Friday, September 25, 2015

Rejected

     Mr. Darcy, who leaning against the mantle-piece with his eyes fixed on her face, seemed to catch her words with no less resentment than surprise. His complexion became pale with anger, and the disturbance of his mind was visible in every feature. He was struggling for the appearance of composure, and would not open his lips till he believed it attained. The pause was to Elizabeth's feelings dreadful. At length, in a voice of forced calmness, he said,
     "And this is all the reply which I am to have the honour of expecting! I might, perhaps, wish to be informed why, with so little endeavour at civility, I am thus rejected. But it is of small importance."

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 Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Volume 2 ch. 11 (pg) 186
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      Oh Darcy. Poor Darcy. He, the man who looked like a fool in front of his friends because he complimented Elizabeth, was now being rejected by that very girl. He, the man who had done all he could to help free Elizabeth's sister of being partnered with someone she did not truly favor, was to be spoken to so rudely by a prejudice, poor, uncivilized, passionate, perfect, beautiful, captivating girl. She shattered his pride by rejecting his proposal; 'But it is of small importance,' my foot. He, a man in love, had to regain his pride after his vulnerability had been abused. The more I read this book, the less favorably I view Elizabeth. He should not have retaliated so harshly though, after all, his proposal had been disrespectful. But can one really blame him?

2 comments:

  1. Well, the fact that he looks like a fool in front of his friends is kind of his fault, don't you think? He really does not need to "compliment" Elizabeth, she can hold her own. I also think his first proposal was super selfish.

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    Replies
    1. It was selfish and stupid, but people in love do stupid things. Not that that justifies them, but it makes for a good story.

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