P&P #6

"'But that expression of 'violently in love' is so hackneyed, so doubtful, so indefinite, that it gives me very little idea. It is often applied to feelings which arise from an half-hour's acquaintance, as to a real, strong attachment'"(Austen 109).

This is an interesting quote, as the 'violence of love' has been mentioned in this novel before, and in the exact circumstance Miss Gardiner describes. It is strange that Elizabeth would use a phrase that was so lacklusterly used by Mr. Collins in his proposal to her, in the first place. Elizabeth's insistence that Bingley's love for Jane was 'violent' shows that perhaps she sees beyond the phrase and can identify the instances in which it is used properly.

'"I like her appearance," said Elizabeth, struck with other ideas. "She looks sickly and cross.-Yes, she will do for him very well. She will make him a very proper wife"'(122).

Here Elizabeth comes across as spiteful, although she may simply be expressing her disapproval of the relationship between Charlotte and Mr. Collins. Still, to take a shot at a close friend just to insult another is a bit low. I would like to think that her resentment is directed at the situation, and not the people involved. However, with Elizabeth, this is unlikely.