Chapter 1 began: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a fortune must be in want of a wife." As chapter 6 (pt 12 and pt 13) concludes, Mr. Darcy is found musing on the pleasure of the inspiration of the eyes of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He converses with Miss Bingley, who jumps to the conclusion that Darcy's fascination will soon lead to matrimonial bliss. Darcy counters: "A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment."
What I find interesting about this comment is its "universal application" to much of what has preceded in this novel. (1) Bingley has hardly arrived on the scene in chapter 1 - no one has even seen him - and based on the fact that he is single and in possession of a good fortune, designs are being made on how to secure this stranger as a husband for one of the Bennet girls. (It sounded like the rest of the neighbors were busy making similar plans.) (2) Bingley dances twice with Jane at Meryton and speaks of her beauty, and suddenly (on the basis of four meetings?), there must be some attachment between them; even further, Jane must take advantage of Bingley's interest, lest she be consigned to spinsterhood. (3) A discussion was already started about Charlotte Lucas, who fits right in with this line of thinking: "If a woman conceals her affection... she may lose the opportunity of fixing him"; "In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better shew more affection than she feels. Bingley likes your sister undoubtedly; but he may never do more than like her, if she does not help him on."
Are there any others that I have missed?
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