Susan Fraiman on "The Humiliation of Elizabeth Bennet" (p356-367) Caroline Philbrook
The Humiliation of Elizabeth bennet, is more about Elizabeth and her relationship with her father, Mr. Bennet and how their relationship is special, also talking about Elizabeth's marriage proposal and money in general.
This passage also widely talks about how women don't get to hear everything, and are the last to know from the men. These are a few of Elizabeth Bennet's "Humiliation" passage, also talking of course about her embarrassing moments.
1. Why do you think Elizabeth and Her father have such a close relationship?
2. Why do you think Elizabeth is so headstrong and does her own thing, rather then giving in to marriages that would help her financially?
1) I think that Elizabeth is close with her father because he is not opposed to the decisions she makes regarding her future. For example, by refusing Mr. Collins she greatly upset her mother, but her father saw no fault in it. Rather, he brought up how unfortunate it is that such a choice would separate mother and daughter (as a result of the quarrel).
ReplyDelete2) I believe that Elizabeth thinks for herself and makes "headstrong" decisions on the subject of marriage because she has witnessed firsthand what a marriage without true affection looks like and does not want it for herself. Austen discusses the nature of Mr and Mrs Bennet's marriage on page 155. He had "married a woman whose weak understanding and illiberal mind, had very early in their marriage put an end to all real affection for her." The passage continues to say how Elizabeth had always seen the disconnect between her parents, and that it brought her pain. I believe this aspect of her homelike strongly influences Elizabeth to proceed with caution when considering options for marriage and her future happiness.