It quite possibly started off as a compliment, yet by the time she finishes, Elizabeth's words about Bingley (pt 3) do not come off so complimentary. After her declaration of a complete understanding of his character, Bingley responds: "(T)o be so easily seen through... is pitiful." Elizabeth replies: "That is as it happens. It does not necessarily follow that a deep, intricate character is more or less estimable than such a one as yours."
What do you think? Is her statement quite as offensive as her mother seems to take it? More importantly, do you think that Elizabeth does in fact completely understand Bingley's character? (Which is not to say that he is shallow in a bad way...) Or is there more to Bingley than meets the eye?
1 comment:
Jane Austen doesn't really say how Bingley took her comment. He could simply be playing along with someone whose company he enjoys.
I'm not inclined to give any notice to a chastisement from someone as ridiculous as Mrs. Bennet. I think Bingley would see through it, too.
Elizabeth probably doesn't completely understand Bingley's character, any more than we can completely understand someone else's character. She is just trying to compliment him on his good nature which is obvious to everyone.
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