Hello, fellow P&Pers!
I'm SO very sorry for the delay in discussion questions... I have been really busy the past couple of days and haven't had a chance to relay them to you all! I will post them later tomorrow. Your answers to last week's discussion q's were very interesting and very helpful for me to read through! You are all some brilliant women!
If any of you have any questions you'd like to throw out there before I get around to posting my own questions tomorrow, please feel free!
KEPP UP THE GOOD WORK, I'm having so much fun! Hoot!
:) emery jo
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
a bit late
My term paper took over my life this week, so P&P has (sadly) been relegated to a back burner. But I turned in my paper night before last and I'm hoping to get these answers in before Emery posts new ones. Forgive me if I write too much...I'm still in paper-writing mode. Once I added the references and double spaced it, my term paper wound up to be a whopping 50 PAGES! Grad school does sick, sick things to your brain.
Anyways, here are my responses:
I deeply admire Jane's ability to think the best of people. However, I think that Elizabeth has a point in critiquing Jane. While Jane is busy looking for the best in everyone, Elizabeth seems to be making an effort to discern the true character of others, which I think is an equally valuable quality to have. Thinking of the two sisters reminds me of Jesus's admonition to us to be "as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves." Perhaps the two sisters together fulfill this statement. Ultimately, it's difficult for me to decide which is better. Maybe the answer to this will be revealed more fully as the book goes on.
It's funny, but I've begun to answer this question just as the track "Sister don't go" comes up on my iTunes. I deeply believe that choice is a big part of love. I don't think it's about retaining the same KIND of love you have for each other in that first little while, but in continuing to find NEW ways to love each other and letting the relationship grow and mature. However, I also think that in order to experience real happiness in marriage you have to be lucky (or blessed) enough to find someone that really gets you.
I think that Charlotte does speak from a certain amount of bitterness. Mrs. Bennett describes her as being plain, and Charlotte doesn't seem to have much hope of getting married or escaping being a burden to her family. Perhaps she maintains that marriage is a matter of chance in order to feel better about not having made her own match yet. If love IS a matter of luck, then she doesn't have to acknowledge the fact that there might be something wrong with her that has kept her from finding a man of her own.
I think it's interesting that Austen tries to create a distinction between pride and vanity, as these two terms are often conflated. In our society, it seems that pride and vanity are almost synonymous. However, the kind of vanity we see a la Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan seems to be much more acceptable than straight pride. In terms of the book, it seems that the most proud character is Mr. Darcy thus far. If pride is the tendency of someone to think well of him or herself over others, Mr. Darcy certainly fits the bill. His interactions with everyone at the dance are a perfect example. The most vain character, in my opinion, is Miss Bingley. She seems to constantly do things to draw attention to herself (or perhaps just the attention of Mr. Darcy). Beyond thinking highly of herself, Miss Bingley strikes me as being wholly self-absorbed. It's not enough that she holds a high position in society, she also has to draw attention her status and accomplishments constantly.
Closely related to the the idea of pride and vanity is social prejudice. In Austen's book there is a definite social hierarchy. In Austen's world, money is definitely a factor. However, social prejudice extends beyond bank accounts into the realm of behavior. Mrs. Bennett is highly scrutinized by others for her improper behavior at the party, as are her younger daughters. I think that this kind of social prejudice is present in our society, but more specifically in our churches. How often have people been criticized and ostracized for not behaving in a certain manner? How many times have you felt pushed toward a certain kind of "spiritual reaction" in a worship service? Although Austen's characters are held to a different idea of propriety than we are currently, there is certainly a level of social acceptability that exists in both worlds, and the penalty for failing to fulfill either is social rejection.
My favorite character so far is Mr. Bennett. He seems to reject the idea of propriety, instead letting his daughters run wild. While this is frustrating at times, and may prove problematic later, it's also somewhat refreshing. Most of Austen's characters seem to be highly structured and follow a strict set of unspoken rules, but Mr. Bennett marches to his own drumbeat. He is sarcastic with the ridiculous Mrs. Bennett and seems to care more for his daughters' happiness than fulfilling the role society has imposed on him. My favorite quotation so far comes from him, in response to his wife's assertion that he has no respect for her nerves. He says, "You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least.''
Anyways, here are my responses:
I deeply admire Jane's ability to think the best of people. However, I think that Elizabeth has a point in critiquing Jane. While Jane is busy looking for the best in everyone, Elizabeth seems to be making an effort to discern the true character of others, which I think is an equally valuable quality to have. Thinking of the two sisters reminds me of Jesus's admonition to us to be "as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves." Perhaps the two sisters together fulfill this statement. Ultimately, it's difficult for me to decide which is better. Maybe the answer to this will be revealed more fully as the book goes on.
It's funny, but I've begun to answer this question just as the track "Sister don't go" comes up on my iTunes. I deeply believe that choice is a big part of love. I don't think it's about retaining the same KIND of love you have for each other in that first little while, but in continuing to find NEW ways to love each other and letting the relationship grow and mature. However, I also think that in order to experience real happiness in marriage you have to be lucky (or blessed) enough to find someone that really gets you.
I think that Charlotte does speak from a certain amount of bitterness. Mrs. Bennett describes her as being plain, and Charlotte doesn't seem to have much hope of getting married or escaping being a burden to her family. Perhaps she maintains that marriage is a matter of chance in order to feel better about not having made her own match yet. If love IS a matter of luck, then she doesn't have to acknowledge the fact that there might be something wrong with her that has kept her from finding a man of her own.
I think it's interesting that Austen tries to create a distinction between pride and vanity, as these two terms are often conflated. In our society, it seems that pride and vanity are almost synonymous. However, the kind of vanity we see a la Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan seems to be much more acceptable than straight pride. In terms of the book, it seems that the most proud character is Mr. Darcy thus far. If pride is the tendency of someone to think well of him or herself over others, Mr. Darcy certainly fits the bill. His interactions with everyone at the dance are a perfect example. The most vain character, in my opinion, is Miss Bingley. She seems to constantly do things to draw attention to herself (or perhaps just the attention of Mr. Darcy). Beyond thinking highly of herself, Miss Bingley strikes me as being wholly self-absorbed. It's not enough that she holds a high position in society, she also has to draw attention her status and accomplishments constantly.
Closely related to the the idea of pride and vanity is social prejudice. In Austen's book there is a definite social hierarchy. In Austen's world, money is definitely a factor. However, social prejudice extends beyond bank accounts into the realm of behavior. Mrs. Bennett is highly scrutinized by others for her improper behavior at the party, as are her younger daughters. I think that this kind of social prejudice is present in our society, but more specifically in our churches. How often have people been criticized and ostracized for not behaving in a certain manner? How many times have you felt pushed toward a certain kind of "spiritual reaction" in a worship service? Although Austen's characters are held to a different idea of propriety than we are currently, there is certainly a level of social acceptability that exists in both worlds, and the penalty for failing to fulfill either is social rejection.
My favorite character so far is Mr. Bennett. He seems to reject the idea of propriety, instead letting his daughters run wild. While this is frustrating at times, and may prove problematic later, it's also somewhat refreshing. Most of Austen's characters seem to be highly structured and follow a strict set of unspoken rules, but Mr. Bennett marches to his own drumbeat. He is sarcastic with the ridiculous Mrs. Bennett and seems to care more for his daughters' happiness than fulfilling the role society has imposed on him. My favorite quotation so far comes from him, in response to his wife's assertion that he has no respect for her nerves. He says, "You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least.''
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Soooo disapointed
I went to Barnes and Noble Monday to buy this book, because so far I've been reading online. I went back to the section it was in and as I was walking out...about five isles away I saw a book sticking out that turns out to be the sequel to Pride and Prejudice, only written by a totally different author. Against my better judgment I read the back of it and nooooooooow I know how Pride and Prejudice is going to turn out and I'm pretty mad at myself for doing that!
This week...
So I've fallen slightly behind in my reading this week. Mostly because I got so confused on the dialogue in chapter 10 that I've made myself put it down until I can sit and really read it. And maybe re-read it.
So I don't have a quote of the week, (which I know you are all holding your breath for. I kid I kid)
but that means next week you shall get two.
But I'm off, as of noon today, to enjoy the beautiful central coast for the next 4 glorious days. I shall shop at the Cottonball in Morro Bay. Eat as many Firestone ABC burgers as I can stomach in SLO. Shop in every antique store possible in Cayucos. And quite possibly drag my brother and sister-in-law to my favorite crumbly old house off north 46 for some pictures of them, because they're cute. But first things first, tonight I shall stock up on yummy fruit and barbeque and maybe even some flowers at the Farmers Market in SLO.
I can't wait. Vacation is glorious is it not?
So I shall be thinking of you all as I'm reading P&P on my beloved Morro Strand beach, watching the dogs play, and my husband and brother do their best to destroy the new wiffle ball and bat I bought them for the occasion. Oh glorious California!!!! Watch it be foggy all weekend. That is such my luck.
Happy weekend to you all!
So I don't have a quote of the week, (which I know you are all holding your breath for. I kid I kid)
but that means next week you shall get two.
But I'm off, as of noon today, to enjoy the beautiful central coast for the next 4 glorious days. I shall shop at the Cottonball in Morro Bay. Eat as many Firestone ABC burgers as I can stomach in SLO. Shop in every antique store possible in Cayucos. And quite possibly drag my brother and sister-in-law to my favorite crumbly old house off north 46 for some pictures of them, because they're cute. But first things first, tonight I shall stock up on yummy fruit and barbeque and maybe even some flowers at the Farmers Market in SLO.
I can't wait. Vacation is glorious is it not?
So I shall be thinking of you all as I'm reading P&P on my beloved Morro Strand beach, watching the dogs play, and my husband and brother do their best to destroy the new wiffle ball and bat I bought them for the occasion. Oh glorious California!!!! Watch it be foggy all weekend. That is such my luck.
Happy weekend to you all!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Um...Totally Unrelated
So Jerry Falwell died today...is it ironic that he died from "heart related complications?" Perhaps it's best that he's in heaven now? I know this is kind of touchy...but was wondering your thoughts. <3
Monday, May 14, 2007
Discussion questions
1. Jane seems to be extremely eager to please. In Chapter 4, Elizabeth says this about her:
"Oh, you are a great deal too apt, you know, to like people in general. You never see a fault in any body. All the world are good and agreeable in your eyes... to take the good of every body's character and make it still better, and say nothing of the bad, --belongs to you alone."
Do you think it is noble or naive for Jane to be this optimistic and "honestly blind"?
I think it is terribly naive for her to be this way. I feel people like this tend to get used or walked on with out realizing it is happening.
2.In Chapter 6, Charlotte states that "Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance." What are your feelings towards this statement? Do you believe there is truth in it? Or do you feel it is spoken from a place of inexperience, or perhaps even selfishness?
I feel it is true. You can date someone for a long time and then get married only to find they change or even you change and you are no longer happy. You see a lot of married people who are unhappy and a lot who are blissful and I think it is purely chance that those two people found each other and were open and honest from day one so when marriage happened there were no surprises and they just continued being happy.
3. The words 'pride' and 'vanity' are written more times than I can count throughout chapters 4, 5, and 6. It is obvious that Jane Austen is stressing a point, here. Who do you find to be the most proud thus far? The most vain?
Hmmm. I know the obvious answer for both would seem to be Mr. Darcy. However, I don't think we have learned enough about any of the characters to make this judgment yet. I think possibly Mr. Bennet would be the most proud because he doesn't seem to show much interest in pawning his daughters off to a rich man or making his family seem more fabulous then it is.
4. Austen is also setting us up for the theme of 'social prejudice' already in these early chapters. In Chapter 5, Miss Lucas says, "[Darcy] has a right to be proud." And the Bingley sisters are said to be "entitled to think well of themselves, and meanly of others." Can you imagine living in a time where your social status determined who you could love? Do you feel there is still some 'social prejudice' in society today?
I absolutely still feel like this occurs. To be perfectly honest growing up, in my own family my parents and grandparents have always made it clear they wanted me to end up with a certain kind of guy. My cousin married a guy who came from nothing and 7 years later my family still dislikes him because of this and they still attribute everything THEY have to her. I also have a ton of friends who felt they had to marry guys with a certain level of education and stature to please their family. I know when I brought Rob home the first time, and he was a simple construction worker from a normal ole family it took a lot of getting used to. Luckily he has the kind of personality that makes everyone love him!
5. Who is your favorite character so far, and why?
Again I'm not sure I know any of the characters well enough. Unlike a lot of you I haven't read the book or seen the movie yet so I am absolutely clueless to all of this. I think I would like to get to know all of the girls a little better before picking a favorite and all we know of the two men so far is that they are attractive and one is friendly one isn't. Because of this I will need to continue reading to make a decision
"Oh, you are a great deal too apt, you know, to like people in general. You never see a fault in any body. All the world are good and agreeable in your eyes... to take the good of every body's character and make it still better, and say nothing of the bad, --belongs to you alone."
Do you think it is noble or naive for Jane to be this optimistic and "honestly blind"?
I think it is terribly naive for her to be this way. I feel people like this tend to get used or walked on with out realizing it is happening.
2.In Chapter 6, Charlotte states that "Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance." What are your feelings towards this statement? Do you believe there is truth in it? Or do you feel it is spoken from a place of inexperience, or perhaps even selfishness?
I feel it is true. You can date someone for a long time and then get married only to find they change or even you change and you are no longer happy. You see a lot of married people who are unhappy and a lot who are blissful and I think it is purely chance that those two people found each other and were open and honest from day one so when marriage happened there were no surprises and they just continued being happy.
3. The words 'pride' and 'vanity' are written more times than I can count throughout chapters 4, 5, and 6. It is obvious that Jane Austen is stressing a point, here. Who do you find to be the most proud thus far? The most vain?
Hmmm. I know the obvious answer for both would seem to be Mr. Darcy. However, I don't think we have learned enough about any of the characters to make this judgment yet. I think possibly Mr. Bennet would be the most proud because he doesn't seem to show much interest in pawning his daughters off to a rich man or making his family seem more fabulous then it is.
4. Austen is also setting us up for the theme of 'social prejudice' already in these early chapters. In Chapter 5, Miss Lucas says, "[Darcy] has a right to be proud." And the Bingley sisters are said to be "entitled to think well of themselves, and meanly of others." Can you imagine living in a time where your social status determined who you could love? Do you feel there is still some 'social prejudice' in society today?
I absolutely still feel like this occurs. To be perfectly honest growing up, in my own family my parents and grandparents have always made it clear they wanted me to end up with a certain kind of guy. My cousin married a guy who came from nothing and 7 years later my family still dislikes him because of this and they still attribute everything THEY have to her. I also have a ton of friends who felt they had to marry guys with a certain level of education and stature to please their family. I know when I brought Rob home the first time, and he was a simple construction worker from a normal ole family it took a lot of getting used to. Luckily he has the kind of personality that makes everyone love him!
5. Who is your favorite character so far, and why?
Again I'm not sure I know any of the characters well enough. Unlike a lot of you I haven't read the book or seen the movie yet so I am absolutely clueless to all of this. I think I would like to get to know all of the girls a little better before picking a favorite and all we know of the two men so far is that they are attractive and one is friendly one isn't. Because of this I will need to continue reading to make a decision
Sunday, May 13, 2007
P&P on the road
Hi everyone; I just wanted to let you know that I will be out of town from the 14th to the 28th and I won't have access to a computer. I am bringing along the P&P book on the trip, but I'm wondering, is it 6 chapters every week? Just wanted to know so I could stay caught up. Thanks!!
Abby
Abby
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