-hungry" mentality, I was certain that Mrs. Bennet would look past Mr. Darcy's deficiencies and rejoice in his wealth. You would think Elizabeth would prefer that reaction rather than her mother's disapprobation but Elizabeth actually prefers neither. It is perfectly reasonable as to why she wouldn't want her mother's approval nor disapproval. Nobody wants their mother to disapprove of their future nuptials, however in this particular situation, Elizabeth does not want her mother's congratulations. We've seen how Mrs. Bennet's exuberance can hurt her daughter's happiness (Jane) and Elizabeth does not want the something to happen to her. I mean, Mrs. Bennet has embarrassed her enough!