Nathaniel Burns-Sarno
Advanced Placement English/Mr. George
November 30, 2009
Character Analysis: Jane Bennet
Jane Bennet is a beautiful, trusting individual with a shining personality who sees only the good qualities of those around her.
Jane Bennet, sister and best friend of the novel’s protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, is known for her beautiful appearance and agreeable personality. These qualities make her the favorite daughter of Mrs. Bennet, who wishes to see all her daughters married to wealthy gentlemen. Jane shows that she cares for others very much. She is always there to assist Elizabeth with her problems and expresses that she values the happiness of others over her own happiness. Jane is very cordial and polite to those around her, which sometimes causes trouble for her. An example of this is that both Caroline Bingley and Mr. Darcy argue that Jane’s behavior towards Mr. Bingley may not have anything to do with affection, but rather may have to do with the good manners Jane shows to everyone around her. However, Jane’s love for Bingley is genuine and she hopes that they will be together even after Bingley leaves town. Jane has an optimistic disposition that causes her to only see the good in other people, even when they are clearly attempting to tamper with her happiness. The greatest example of this is when Elizabeth insults the characteristics of Caroline Bingley, who does not approve of the relationship between her brother and Jane and attempts to prevent them from being together. Jane’s response to Elizabeth’s description of Caroline was, "'If we thought alike of Miss Bingley, your representation of all this, might make me quite easy But I know the foundation is unjust. Caroline is incapable of willfully deceiving any one; and all that I can hope in this case is, that she is deceived herself'"(Austen 91). This shows how unwilling Jane is to believe that some people may have erroneous qualities. Jane remains trustful throughout the novel, and her good nature is rewarded in the form of her marriage to Bingley and in finally seeing Elizabeth truly happy.
Jane is basically Mrs. Bennet’s prized show-dog, beauty and temperament beyond all of her sisters. Being so loyal and trusting, the show-dog will follow the influences of those around it, trusting that everyone has its best interest at heart. The show-dog is also shown around by its handler, who boasts to all around her of its elegance and good nature. The handler takes great care in showing off their show-dog to other handlers so that its superior breeding may be known by all. This is done in order to increase the chance that their show-dog will become part of a breeding pair with a show-dog of grand ancestry and fortune. However, even through the obsessive behavior of its handler, the show-dog will remain optimistic and trusting of those around it, thus keeping its true beauty in its loyalty and devotion.
A modern day Jane Bennet would be Princess Diana, who had a mother who wanted her married to a respectable man and many men in want of her hand. Diana also took special interest in the plight of others and sought to ease the pain of those in need, just as Jane offers her ear to those who are in need of sympathy.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Character Analysis #1: Darcy
Nathaniel Burns-Sarno
Advanced Placement English/Mr. George
November 30, 2009
Character Analysis: Mr. Darcy
Mr. Darcy is a man of few words who, through his quiet and observant behavior, gives others the impression that he is prideful and antisocial, but is in fact a kind and intellectual man who is able to recognize his flaws and seeks to correct them.
Mr. Darcy is a socially awkward man. This is clear from the beginning, as the first appearance of Darcy in the novel places him at a ball, where he only joins in a few dances and spends the rest of night in observance of the other guests, who in turn observe him. Since he shows little interest in anyone around him, the guests of the ball immediately deem him proud. The guest of the ball who believes this the most is Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist of the novel, who becomes intent on hating Darcy after he makes a less-than-flattering comment about her appearance. This begins an interesting relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth in which the two of them attempt to surpass each other in communication skills. It is in one such conversation that Darcy reveals his greatest flaw. "'I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offences against myself. My feelings are not puffed about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful.-My good opinion once lost is lost forever.'"(Austen 43). This shows Darcy’s ability to identify his flaws and openly admit to them. In having so many heated debates with Elizabeth, Darcy gains an interest in her that later turns to love. It is after realizing his love for Elizabeth that Darcy takes great strides in improving his character, even building up enough confidence to propose to Elizabeth. During his proposal and Elizabeth’s rejection of him, Darcy reveals the great obstacles that he surpassed in order to love her. Darcy, the man originally thought to be proud and antisocial, overcame tremendous odds so that he may pursue the love of Elizabeth. It is after he is rejected by her that he overcomes the greatest odd of all; his personality. Through confronting every insult Elizabeth speaks to him, Darcy goes from being a quiet and antisocial man to being pleasant and agreeable.
Darcy’s personality is comparable to that of rogue lion’s. While lions are known for being sociable, there are cases in which a young male rejected by its pride will become quite solitary and hostile, keeping with them only one or two companions at the most. These solitary males tend to avoid social interaction with other members of their species and often observe the behavior of social groups. It is only after a rogue lion finds a favorable lioness that it will be able to overcome its hostility and enjoy the benefits of life in a pride.
A modern day Mr. Darcy would be John Lennon, who faced a situation similar to Darcy’s while pursuing his love, Yoko Ono. Yoko rejected Lennon many times because of his arrogance, causing Lennon to look within himself in order to rid himself of his flaws. Once Lennon overcame his pride, he was able to win the hand of Yoko Ono, just as Darcy earned the hand of Elizabeth.
Advanced Placement English/Mr. George
November 30, 2009
Character Analysis: Mr. Darcy
Mr. Darcy is a man of few words who, through his quiet and observant behavior, gives others the impression that he is prideful and antisocial, but is in fact a kind and intellectual man who is able to recognize his flaws and seeks to correct them.
Mr. Darcy is a socially awkward man. This is clear from the beginning, as the first appearance of Darcy in the novel places him at a ball, where he only joins in a few dances and spends the rest of night in observance of the other guests, who in turn observe him. Since he shows little interest in anyone around him, the guests of the ball immediately deem him proud. The guest of the ball who believes this the most is Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist of the novel, who becomes intent on hating Darcy after he makes a less-than-flattering comment about her appearance. This begins an interesting relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth in which the two of them attempt to surpass each other in communication skills. It is in one such conversation that Darcy reveals his greatest flaw. "'I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offences against myself. My feelings are not puffed about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful.-My good opinion once lost is lost forever.'"(Austen 43). This shows Darcy’s ability to identify his flaws and openly admit to them. In having so many heated debates with Elizabeth, Darcy gains an interest in her that later turns to love. It is after realizing his love for Elizabeth that Darcy takes great strides in improving his character, even building up enough confidence to propose to Elizabeth. During his proposal and Elizabeth’s rejection of him, Darcy reveals the great obstacles that he surpassed in order to love her. Darcy, the man originally thought to be proud and antisocial, overcame tremendous odds so that he may pursue the love of Elizabeth. It is after he is rejected by her that he overcomes the greatest odd of all; his personality. Through confronting every insult Elizabeth speaks to him, Darcy goes from being a quiet and antisocial man to being pleasant and agreeable.
Darcy’s personality is comparable to that of rogue lion’s. While lions are known for being sociable, there are cases in which a young male rejected by its pride will become quite solitary and hostile, keeping with them only one or two companions at the most. These solitary males tend to avoid social interaction with other members of their species and often observe the behavior of social groups. It is only after a rogue lion finds a favorable lioness that it will be able to overcome its hostility and enjoy the benefits of life in a pride.
A modern day Mr. Darcy would be John Lennon, who faced a situation similar to Darcy’s while pursuing his love, Yoko Ono. Yoko rejected Lennon many times because of his arrogance, causing Lennon to look within himself in order to rid himself of his flaws. Once Lennon overcame his pride, he was able to win the hand of Yoko Ono, just as Darcy earned the hand of Elizabeth.
Friday, November 20, 2009
P&P #14
"'I cannot be so easily reconciled to myself. The recollection of what I then said, of my conduct, my manners, my expressions during the whole of it, is now, and has been for many months, inexpressibly painful to me'"(Austen 281)
Darcy, who has been assumed to be the embodiment of pride throughout a novel, actually turns out to be one of the most humble characters present in the novel. There were many examples of this before, but this quote shows him admitting to particular faults, rather than just his faults in general. Also, the fact that he finds it difficult to forgive himself shows his humility. The other interesting thing about this quote is that he implies that Elizabeth is more merciful than him, which seems like it would be difficult for someone like Darcy to do.
"'Oh! My sweetest Lizzy! how rich and how great you will be! What pin-money, what jewels, what carriages you will have! Jane's is nothing to it-nothing at all. I am so pleased-so happy. Such a charming man!'"(290)
Somehow, this does not surprise me. Mrs. Bennet spent a great deal of the novel by taking shots at Mr. Darcy and saying what a disagreeable person he was. She showed annoyance during every one of his visits, and even thought of ways to get rid of him. So, it is clear she detests Darcy. However, she decides to throw off her detestment when she finds that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are engaged. The only reason Mrs. Bennet is happy about it is that Elizabeth will become rich by marrying Darcy. Mrs. Bennet even belittles the engagement of Jane, who is supposed to be her favorite, simply because of Darcy's wealth. And because Elizabeth is to share in that fortune, Mrs. Bennet suddenly desides Mr. Darcy to be charming. After all that has happened involving her throughout the novel, Mrs. Bennet somehow manages to remain static.
Darcy, who has been assumed to be the embodiment of pride throughout a novel, actually turns out to be one of the most humble characters present in the novel. There were many examples of this before, but this quote shows him admitting to particular faults, rather than just his faults in general. Also, the fact that he finds it difficult to forgive himself shows his humility. The other interesting thing about this quote is that he implies that Elizabeth is more merciful than him, which seems like it would be difficult for someone like Darcy to do.
"'Oh! My sweetest Lizzy! how rich and how great you will be! What pin-money, what jewels, what carriages you will have! Jane's is nothing to it-nothing at all. I am so pleased-so happy. Such a charming man!'"(290)
Somehow, this does not surprise me. Mrs. Bennet spent a great deal of the novel by taking shots at Mr. Darcy and saying what a disagreeable person he was. She showed annoyance during every one of his visits, and even thought of ways to get rid of him. So, it is clear she detests Darcy. However, she decides to throw off her detestment when she finds that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are engaged. The only reason Mrs. Bennet is happy about it is that Elizabeth will become rich by marrying Darcy. Mrs. Bennet even belittles the engagement of Jane, who is supposed to be her favorite, simply because of Darcy's wealth. And because Elizabeth is to share in that fortune, Mrs. Bennet suddenly desides Mr. Darcy to be charming. After all that has happened involving her throughout the novel, Mrs. Bennet somehow manages to remain static.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
P&P 13
"The Bennets were speedily pronounced to be the luckiest family in the world, though only a few weeks before, when Lydia had first run away, they had been generally proved to be marked out for misfortune"'(Austen 267)
This passage shows who quickly things change in the setting of the novel. The line is definitely a critique of something, and my guess is that it is a critique of how in the society of the novel, a family member marrying into money can change the whole town's perspective on the family despite what the family had been involved in previously. Forgiveness is not a bad thing, but changing your view of someone simply because they have switched classes is a bit ridiculous. This quote is also interesting because it states that anything good or bad that has happened to the Bennets has been a matter of luck. Therefor, it is the luck of one member of the family that saves the names of the others. At least, that is what many in the society of the novel appear to think.
"'I will not be intimidated into anything so wholly unreasonable. Your ladyship wants Mr. Darcy to marry your daughter; but would my giving you the wished-for promise, make their marriage any more probable?'"(273)
Elizabeth should be given credit for holding her ground in this situation. However, the way she goes about defending her stance makes her appear to enjoy denying Lady De Bourgh(which she probably does, but it does not seem like a good idea to make that obvious). Elizabeth insinuates that the relationship between Darcy and the daughter of Lady De Bourgh is not as meant to be as Lady De Bourgh would like to think. While that is true, it makes little sense for Elizabeth to say such a thing. She was right in refusing to promise anything, but seemed to enjoy tormenting Lady De Bourgh a bit too much.
This passage shows who quickly things change in the setting of the novel. The line is definitely a critique of something, and my guess is that it is a critique of how in the society of the novel, a family member marrying into money can change the whole town's perspective on the family despite what the family had been involved in previously. Forgiveness is not a bad thing, but changing your view of someone simply because they have switched classes is a bit ridiculous. This quote is also interesting because it states that anything good or bad that has happened to the Bennets has been a matter of luck. Therefor, it is the luck of one member of the family that saves the names of the others. At least, that is what many in the society of the novel appear to think.
"'I will not be intimidated into anything so wholly unreasonable. Your ladyship wants Mr. Darcy to marry your daughter; but would my giving you the wished-for promise, make their marriage any more probable?'"(273)
Elizabeth should be given credit for holding her ground in this situation. However, the way she goes about defending her stance makes her appear to enjoy denying Lady De Bourgh(which she probably does, but it does not seem like a good idea to make that obvious). Elizabeth insinuates that the relationship between Darcy and the daughter of Lady De Bourgh is not as meant to be as Lady De Bourgh would like to think. While that is true, it makes little sense for Elizabeth to say such a thing. She was right in refusing to promise anything, but seemed to enjoy tormenting Lady De Bourgh a bit too much.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
P&P 12
"'I have heard, indeed, that she is uncommonly imporved within this year or two. When I last saw her, she was not very promising. I am very glad you liked her. I hope she will turn out well'"(Austen 250)
This just seems like a weird thing for Wickham to say. Why insult Georgiana? Is he trying to cover the fact that he once pursued her? Is he resentful to her because his advances were met with failure? Or, would what he said even be considered insulting during that period? I also find it a bit odd that he would say this simply because Elizabeth told him that she likes Georgiana. It makes me wonder if he was trying to lure her into a deeper conversation so that he could create more lies to tell her.
"'He could be still amiable, still pleasing, to my uncle and aunt, when he was in town; and why not to me? If he fears me, why come hither? If he no longer cares for me, why silent? Teazing, teazing, man! I will think no more about him'"(258).
Elizabeth continues to show her confusion over Darcy. It seems she was very hopeful that he would once again confess his love for her. So much so, that the fact that he did not do it moments after entering the room has her bewildered. She also seems to have the impression that Darcy may be leading her on by remaining silent. Has she forgotten that this is the way that Darcy tends to behave? Or is it because he went through a period of behaving contrary to his original style that his reverting has her confused? Despite the fact that she shows frustratation over Darcy's behavior, I get the feeling that it is just making her love for him greater.
This just seems like a weird thing for Wickham to say. Why insult Georgiana? Is he trying to cover the fact that he once pursued her? Is he resentful to her because his advances were met with failure? Or, would what he said even be considered insulting during that period? I also find it a bit odd that he would say this simply because Elizabeth told him that she likes Georgiana. It makes me wonder if he was trying to lure her into a deeper conversation so that he could create more lies to tell her.
"'He could be still amiable, still pleasing, to my uncle and aunt, when he was in town; and why not to me? If he fears me, why come hither? If he no longer cares for me, why silent? Teazing, teazing, man! I will think no more about him'"(258).
Elizabeth continues to show her confusion over Darcy. It seems she was very hopeful that he would once again confess his love for her. So much so, that the fact that he did not do it moments after entering the room has her bewildered. She also seems to have the impression that Darcy may be leading her on by remaining silent. Has she forgotten that this is the way that Darcy tends to behave? Or is it because he went through a period of behaving contrary to his original style that his reverting has her confused? Despite the fact that she shows frustratation over Darcy's behavior, I get the feeling that it is just making her love for him greater.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
P&P #11
"How Wickham and Lydia were to be supported in tolerable independence, she could not imagine. But how little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue, she could easily conjecture"(Austen 237).
Elizabeth is still disgusted at the idea of Lydia and Mr. Wickham being together. While it is easy to see why she would be against such a thing, it seems to me that she is hoping for the worst. It is like her contempt for Mr. Wickham and her knowledge of Lydia's idiocy makes her want to see them crash and burn. I would not be surprised, as Elizabeth has shown in the past that she has desired certain people to remain intolerable(i.e. Darcy)
"but she, who never heard nor saw any thing of which she chose to be insensible, gaily continued, 'Oh! mamma, do the people here abouts know I am married to-day? I was afraid they might not'"(240)
This quote is interesting because its shows the characteristics of Lydia. While her behavior has been mentioned various times throughtout the novel, the reader does not see enough of her intereactions with other characters, and thus cannot determine whether or not the stories about her are exaggerated. It is this quote that confirms that Lydia is air-headed and longs for the spotlight. It makes me wonder if she knows what she is doing, and does it only to get attention.
Elizabeth is still disgusted at the idea of Lydia and Mr. Wickham being together. While it is easy to see why she would be against such a thing, it seems to me that she is hoping for the worst. It is like her contempt for Mr. Wickham and her knowledge of Lydia's idiocy makes her want to see them crash and burn. I would not be surprised, as Elizabeth has shown in the past that she has desired certain people to remain intolerable(i.e. Darcy)
"but she, who never heard nor saw any thing of which she chose to be insensible, gaily continued, 'Oh! mamma, do the people here abouts know I am married to-day? I was afraid they might not'"(240)
This quote is interesting because its shows the characteristics of Lydia. While her behavior has been mentioned various times throughtout the novel, the reader does not see enough of her intereactions with other characters, and thus cannot determine whether or not the stories about her are exaggerated. It is this quote that confirms that Lydia is air-headed and longs for the spotlight. It makes me wonder if she knows what she is doing, and does it only to get attention.
Monday, November 16, 2009
P&P #10
"While thus engaged, Elizabeth had a fair opportunity of deciding whether she most feared or wished for the appearance of Mr. Darcy, by the feeling which prevailed on his entering the room; and then, though a moment before she believed her wishes to predominate, she began to regret that he came"(Austen 203)
Here, Elizabeth is excited to see Darcy, but she cannot decide what kind of excitement she is feeling. It is only when Darcy entered that she relized her excitement was based off fear of his arrival. Her feelings are comparable to those of a person ascending the lift of a rollercoaster. She is filled with suspense, but does not know whether it is of expectancy of a thrilling ride or fear of the drop. The only way to know is to experience it. Clearly, Elizabeth was not as ready as she thought she was.
"'Yes,' replied Darcy, who could contain himself no longer, 'but that was only when I first knew her, for it is many months since I have considered her as one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance"(205)
Earlier in the novel, Darcy descibed his greatest flaw as being that his good opinion, once lost, would be lost forever. Here Darcy shows behavior contradictary to that flaw, once again demonstrating how he has evolved throughout the novel. Also, the fact that he could not just sit there and listen as Caroline belittled Elizabeth shows that he has become more passionate, both in his feelings for Elizabeth and his skills of communication. It seems that at this point, Darcy is flawless.
Here, Elizabeth is excited to see Darcy, but she cannot decide what kind of excitement she is feeling. It is only when Darcy entered that she relized her excitement was based off fear of his arrival. Her feelings are comparable to those of a person ascending the lift of a rollercoaster. She is filled with suspense, but does not know whether it is of expectancy of a thrilling ride or fear of the drop. The only way to know is to experience it. Clearly, Elizabeth was not as ready as she thought she was.
"'Yes,' replied Darcy, who could contain himself no longer, 'but that was only when I first knew her, for it is many months since I have considered her as one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance"(205)
Earlier in the novel, Darcy descibed his greatest flaw as being that his good opinion, once lost, would be lost forever. Here Darcy shows behavior contradictary to that flaw, once again demonstrating how he has evolved throughout the novel. Also, the fact that he could not just sit there and listen as Caroline belittled Elizabeth shows that he has become more passionate, both in his feelings for Elizabeth and his skills of communication. It seems that at this point, Darcy is flawless.
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