74: Pride, Vanity, and Darcy

It’s obvious that there’s a theme of pride. Darcy comes across as a prideful man when “insulting” Elizabeth (even though I don’t think she’s being insulting, honestly)… And Elizabeth is somewhat arrogant when it comes to the selections of men…. but that’s from my perspective. I know she’s really just level-headed and not the typical, I need to fall in love because every one is, girl.

I loved the definitions explaining the differences between vanity and pride:

“Vanity and pride are different things, thought the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vane. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.” pg 15

“Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride – where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will be always under good regulation.” pg 43

Much like Darcy, I, too, am vain. I’ll admit it. I think Darcy knows he’s a catch and therefore is comes across as prideful. But is that really true? Based on S&S, I can predict that everything will unravel at the end… and the misconception of what is prideful actions could be something else.

73: Happiness and Marriage

I’ve been married since December of 2003.

I felt a shock of sorrow and despair for the women in the novel when Charlotte said this:

“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.”

Yikes… if people aren’t happy in marriage… what else is there?

My wife and I have known each other for 10 years, married for almost 7… and I’m glad that the happiness we’ve experienced hasn’t been by chance.

72: “You remind me of Mr. Darcy”

My friend Becks, who mentioned she is Marianne Dashwood, once said that I remind her of Mr. Darcy. I didn’t know exactly how to take that when it was first said. I knew from prior knowledge of P&P that it wasn’t necessarily a good thing…

I was unsure about being called Mr. Darcy, but now that I’m into my 3rd Austen novel, I honestly don’t mind the reference.

Diljott asked the following in a comment:

I have often wondered how sick and tired Darcy was of always being courted because of his money and what all went with it.

I’d like to refer to this sentence to the real reason why women are attracted to him:

Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance…

I’m not saying that I’m incredibly handsome, but I have caught a few ladies’ eyes in my day. Now, not so much. But when Elizabeth is hurt by his comment, I felt really, REALLY bad. Do I do that to women? or people in general? Darcy is turning out to be an intriguing character and as I read through each sentence and turn each page, I’m relating more and more with him.

71: Picture Perfect

70: Love, Dancing, and Being Tolerable

I have been trying to phrase the first sentence of this post for about the last 24 minutes. Let me be straight-forward: I see 2 things here.

1. Lizzy. She’s amazing. A vivacious, honest, strong-willed, and level-headed young girl. I’m enjoying her character very much.

2. Mr. Darcy. A true man who isn’t afraid to speak his mind. Now, I know him and Mr. Bingley come off as pompous jerks, but that’s a man’s world for you. I have had very, VERY similar conversations. It seems that he is built up to be some sort of god. Austen’s descriptions, even though the narrator and Lizzy are extremely close, are somewhat negative, yet intriguing. Although he is described as arrogant and prideful, he still entices readers… and Lizzy’s interest.

How very British and 18th Century this line is: “To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.” I would agree that dancing and the sophistication of a ball or formal gathering would be a building component to any love affair. And my favorite line: ”She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me…” Now, Lizzy becomes so utterly upset that Darcy is completely shunned. But does Darcy ever get his side of the story explained? Perhaps the narration is a little heavy on the female perspective, but I’m having a lot of fun relating to the Misters in this book.