Elizabeth Bennet’s Character: Language and Duets with Darcy
Analyzing Elizabeth Bennet’s Character: Language and Duets with Darcy
Elizabeth Bennet’s character is deeply intertwined with her use of language and her interactions, or ‘duets,’ with Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth’s words are consistently rooted in rationality and morality, reflecting a strong ethical compass. Her perspective on societal norms, particularly the marriage market and the entail system, is critical. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Elizabeth is not driven by a desperate need for a husband. She seeks a partner who is her equal in intellect and communication.
Elizabeth’s Keen Observation and Rejection of Mr. Collins
Elizabeth is a perceptive observer. Upon Mr. Collins’ arrival, she quickly recognizes his “conceited, pompous, narrow-minded, silly” nature (chapter 24) and his obsession with Lady Catherine. This understanding leads her to reject his marriage proposal, despite her mother’s disapproval. This rejection is unconventional, as marrying Mr. Collins would provide financial security and a comfortable home. However, Elizabeth prioritizes love and happiness over economic convenience.
Independence and Resistance to Influence
Elizabeth is not easily swayed by others’ opinions. Despite Mr. Collins’ lavish praise for Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Elizabeth finds her to be rude and overbearing. She sees Lady Catherine as a haughty, self-centered woman who expects unwavering obedience. When Lady Catherine attempts to interfere with Darcy’s affections for Elizabeth, Elizabeth firmly asserts her independence. She declares that her decisions regarding her own happiness are not subject to Lady Catherine’s influence: “I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me” (chapter 56). This confrontation highlights Elizabeth’s determination and presence of mind.
The Linguistic Equality in Elizabeth-Darcy Duets
The dialogues between Elizabeth and Darcy represent a paradigm of equality between men and women. Their conversations are characterized by equal length and sophisticated vocabulary, creating an ideal speech situation. Elizabeth and Darcy engage as partners in dialogue, striving for consensus through open communication. They adhere to the rules of conversation, including turn-taking and respecting silences. Elizabeth even playfully chides Darcy for his occasional lapses in conversational etiquette: “One must speak a little, you know. It would look odd to be entirely silent for half an hour together.”