Departing Netherfield --Pride and Prejudice Ch.12 Discussion

Now Elizabeth and Jane make up their minds to return home, lest they completely overstay their welcome at Netherfield. (This would seem to be their mother's design.)

News of their intended departure meets a mixed review throughout the Bingley home. Miss Bingley entreats them to stay for one more day but regrets having done so. Mr. Bingley is saddened at the news of their departure and wishes to persuade them to stay longer. (Mrs. Bennet would be delighted.)

But the reaction to this news that I find interesting is that of Darcy. He is glad for their departure, because Elizabeth Bennet has "attracted him more than he liked". He keeps quite to himself, so as to suggest nothing to Elizabeth to arouse any expectations from her of his regard.

Finally, the girls arrive home - much to the dismay of their mother and much to the delight of their father. (The conversation at Longbourn had lost much of its sense without Elizabeth and Jane.) This very brief chapter ends with hints of a military marriage in the air.

Getting Darcy's Attention -- Ch.11 Pride & Prejudice Discussion

It is with some agony that we watch Caroline Bingley as she desperately tries to catch Darcy's attention. She does everything - from turning down a game of cards to picking up the second volume of the book that Darcy is reading. Knowing that Darcy is not much for dancing, Caroline tries to gain favor with Darcy by speaking out against the idea of having a ball at Netherfield. Still unsuccessful in catching Darcy's attention, Miss Bingley goes so far as to put her "elegant figure" to use, walking about the room, hoping to catch Darcy's eye. When even this fails, one final effort is called in; Caroline gets Elizabeth Bennet to walk the room with her. Finally, Darcy looks up and puts his book down; but one might wonder: Has Miss Bingley really accomplished anything towards her goal in tearing Darcy's attention from his book, if she has only managed to turn his attention to Elizabeth Bennet?

Darcy is Smitten with Elizabeth --Pride & Prejudice Ch. 10 Discussion

It might be an interesting thought to speculate how things would have been different if Darcy had simply danced with Elizabeth back in Chapter 3. Having injured her pride by refusing to dance with her, Darcy became - in Elizabeth's eyes - a man who could only hold her in contempt.

The result of Darcy's action at Meryton has informed every interaction between the two, at least as far as Elizabeth is concerned. She believes that Darcy despises her, and on account of this, Elizabeth cares very little about what Darcy thinks about her. She does not behave in such a way as to impress him or to attempt to endear herself to him. (One might observe such obvious behavior in one Caroline Bingley.) Elizabeth does not "put on any appearances" before Darcy, and all of this comes together to lead Darcy to find himself more and more "in some danger" of this woman -- "were it not for the inferiority of her connections" (Ch. 10 pt 9).

What I find amusing in all of this - as Darcy finds himself falling more and more for Elizabeth - is that, had he simply danced with her at Meryton, the entire picture would have been completely changed. From that point until now, Elizabeth would have behaved differently, would more than likely have been less intriguing to him, and Darcy would have felt himself "in no danger" of possessing feelings for Elizabeth.

Do you agree? Or do you have different thoughts on this matter?

Quotation Discussion --Pride & Prejudice Ch.10

The power of doing any thing with quickness is always much prized by the possessor, and often without any attention to the imperfection of the performance. -- Darcy, Ch. 10 pt 4

Darcy here speaks of his friend, Bingley. Earlier, Bingley told Mrs. Bennet that should he resolve to quit Netherfield, he should be completely gone in five minutes. In other words, Bingley prided himself in that whatever direction he should set mind, he possessed a determination to immediately follow through. (Is this not how he acquired Netherfield in the first place?)

Darcy points out that this is (indirectly) a boastful attitude. Such pride in doing things quickly often proceeds by sacrificing quality and (necesssary) attention to detail, which a more reasonable pace might afford.

The defect is not unique to Bingley. What application might you share using Darcy's words?

Seven Persons Interested in Jane Bennet's Recovery (for or against) -- Pride & Prejudice Ch.10 Discussion

1. Mrs. Bennet - greatly in favor of Jane's prolonged illness, as this will very likely maintain Jane's status as a resident at Netherfield - (B)eing satisfied on seeing (Jane), that her illness was not alarming, (Mrs. Bennet) had no wish of her recovering immediately, as her restoration to health would probably remove her from Netherfield. - Ch. 9 pt 1

2. Miss Elizabeth Bennet - greatly in favor of Jane's speedy recovery - Elizabeth made haste to Netherfield as soon as the news of her sister's illness was presented to her, so that she might be of some assistance in her sister's recovery (Ch. 7 pt 6).

3. Miss Caroline Bingley - greatly in favor of Jane's immediate recovery - Miss Bingley saw, or suspected, enough to be jealous; and her great anxiety for the recovery of her dear friend Jane received some assistance from her desire of getting rid of Elizabeth. - Ch. 10 pt 9

4. Mr. Charles Bingley - greatly in favor of Jane's speedy recovery - He is one of the few, I suspect (together with Elizabeth), whose actual concern is for Jane's healthy well-being (Ch. 8 pt 6). He will not hear of Jane being removed from his home until her health permits such a move (Ch. 9 pt 2).

5. Miss Lydia Bennet - greatly in favor of Jane's immediate recovery - Actually, Lydia doesn't care much about her sister's health. Lydia's greater concern is that Bingley would throw a ball, which Bingley refuses to do until Jane has recovered (Ch 9 pt 9). Lydia's greatest concern, however, as a "stout, well-grown girl of fifteen", is to maintain the attention of the officers, at a ball or in any other venue.

6. Mr. Darcy - actually has not given us any indication of his opinion either favoring or opposing Jane's improvement - The occasion of His continued presence at Netherfield may suggest that Mr. Darcy has some interest in the occupants of that house. What makes him particularly suspicious is Darcy's prior admission of admiration for Elizabeth Bennet's eyes and his prior attempts to enter into conversation with her (Ch. 6 pt 5); from this knowledge, we might be led to believe that Darcy would not mind having the two Bennet sisters stay a little longer in a place where he might appreciate Elizabeth's eyes and have the opportunity to converse with her.

7. Miss Jane Bennet - greatly concerned for immediate recovery - Actually, from the very beginning, Jane wanted nothing to do with the silly plans that landed her dreadfully ill at Netherfield. Feeling herself an imposition upon her hosts, she presses to be returned to her own home at the earliest possible convenience.

Seven Ways to Turn Off Mr. Darcy --Pride & Prejudice Ch. 10 Discussion

1. Invade Mr. Darcy's personal space while he writes.

2. Assume enough intimacy to look in on his letter.

3. Don't simply comment on his uncommonly good handwriting; comment "perpetually".

4. Do not be deterred by the obvious lack of interest with which your comments are received.

5. Emphasize (repeatedly) your intimacy with his dear sister.

6. While he is still writing, offer to mend his pen.

7. Go for a walk with Darcy and sarcastically plan his domestic felicity with Elizabeth Bennet.

In a word: Smother.

(This dialogue seems to be more for the sake of Elizabeth. Miss Bingley wants it to be perfectly clear that she is so intimately connected with Darcy and his affairs that she holds all the claims on him.)

Your Thoughts on Darcy? -- Pride & Prejudice Ch 10 Discussion

"Miss Bingley told me," said Jane, "that (Darcy) never speaks much unless among his intimate acquaintance. With them he is remarkably agreeable." - Ch. 5

Until Chapter 10, the eyes of others have been our primary window into the character of Mr. Darcy. While it may be granted that earlier in the book he managed a word or two from time to time (mostly about the fine eyes of Miss Elizabeth Bennet), it is not really until this chapter that we finally see Darcy engaged in extended dialogue with other characters. We finally have the opportunity to hear Darcy speak "among his intimate acquaintance" and get a bigger picture of the man.

So, what are your initial thoughts? What do you like; what don't you like? What did you learn? The question is open-ended: From the beginning of the book until now, what are your thoughts on Darcy?

I understand you perfectly - Ch. 9 Discussion

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?

Six Merits of Mr. Bingley - Ch. 9 Discussion

While Mrs. Bennet wins the prize for most embarrassing personality in Chapter 9, Bingley shines with nobility and charity.

1. He will not hear of having Jane being removed from Netherfield (pt 2). Though the apothecary does not advise Jane's relocation, her condition certainly has improved to a point where one might consider it. Jane's mother wants Jane to stay put in Bingley's home so that Bingley might grow attached to her. More than most present at Netherfield in Chapter 9, Bingley has an actual concern for Jane's health, and hoping for her further recovery, will not hear of having her moved.

2. He forces the members of the Bingley household to display civility toward Mrs. Bennet. More than once (pt 2 and pt 8), Bingley puts his sister on the spot for a polite response to Mrs. Bennet, though one may debate the worthiness of the latter woman for the reception of such a display.

3. He graciously covers over Elizabeth's "wild manners" (pt 3). Already in a previous chapter, Bingley countered the harsh condemnation of others for Elizabeth, who abandoned the conventions of society by walking alone several miles to come to the aid of her sister. Bingley put forth a very positive comment about the deep affection that Elizabeth's action displayed for her sister. We see Bingley in Chapter 9 once again graciously covering Elizabeth's "wild manners", when she makes several rather impetuous statements: ""That is exactly what I should have supposed of you"; "Oh! yes - I understand you perfectly"; "It does not necessarily follow that a deep, intricate character is more or less estimable than such a one as yours". When Mrs. Bennet challenges her daughter's "wild manners" (perhaps rightly so, although without care for her daughter's embarrassment,) Bingley comes to Elizabeth's rescue by continuing the conversation in a positive manner, inquiring after her hobby of "studying characters" (pt 4).

4. He graciously covers over Mrs. Bennet's "wild manners" about country life (pt 4 and pt 5). When Mrs. Bennet makes her wild assertion that town-life (such as might be found in London) does not have any great advantage over the country, and that "the country is a great deal pleasanter", everyone is astonished. Then she turns to Bingley and puts him on the spot: "Don't you agree, Mr. Bingley?" Graciously, Bingley does not speak his mind in disagreement; instead he offers that when he is in the country, he "never wish(es) to leave it" and that when he is in town "it is pretty much the same". "They have each their advantages, and I can be equally happy in either." Bingley further "keeps his countenance" for the sake of Elizabeth (pt 6) when her mother continues on with her wild assertions about the equality (superiority?) of country life to town life.

5. He graciously attempts to cover over Mrs. Bennet's unbecoming statements about Charlotte Lucas. Whether she truly is as beautiful as Mrs. Bennet claims or not, one might forgive Mrs. Bennet for carrying on about her daughter's good looks. What is less forgivable is Mrs. Bennet's defamation of the Lucas family and Charlotte Lucas in particular. "It is a pity they are not handsome! Not that I think Charlotte so very plain - but then she is our particular friend" (pt 6). (With such as friends, enemies are hardly needed.) Bingley interrupts by stating that Charlotte "seems a very pleasant young woman," though it is of no use. Mrs. Bennet continues, "(B)ut you must own she is very plain" and invokes Charlotte's own mother as an authority on that subject.

6. He graciously covers over Lydia Bennet's "wild manners" and maintains his promise for a ball (pt 9). Having decided to "tax Mr. Bingley with having promised on his first coming into the country to give a ball at Netherfield," Lydia reminds him "that it would be the most shameful thing in the world if he did not keep it." He agrees to keep his promise, though he reminds the youngest Bennet that her eldest sister lies very ill in the next room, and that "you would not wish to be dancing while she is ill." He could very appropriately have reminded her that she should not wish to be thinking about planning such a party when she should much rather be considering the gravity of her sister's medical condition.

Eleven Embarrassing Moments from Mrs. Bennet - Chapter 9 Discussion

Even though Jane's condition improves, Elizabeth sends for her mother, so that Mrs. Bennet might "form her own judgment" of Jane's situation. It was certainly Mrs. Bennet's place as Jane's mother to form such an opinion and to make the necessary decisions, but her presence at Netherfield leads from one embarrassing situation to another.

How shall I embarrass thee? Let me count the ways...

1. By deciding that Jane should remain at Netherfield. The apothecary renders the same judgment, though his decision is based more upon Jane's actual medical condition. When Mrs. Bennet finds that Jane's illness is not dangerous, she rejoices in Jane's condition; Jane's illness can be used to prolong her presence at Netherfield and give her an opportunity to form an attachment with Mr. Bingley. (I appreciate the motherly concern for Jane's health...)

2. By exaggerating Jane's condition. I'm not quite sure what response would have been appropriate for Bingley's expressed hope "that Mrs. Bennet had not found (Jane) worse than she expected". "Indeed I have, Sir," does not strike me as one of them. By playing on Jane's illness, promoting it with the most gravity that she possibly can, Mrs. Bennet hopes to further impose Jane's presence at Netherfield, hoping that an attachment might be formed with Mr. Bingley. (It is something of a wonder that such an imposing figure does not scare Bingley off altogether.)

3. By shamelessly promoting Jane's merits. As Jane lies ill in another room - not in danger of death, yet too ill to be removed - her mother takes up the role of a salesman and speaks profusely about her daughter's merits. The mother talks to Bingley about Jane's long-suffering patience and sweet temper; she goes so far as to completely discredit all of her other daughters in comparison to Jane. It is almost amusing when Mrs. Bennet says, "I do not like to boast of my own child...", having done quite a bit of boasting already, before going on to speak about Jane's incomparable beauty. Yet, she says, "I do not trust my own partiality." "It is what every body says." It all sounds rather suspicious to me.

4. By shamelessly schmoozing Mr. Bingley. Mrs. Bennet extols Bingley's virtues as a "good friend" in taking such care of Jane; she also speaks highly of his residence at Netherfield. Doubtless, her hope is that Bingley might extend the length of his residence in their neighborhood, yet one who finds himself being buttered up in such a way (by such a one) ought certainly to fear being completely devoured.

5. By publicly decrying Lizzy's "wild manner". It is a marvel that one who is so "wild mannered" herself should have the audacity to decry the "wild manners" of others! For a mother, though, to publicly chastise her daughter, to her humiliation, is to deal a particularly embarrassing blow. Lizzy is saved only by the quick response of Bingley, who validates her "wild manners" by continuing the discussion interrupted by Mrs. Bennet's rebuke.

6. By taking offense from (and responding to) Darcy. By this point in the chapter, Mrs. Bennet can hardly open her mouth without uttering something completely embarrassing. As Darcy engages in the conversation about Elizabeth's occupation as a "studier of character", he off-handedly remarks that "a country neighborhood" is "a very confined and unvarying society", offering not much variety for such a habit of study.

Having previously taken offense at Darcy (who did not wish to dance with Elizabeth at Meryton), Mrs. Bennet, instantly dislikes his statement about country society. She counters it with her own assertion that country society is just as intriguing as town society.

7. By defending country society (to city socialites). Her assertion about country society is so ridiculous that it completely takes everyone off-guard. No polite response can be given to it. What makes her completely ridiculous is that she is trying to defend the merits of country society to town society's "cream of the crop".

8. By believing herself victorious in her defense of country society (to city socialites). What makes Mrs. Bennet even more ridiculous is that she does not realize the absurdity of her statement, given the particular company in which it has been made. Because no polite response could be given to her assertion, Mrs. Bennet believes that she has triumphed over Darcy. This makes her bold to continue in asserting her statement that country society is just as intriguing as town society.

9. By trying to engage Mr. Bingley in her defense of country society. To go from bad to worse, and from bad to worse and beyond, Mrs. Bennet tries to further her cause by engaging support in it from Mr. Bingley. She adds to her previous ridiculous assertion by saying that "London (does not have) any great advantage over the country". Don't you agree, Mr. Bingley?

Bingley does more than simply bite his tongue. Put on the spot, he offers a rather charitable response: "When I am in the country, ... I never wish to leave it; and when I am in town it is pretty much the same. They have each their advantages, and I can be equally happy in either." Instead of openly disagreeing with the woman, Bingley makes a noble statement, and moves with agility around this ridiculous woman.

10. By talking trash about the Lucas family. Elizabeth desperately tries to divert her mother from the embarrassing "country/town society" discussion. She changes the subject by enquiring about their friends, the Lucas family. This gives Mrs. Bennet an opportunity to display her true colors by showing how she behaves with regard to her friends: She begins by inferring that the Lucases do not "keep servants who can do their own work", and that this forces the Lucas daughter (Charlotte) to take up a servant's duties (in such things as making mince pies). She goes on to say first that Charlotte is not so very plain in her looks, but then that she actually is really very plain in terms of beauty. While she tries to come off as being gracious, the whole one-sided conversation really does little to make Mrs. Bennet look good at all.

11. By bringing Lydia along. Ok, maybe Mrs. Bennet should hardly be faulted for the embarrassing things that her daughter says, but then again, the nut does not fall too far from the tree. As the visit finally seems to be coming to an end (with all of its embarrassing moments), young Lydia pops into the discussion and attacks Bingley. She reminds Bingley about (and rather sternly holds him to) his earlier promise to give a ball at Netherfield. If such a thing was not inappropriate in itself, then Bingley's comment perhaps puts the matter into a little bit better perspective: "But you would not wish to be dancing while (Jane) is ill". You cannot seriously be planning a party while your sister lies ill in the room next door! (You cannot seriously be planning a wedding while Jane lies ailiing in the room next door...)

Ch. 8 Discussion: Elizabeth takes up a book

Elizabeth chooses to amuse herself with s book (pt 5), and as later conversation turns to the topic of an accomplished woman, Darcy concludes Miss Bingley's rather lengthy list ("a woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions...") by saying: "All this she must possess,... and to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading" (pt 10). Is it at all possible that this might be an early admission of admiration for more than Miss Elizabeth Bennet's "fine eyes"?

Elizabeth Comes to Jane's Side - Chapter 8 Discussion

"Why must she be scampering about the country, because her sister had a cold?"

At first blush, the question might be dismissed as coming from a rather proud and conceited woman, who would find little to praise in such fierce sisterly friendship and loyalty which Elizabeth displays for Jane. Yet the question does have a point: What is it that brings Elizabeth with such immediacy to the side of her ailing sister?

What is it inside of Elizabeth that brings her to cast aside all of the customary proprieties of the day so that she might be present with her sister as quickly as possible? Is it the special bond between them, something of which we witnessed in chapter 4? (In this regard, it is particularly interesting that it was directly to Elizabeth that Jane had addressed the note explaining her illness.) Does Elizabeth come to Netherfield because of her particular dedication to her sister?

In another post, I wondered aloud about the role that Elizabeth played in the plot to have Jane ride out in the open on horseback under the threat of rain in order to extend her stay at Netherfield. Is it possible that Elizabeth comes so quickly to her sister's side out of guilt for having played a role in her mother's scheme, or at least out of guilt for not having acted more forcefully to prevent her mother's utter silliness?

Is it as Bingley's sister says:

"To walk three miles, or four miles, or five miles, or whatever it is, above her ancles in dirt, and alone, quite alone! what could she mean by it? It seems to me to shew an abominable sort of conceited independence, a most country town indifference to decorum."

Or as Bingley states:

"It shews an affection for her sister that is very pleasing."

Thoughts?

The Fruit of Mrs. Bennet's Scheme - Thoughts on Chapter 8

By forcing her eldest daughter to leave behind any precautions against inclimate weather, Mrs. Bennet hoped to extend Jane's welcome at the Bingley home. She met with success, in that the poor weather extended Jane's stay; her success doubled, in that Jane became fiercely ill and unfit to travel home from Netherfield.

The question is: What is the result of Mrs. Bennet's scheme? It would seem to Jane that all but one of the residents at Netherfield consider her to be an intruder (and according to Mrs. Bennet's design, rightly so). Yet the one resident of Netherfield who is not of this opinion, Mr. Bingley, is the one who matters most to the success of Mrs. Bennet's scheme.

A Horse or a Carriage - Comments on Chapter 7

Reading through the section immediately after Jane is invited to Netherfield (pt 5), I am slightly confused. Who wants Jane to ride a horse (Mrs. Bennet), and who wants Jane to take the carriage (Jane)?

Mrs. Bennet is rather obvious, because the scheme was contrived by her to strand Jane at Netherfield until the weather should clear. Jane is also obvious ("I had much rather go in the coach.")

Mr. Bennet seems to distance himself from the whole matter. He does not eagerly participate in Mrs. Bennet's scheme, and yet at the same time, he does not seem to need much persuasion.

What brings me to a point of confusion is the remaining prominent character in this scene. I am somewhat confused about Elizabeth Bennet; I could not imagine her being in favor of this idea at all. My thoughts seem to be confirmed by how she at first responds to her mother's plan: "That would be a good scheme... if you were sure that they would not offer to send (Jane) home." (That is to say, the plan to strand Jane at Netherfield might work, if one could guarantee that the Bingleys would not send Jane back in their own carriage.) Then, after Mr. Bennet makes a joke out of his wife's rationale for the unavailability of the horses for the carriage ("They are wanted in the farm much oftener than I can get them"), Elizabeth responds:

"But if you have got them to-day... my mother's purpose will be answered."

She did at last extort from her father an acknowledgment that the horses were engaged. Jane was therefore obliged to go on horseback, etc.

As I read it, Elizabeth would seem to be the one who finally presses the matter, so that Jane ends up riding (in the rain) on horseback to Netherfield. Am I following this correctly?

Catherine and Lydia - Comments on Chapter 7

The focus turns briefly to the less prominent Bennet daughters, Catherine and Lydia. Austen tellingly describes them: "Their minds were more vacant than their sisters'". These youngest Bennet girls make it their chief occupation to be the bearers of gossip - regularly visiting their aunt in Meryton in order to return with news for evening conversation. "At present, indeed, they were well supplied both with news and happiness by the recent arrival of a militia regiment in the neighborhood; it was to remain the whole winter, and Meryton was the head quarters."

An Entailed Estate - Chapter 7 Discussion

MR. BENNET'S property consisted almost entirely in an estate of two thousand a year, which, unfortunately for his daughters, was entailed, in default of heirs male, on a distant relation; and their mother's fortune, though ample for her situation in life, could but ill supply the deficiency of his. Her father had been an attorney in Meryton, and had left her four thousand pounds. - Ch. 7 pt 1

A similar problem besets the main family in Sense and Sensibility, where the husband, by his second marriage, has only produced daughters. His decease takes place early in the novel, and his estate quickly passes along to his son, born of a previous marriage. This son is more or less talked completely out of helping his father's widow and her daughters. The women must survive on the good graces of other relatives, hoping and praying for wealthy spouses who might relieve them of their poverty.

While Mr. Bennet's decease does not at all seem imminent, the thought is no doubt prominent that the Bennet women will be pressed into a situation similar to that of Sense and Sensibility when the unfortunate event should finally take place.

Out of curiosity, would anyone be able to shed light on what this somewhat morbid beginning has to do with the rest of the chapter?

What sense? Part 2 - Comments on Chapter 7

This whole matter of Mrs. Bennet prohibiting the use of the horses for the carriage confirms that she is, very much, without common sense. Prodding along an attachment is one thing. To send Jane over in the rain on horseback is quite another. It's silly. That's the kind of role model the two youngest girls have looked up to.

Besides, wouldn't it have been more appropriate to go riding over to a gentleman's house in a more ladylike fashion? Wouldn't it score more points in the eyes of a noble suitor?

Even more, I'm not sure who is sillier--the mother for suggesting such an absurd plot--or the father who claims to have sense, but goes along with the scheme in the end.

What sense? - Comments on Chapter 7

Mrs. Bennet said, "You must not expect such girls to have the sense of their father and mother."

Alas, I'm afraid they do have the sense of their mother, which does them very little good at such a young age. Having also been given so much freedom to flit around with the officers is certainly a bad combination. That must at least partially call into question the sense of the father.

What strikes me here is the unwillingness of the father, realizing that they are silly, to even try to impart some sense into the girls. Does he think it's a lost cause? Is it just too much work? Perhaps, for he would need to start by convincing Mrs. Bennet of a need to change their behavior. That is monumental, indeed.

Illnesses - Thoughts on Chapter 7

I remember a similar scene in Sense and Sensibility - where one of the leading female characters goes wandering out in the rain, only to be seized by a terrible and dreadful (though avoidable) illness - which goes on to play a major role in getting the character "attached" to a valiant male character. (Are there any thoughts to share about these nineteenth-century illnesses or about Austen's prominent use of them in her novels?)

Whether or not Mrs. Bennet intended for her daughter to become ill, to send Jane off ill-prepared under the likeliest conditions of rain seems highly irresponsible. (Particularly given the medical capabilities of that age in treating such illnesses.) Will anything dissuade Mrs. Bennet, even the health and safety of her daughter, from gaining an edge in this matrimonial matchmaking game?

What comes of her efforts is an illness for Jane. Jane remains at Netherfield overnight. What I find interesting, in the advancement of the plot, is that the conduct of the Bingleys manages to endear them to Elizabeth, who "began to like them herself, when she saw how much affection and solicitude they shewed for Jane."

In Defense of Jane - chapter 6

Prominent portions of the conversation of chapter 6 revolve around the need for a woman to "fix the object of her affection" as quickly as possible by being obvious in her affection, "shew(ing) more affection than she feels" (pt 2), "mak(ing) the most of every half hour in which she can command (a man's) attention" (pt 3), etc. One assertion goes so far as to say that a woman should be so forward-moving in her efforts, that "It is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life" (pt 4).

Might something be said in defense of Jane and how she sets a slower pace for her whole encounter with Bingley? Though Jane "yields to the preference which she had begun to entertain for (Bingley) from the first, and was in a way to be very much in love," is there not something to be said for her act of concealing these feelings? (Jane maintains her "composure of temper and a uniform cheerfulness of manner" (pt 1).) Particularly, is there not something to be said for Jane and what she has done because "she cannot even be certain of the degree of her own regard, not of its reasonableness. She has known him only a fortnight"?