2) Please re-read the letters from Jane Austen's novel.
3) Choose a character from Pride & Prejudice and take on that persona. Think about a character you want to write to as you...
4) ...compose a letter explaining your experience reading this novel. Post the letter in this space.
5) The letter is due Monday, October 16th. THIS IS WORTH A MAJOR GRADE, SO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY.
Criteria & Rubric
A range has the following qualities:
* Well-written 1-2 page letter
* Genuine review of the novel using apt and specific details from the novel
* Voice is clear, as is the person to whom it is written
* Apt and specific references to the characters are employed in the letter
* Apt and specific references to plot points are employed in the letter
* Passion and a satirical flare of Austen are present
* Jane Austen would be proud!
B range
* Adequately written one page letter
* General review of the novel using some examples from the novel
* Voice is not quite as clear as the A, as is the person to whom it is written
* Some references to the characters are employed in the letter
* Some references to plot points are employed in the letter
* Bingley says, "Excellent!"
C range has the following qualities:
* Adequately written letter
* General review of the novel, with few examples from the text
* Voice is not clear, as is the person to whom it is written
* Few references to the characters are employed in the letter
* Few references to plot points are employed in the letter
* Sir. Lucas says, "Capital! Capital!"
D and F range has the following qualities:
* Letter is written
* General review of the novel with no examples from the text
* Voice is not clear, as is the person to whom it is written
* No references to the characters are employed in the letter
* No references to plot points are employed in the letter
* Lady Catherine DeBourg says, "I am quite put out!"
Please read this letter from the University of Pemberley
I was deferred!
What? Collins Community College, too? That was my safety!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDear Lady Catherine De Bourgh
ReplyDeleteI have two motives for writing this letter to you, my most kind and considerate patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. One is to describe to you the events that have recently occurred, the events which led to the extremely unsuitable match of your most noble and condescending nephew, Mr. Darcy, and my arrogant, and, if I may add, dim-witted cousin, the former Ms. Elizabeth Bennet, who now goes by the name of Mrs. Darcy. The other is to offer my deepest apologies for not putting greater effort into preventing this sorrowful affliction from happening, and to assure you that I vehemently disapprove of such an unsuitable match. And thus I shall start, with telling you the most unbiased and truthful version of the events that I can possibly give you. Mr. Darcy first came to Meryton with his beloved friend, Mr. Bingley, Bingley's two sisters, and Mr. Hurst, to inspect Netherfield Park, the property which Mr. Bingley just purchased, and to attend a local assembly. I have from a reliable source, that, unsurprisingly, Mr. Darcy was the center of attention, and that he quickly won the favor of all those he met with his charm and good manners. I believe that this is when Elizabeth begins to formulate her devious designs. By all reports she focused her charms and conversation on him only, in a desperate attempt to gain his favor. She does this again at an evening hosted by my great father-in-law, Sir William Lucas. Then , tragedy strikes; Mr. Bingley is forced to let Jane stay at Netherfield, due to her being afflicted with a high fever, and Elizabeth uses the opportunity to get closer to Mr. Darcy by staying with her sister. I have many reports from Ms. Bingley herself that Elizabeth conducted herself with the utmost arrogance, refusing to converse with anyone besides Mr. Darcy, and was always reading a book instead of engaging with the group. After this event, I entered Meryton. The reason for my visit was to meet the Bennets, for I believed it was the Christian thing to do, to meet the family whose estate is entailed to me. Elizabeth took notice of my manner, fortune, and good connections, and often flirted with me. She practically begged me to marry her, but I knew what she was when I first saw her, and refused her every advance. I did meet and fall in love with my dear Mrs. Collins, a much more sensible and virtuous woman. During that time, Mr. Bingley hosted a ball, at which Elizabeth was able to secure a dance from Mr. Darcy, an impressive feat, considering the dozens of ladies who were vying to meet the renowned Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Bennett was also very outspoken about how she wished to see her daughters marry into wealthy families, regardless of the suitability of the match. After the ball I left with my dear wife, and did not see the Bennets again for many months. To my great misfortune, Elizabeth came to visit, I wanted to turn her away, but at the request of my kind wife I let her stay. I am terribly sorry for bringing such a creature into Rosings Park, and I am sure you knew her character when you first saw her, yet you kindly let her stay. When Mr. Darcy came, Elizabeth continued her seduction, but fortunately he left before anything disastrous could happen, like a proposal of marriage. After Elizabeth left I heard that she pursued him to Pemberley. I do not know much of what happened there, besides from what Ms. Bingley told, and all she talked about was eyes. It is here I believed that she completed her seduction of our poor Mr. Darcy, although through what means I have no idea.
Then the youngest Ms. Bennett eloped with an irreputable fellow by the name of Mr. Wickham. The apple does not apparently fall far from the tree, for Kitty spent weeks alone with him in London. She must have learnt such irresponsible behavior from her elder sisters. Even though she came back married, I suspect the worse to have taken place. I would not let her into my sight again. After this the scandalous rumor of Mr Darcy’s intent to marry Elizabeth began to spread. I wrote at least 23 letters to the father to prevent such a match, but it was to no avail. If even your interference could not set Elizabeth onto the right path, then I fear that nothing ever will. You know about the marriage itself. I will spare you the details. I just want to again state my sincerest apologies. I believe that it is the Christian thing to forgive them, but I cannot bear to hear her name uttered in presence. I hope that our relationship will not be affected by this grievous affliction.
DeleteSincerely,
Mr. Collins
Mr. Wickham,
ReplyDeleteSir, before reading the full of my letter, please understand that I have no desire to be in contact with you. I write purely out of disagreement with your actions, and while I will attempt to remain civil, you must know that I hold a severe dislike for you and your actions.
Now, you may have heard that my wife, formerly known as Miss Elizabeth Bennet, has written a novel of our relations under the pseudonym ‘Jane Austen’. Her writing brings me much joy and I was truly engrossed in this novel, but I was also rather mortified by some events that had taken place. You see, after reading her recollection of the events prior to our marriage, I have become fully aware of your deceptions. While your distasteful nature is not quite as obvious to the eyes as say her relative, Mr. Collins, it is increasingly clear that you are more horrid and spiteful than I had previously known, and you very well may have ruined a young woman’s life because of it. I have known for some time that your happy manner hides a vile core, so it was very hard to read of how Elizabeth was drawn to you originally. I cannot help feel responsible, for although I did attempt to warn her of you, I see in her writings that I did not relay your possible intentions and the repercussions of them clearly enough to my wife, who at the time probably would not have believed me anyway. No indeed, she would not know or accept my account of our past for some time, and it pains me greatly to know she found me so disagreeable and you so enthralling. You have always been very charming with your speech, which my Elizabeth noted in her recollection of you first encounter. She wrote, and I will quote her, that, “the commonest, dullest, most threadbare topic might be rendered interesting by the skill of the speaker (52).” It is not surprising that she would have preferred such an eloquent man as yourself over myself, particularly after her first impressions of me. In fact, my prideful disposition put her off so much that she did not believe of your true nature until I wrote to her of your indiscretions with my dear sister, for no man with such regard for himself would create such a falsehood just to discredit another. It pained me greatly to write, and read again, my account of your brief relationship with Georgiana, which my sister and Mrs. Darcy agreed to include, but Miss Bennet needed to know why I had such strong a dislike in regards to you. As my reading continued, it filled me with regret that I could not have warned her family of you as well. Like Elizabeth, I know just how much shame a passionate elopement can bring, but we both know that was not your original plan, and I am utterly horrified that you would have subjected my wife and her relatives to such disgrace should I not have stepped in. It was almost humorous to read of Elizabeth’s astonishment when she found out I persuaded you to marry the youngest Miss Bennet, because she was surprised just how much I cared for her. Honestly, I believe I was clear about my affection, but my dear has informed me that I had also been rather disrespectful when expressing myself. If you were not a such disgrace to the Bennet family, I might even thank you for giving me the opportunity to help my wife as I did, for although I had not intended for her to find out of my involvement, she did, and that discovery propelled us to engagement.
Sir, I am not a perfect gentleman. I lead a dear friend to believe his true love did not return his feelings, a deplorable truth now immortalized in writing for all to read. I have been cold and dismissive to some, including my dear wife’s family. But I gave you the benefit of the doubt, and you wasted it. Now you have subjected a young woman to a life of debt and debauchery that will surely ruin you both. My wife’s novel, a tale of love trying enough to rival Shakespeare himself, has exposed you for the despicable snake you are. Anyone who reads her account, and I am quite sure it will be read by a great many, will know that behind your silver tongue lies a deplorable soul. While I hope, out of familial obligation, that Mrs. Wickham will not be quite as tarnished by Pride and Prejudice, I hold no such prayer for you, sir.
DeleteHopefully, there will be no need for future correspondence.
Regards, F. Darcy
Dear Elizabeth Bennet,
DeleteI know you would want nothing to do with me or even to see my name anywhere but, I have many explanations for what I thought was the best for Mr. Bingley and myself. I did not want you to overreact on who Mr. Wickham really was because he seemed to make you very happy and excited to see him when you attended the parties. I thought it was the best to “detach Mr. Bingley from your sister [Jane],- and the others, that I had, in defiance of various claims, in defiance of honour and humanity, ruined the immediate prosperity, and blasted the prospects of Mr. Wickham” (133). I know I hurt you and your sister in many ways but I wanted to protect my best friend from what could have happened, which was just to marry Mr. Bingley's for his wealth and play with his feelings. I was absolutely wrong and shouldn't have looked to far in the future and should have focused on the present when Mr. Bingley had a big smile on his face when he saw Jane in the same room. “I can only say I'm sorry. The necessity must be obeyed- and farther apology would be absurd. I had not been in Hertfordshire, before I saw, in common with others, that Bingley preferred your eldest sister, to any other young woman in the country. But it was not till the evening of the dance at Netherfields that I had any apprehension of his feelings a serious attachment. I had often seen him in love before” (134). When I first saw you at the Netherfields ball I knew you were different from the other young woman that attended the dance. I have always concealed myself and showed no emotion because it felt like if I showed any emotion I would feel weak and vulnerable. So instead everyone thought I was proud and didn't care for anyone. When you walked 3 miles just to see your eldest sister when she was sick, made me really fond of you even more than before. I know you like to read, and you have seen my collections of books so you know I have a passion for reading, I have read many book in my library but the book that stood out the most to me was Pride and Prejudice. I could read that book 100 times and never get sick of the plot line. There were just so many suspense about what would happen next and if the problem that the character faced would be resolved. If you read Pride and Prejudice Elizabeth you won't be able to put the book down until you finish the novel. The character that would make you laugh is Mrs. Bennet, she is a crazy women, is loves to exaggerate situations to the extreme. She only cares about her daughter's getting married to a men with large fortune and when she finds out that the new visitors were coming to visit Netherfield and is single she get excited and says “Oh! Single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls! (1). She insisted Mr. Bennet go see them but when he said he didn't want, Mrs. Bennet said "Design! Nonsense, how can you talk so! But it is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them, and therefore you must visit him as soon as he comes" (2). But I find her very annoying and obnoxious. I felt like all the characters in the novel had completely different personalities from one another. They were never similar to one another which made it more interesting to read. I suggest one day you take a trip down to Pemberley with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and stay for the weekend to read the book. I can let you read in my library with peace and quiet, while I take Mr. Gardiner fishing at my lake. When you finish Pride and Prejudice you can tell me what you thought about the book because I thought it was a good book.
Fitzwilliam Darcy
Main-street, October 16.
ReplyDeleteMy Dearest Lizzy,
How I marvel at the past few weeks’ events; nay, of the past year. Bingley loves me. Oh Lizzy, I never dreamt of him coming back for me, never let myself hope that he could still love me when he went away to London so abruptly. Though I tried my best to hide it, I was miserable with him so far away, and with the knowledge that he no longer loved me. I wondered how long it would be before I heard of an engagement between himself and another girl. Then when he came to Longbourn… He was so shy that I could not make out his feelings towards me. That morning, when he proposed to me, was the best day I could ever have imagined, to find out that he truly loved me.
You know how it is, now that you’re with Darcy. Lizzy, you quite shocked me when you told me the news, after what disagreeable things you had said about him. However, I was easily convinced of your love for him, as you told of everything he had so selflessly done for our family and for you. He’s a good man, and that makes me even happier than I was before to know that you have found love also. I am so glad that Wickham shifted his focus when he did. I could not bear it if I was in such happiness and you were stuck in an unfeeling relationship like the one between Mr. Collins and Charlotte. Though I truly believe Charlotte has found a way to be happy, I know you could never have done the same with Mr. Collins. The situation was not funny at the time, but now that you are safe in Darcy’s arms, perhaps you will be able to look back on experience and laugh. I know you will, for you always find great humor in “stupid men,” as you called them, just like Papa does. I’m not sure Papa would have invited Mr. Collins as quickly as he did, however, if he knew his beloved daughter would be asked to marry the man. Papa is such a funny man sometimes, though I know he loves us both.
I sometimes think about Mother, and wonder how Papa could have married her. When you described how Mr. Darcy first proposed to you, you said one of his hesitations was our family situation. Mother was quite forward in her wish for all of us to be married, and, though it pains me to admit, I did blush almost every time she spoke in a public setting. Lydia, though, caused my cheeks to burn scarlet when she came home, flouncing about, crowing about her elopement and marriage to Wickham. Now, when she visits, even Bingley wishes the stays were shorter than they are, and I admit that I am thankful when she leaves. Her utter naivety I know pains you, and it does I as well, though I hope this is not a grievous fault on my part.
I long to see you again, and Bingley wishes to see Darcy shortly as well. Please let us know the soonest you can come visit. Bring Georgiana as well; the darling is so sweet and kind, and I’d love to have her come.
Best,
Jane Bingley
October the 14th
ReplyDeleteMost Honorable and Esteemed Lady Catherine de Bourgh,
I cannot offer you enough thanks for allowing me to venture from your very own Rosings to Longbourn these last few days. I am, as you so wisely recommended, in search of a wife. Here at my cousin's home, I have had the utmost pleasure in meeting all five of his daughters and one in particular brings me the greatest of joys. It is the second eldest, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I know her to be just the type of modest wife you recommended, and I knew we were to be together almost immediately upon my arrival. I believe I shall soon be asking for her hand, if of course your ladyship's still recommends it.
There are not many goings on to keep oneself occupied with here, especially when put in contrast with the bustling social life of your own most sought after Rosings Park. However, I have found one way of holding my attention that I think your ladyship may also condescend to enjoy. I have begun to read a most eloquent work of Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, it is called. Allow me to give you just a brief taste of it, for I would never want to recommend a text that would bring you little pleasure and this way you many see if it would suit your fancy. It opens with a small family living in our very own England. The family, much like my dear cousin Mr. Bennet’s family, possesses five, yet to be wed, daughters. The daughters come across a stroke of good fortune early on. A young and suitable cousin to the family comes to town with the intention of pursuing one of the daughters in marriage. Oh Madame, if I may go so far as to say he truly is a gentleman. He always keeps praise and compliments at the ready and is in fact employed to a prestigious church just as I am to the most prestigious church of all, in Rosings Park. Now, this man is just about to propose marriage to one of the daughters! She is soft-spoken, of humble beginnings and possesses all the qualities that you have been so kind as to recommend I seek in my own wife! Once, more the novel is titled Pride and Prejudice. I am sure you ladyship could attain a copy, if of course you wish to, and perhaps one for the most beautiful, Miss de Bourgh. However, if you would care to read my copy I would be thoroughly honored. I hope all is well in Rosings Park and I am greatly looking forward to my return. Once again, my utmost thanks for condescending to allow me to travel away from the church for the few weeks.
Sincerely,
William Collins
Ellie Yates
October the 16th
DeleteMost Honorable and Esteemed Lady Catherine de Bourgh,
Madame! I must beg your pardon for the rash style of this letter! I have rushed to write it to you and have sent it by express mail. I have only just finished Pride and Prejudice and have come to the realization that I ought to have never wrote to you of the text until I was able to recognize it for its true nature. And its true nature is an ugly one, I humbly assure you Madame. It is highly improper and imprudent! I would hate to be the cause of your suffering through such such a book, so, as you know, I wrote you immediately! It was was in the beginning of the book, when the minister was turned down when he so generously offered marriage to one of his cousin’s daughters, that I first started to glimpse the true nature of the text. Of course, at first I only thought that the refusal of marriage was an attempt to draw out the proposal, but I was most sadly mistaken. Then my doubts were resurfaced when another one of the daughters ran away with a officer. An officer who she was not married to! I should rather that any daughter of mine die before stuffing such a disgrace. I should have wrote you about these most disdainful goings on right away but alas, I did not. It wasn’t until the daughter, previously proposed to by the minister, accepted a different marriage proposal that I realized the atrocity the book really is. This daughter married the nephew of a great lady despite the fact that the nephew was to be married to this great lady’s daughter. The most powerful and respected, although nowhere near the influence of you ladyship, Madame, even ventured to this girl’s home. This Madame informed the girl that she was not to, could not be allowed to, marry her ladyship’s nephew, that there were plans set in place for his matrimony and that it would be to her ladyship's daughter! But this girls behavior towards her ladyship was simply ghastly, she did not hold her tongue and spoke back in a most disrespectful manner. And then, and then, she married the nephew despite it all. The events were most alarming and horrific. Words cannot express my sorrows for ever thinking this book worthy of you. I most sincerely beg for your forgiveness but in no way expect it to be so immediately bestowed. I shall return to Rosing’s immediately and attempt to right all the damage I have caused, my search for a wife did not turn out as I expected anyhow, and I don’t expect to find one here. Again, words cannot express my regret for what trouble I must have caused you and Miss de Bourgh. I can only hope that your ladyship’s most kind and forgiving nature will be able to grant me your forgiveness.
My deepest apologies and regret,
William Collins
Ellie Yates
Dear Lydia,
ReplyDeleteHow are things with you and your darling husband Mr Wickham? I am still most put off by your father's decision to not let you back to Longbourn.
I am writing to tell you about this nonsensical book i have read called Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. My poor nerves through this whole novel. All the characters had no idea of the importance of marriage and kept making absurd decisions. Also the fact that this book is written by a woman is prosperous. She should be focusing on marriage herself.
My favorite character by far was Miss Bennet. She was the only one with any sense in the novel. Her understanding of the world and the importance of marriage reminded me of myself. If everyone had just listened to her then they wouldn’t have to go through all the drama they did. If her two oldest daughters had shown more interest in marriage then the youngest might not have been the first to marry and poor Miss Bennet would not have suffered the way she did.
The most despicable character was that horrible Mr. Darcy. Separating Jane and Mr. Bingley like that was just wicked. No matter what his reasons, destroying the possibility of Jane’s marriage and the prosperity of her family is abominable.
I was also quite peeved by Elizabeth's choice to turn down two marriage proposals. It was beyond understanding. I feel for her poor mother. I, too, have a daughter that has made the same decision. My nerves - my poor nerves.
Sincerely,
Miss Bennet
My dear sister Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteYou will be amazed when you hear about Jane Austen’s book! I cannot help but laugh when I see all of the similarities to our own lives. I absolutely love this book! I think you will love this book too. I have not read a single chapter that I did not enjoy, and I think that you, my almost favorite sister, will agree with me. I particularly liked the character introductions, there is even a character named Lydia in the book. She resembles me to the very last hair! I despise that wench in the book though. I think that she is quite silly, and irresponsible. Although, I am also silly I think that I am quite mature for my age, seeing that I just got married to the love of my live. Mr.Wickam is another character that I dislike. He is completely different from the Mr.Wickam that I am married to, and he sounds sleazy. Ha! A perfect man for a perfect woman, am I right or not? I was amazed at how accurate this book was to our own lives! I can hardly write, for I am too busy reading over the book. I think you can guess what my favorite part of the book is, and if you cannot then you are a bonafide idiot. My favorite part was the climax of the book of course! I very much appreciate the inclusion of drama and suspense in the book, of which I felt the book was lacking in the previous chapters. Elizabeth I think you can learn a thing or two from this girl, cause she ended up getting married first out of her sisters even though she was the youngest! Reminds me of something, doesn’t it Elizabeth. This climax was a nice change of pace, and it set up one of the best endings that I have ever read. The ending was neat and tied up very nicely in comparison to many other books that overload the end with loose threads. Many other books that I have read recently have been introducing new topics in the ending to try and get a sequel. However, this rarely works and drags out a satisfying conclusion. I feel like this results from authors being unable to write endings. I can hardly write anymore, as I have better things to do than inform you of a book.
The better sister,
Mrs.Wickam
Dear Mr. Darcy
ReplyDeleteI know you are quite a busy man and your schedule is very busy, but as I write to you today, I would like to thank you for all that you have done for us. Not only have you married one of my daughters but you have married the most intelligent and well-mannered one, which I believe you truly deserve. When I said, “Do not make yourself uneasy, my love. Wherever you and Jane are known you must be respected and valued; and you will not appear to less advantage for having a couple of—or I may say, three—very silly sisters”(43) while talking to Elizabeth, I knew she would find herself a great husband, and none could be better than you. When Elizabeth said, How despicably I have acted!" she cried; "I, who have prided myself on my discernment! I, who have valued myself on my abilities! who have often disdained the generous candour of my sister, and gratified my vanity in useless or blameable mistrust! How humiliating is this discovery! Yet, how just a humiliation! Had I been in love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind!”(127) she had truly discovered her “pride and prejudice” moment, and this is part of her being so mature and understanding her surroundings and the people she is around. I would just love it if you took great care of her because that would make Mrs. Bennet and I the proudest parents to have raised such an accomplished and mature daughter. I have also been informed that you paid off my daughter Lydia’s wedding expenses and you facilitated her marriage. I thank you quite dearly for this and I have no idea how to repay you. I would also like to apologise for my family's behaviour might not always be respectable and I hope you do not have to deal with any more sibling quarrels after your marrying of Elizabeth. My wife can be overenthusiastic about some things especially concerning marriage, and that is why she sometimes comes off as obnoxious at balls and dinners. I am very glad you took the time to read this and I appreciate all that you do for us.
Your Father-in-Law, Mr. Bennet
Dear Mr.Darcy…
ReplyDeleteI have in a hurried manner deliver you the news of Pride & Prejudice by that undignified radical Jane Austen and must say I am quite displeased. Throughout this novel I have read of ‘love’, misfortune, and terrible marriages. In the beginning I thought I would like Elizabeth Bennet she seemed like a level headed girl, but dearest me I was so very wrong. My dislike for her became relevant when I found that she did not like mr. Darcy, when mr. Darcy claimed “she is Tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me” (chp3. pg7) She was angry with him and made a rash decision of not enjoying him!. In my opinion Mr. Darcy had every right to not dance with her. how could he a Noble and Highly connected man ever to decide to dance with a woman of no obvious connections. I do agree with mr. Darcy and I do appreciate his character for this book has to have someone sensible in it. I should have stopped reading right there, but little did I know the book would somehow grasp me in its talons and convince me to read on. I was highly disappointed and rather shocked of how the next chapters five and Six commenced. It begins with the family of Elizabeth Bennett discussing the ball thrown by Mr.Bingley which they deemed very much to their liking. I was quite unamused when the Bennett family discussed that even though Mr. Bingley a very likeable man danced with many women at the ball, that he was infatuated with Jane because he danced with her twice. Apparently the whole Bennett family felt this way and the conversation change to Mr. Darcy and that wide-eyed Elizabeth deemed him unworthy to dance in which I highly disagreed with. I was holly in shock the entire family agreed with Elizabeth about Mr.Darcy saying that he was to proud. “And I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine”(chp5. pg13).Mr.Darcy has every right to be proud for he has a vast fortune and is unmarried. This section of the book seems utterly unlikable to me, for I got quiet riled up and was forced to put it down before I read further. the whole conversation seemed quite absurd. After I'd finally collected my thoughts and was in the right mind I began to read again, quite shocked that I was already disappointed in this novel and it was not even chapter 7. I again was disturbed when I discovered that Mr. Darcy apparently found Elizabeth Bennet the subject of his admiration. I don't know how on earth Mr. Darcy could ever be attracted to that Bennett girl, she shooed him away and is extremely lower than him in connections as in wealth.
I found that chapter 6 was quite disagreeable with me. My impression stayed the same as I read through the chapters and it was quite low when I reached chapter 9. I was disgusted with Mrs. Bennett's attitude and deplorable plan to get Jane spend more time with Mr. Bingley in hopes of a marriage.” No, my dear, you had better go on horseback, because it seems likely to rain, and then you must stay all night”(chp7. Pg 22) She had sent her own daughter carriage less to a house of high wealth in hopes of finding a husband. I would never do anything of the sort, I would have my daughter ride to that house in the nicest carriage I could have( of which I have several). The eldest daughter Jane became sick of course because she had been forced to ride in the rain, and being sick she was not in the right position to go to go back to her quaint estate. I felt quite poorly for the Bingley family as they were forced to keep an unwelcome guest lower than them, who is sick(bedridden even!) in their humble home of Netherfield. Reading this novel I find myself needing your company Mr.Darcy but I know that I shall soon hear back from you. I do believe that you my dear nephew would never pick up such a novel and I am ashamed that I had read it thus far. I apologise my nephew for I could not read on. Reading this novel quite a headache and I can not bare to finish it for fear that Mr.Darcy and Elizabeth would marry and mess up the social ladder of which each was born into. I look forward to your reply for we must gather and discuss this atrocity at Rosings.
ReplyDeleteLady-Catherine de Bourgh
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMr. Darcy
ReplyDeleteGreetings sir, before I go on, I would like to say that this will be the last time I will ever be speaking to you. I have no desire to speak with you, but I have to get this off my chest. I legitimately, genuinely, dislike you, and I will attempt to remain civil, but I have really, really dislike you.
Now, you’ve obviously have heard of my marriage with my dearest Lydia, one of those fine sisters from the Bennet family. You can have that Ms. Elizabeth Bennet. It’s so sad how you weren’t able to show Elizabeth your true self early. You bring yourself to Meryton to come see Mr. Bennet’s property just to become the center of attention for Elizabeth. You liked Elizabeth all along, but you denied it. You decided to play hard to get. It’s a good thing I spread all those rumors about you, after you denied giving me more money. You fool, you never should have messed with me, I don’t even regret eloping with your younger sister, Georgiana. I used your father, and I don’t regret a single thing about it. Now let’s go back to Elizabeth now that I have reminded you of how much of a fool you are. I really can’t believe how someone like Elizabeth would go for you. I tried so hard to get her to dislike you. She even noted you as someone who hates everyone, “and your defect is to hate everyone.” Well, I hope you are happy now that Elizabeth is with you, a dull, stale, lifeless, uninteresting, scum who doesn’t give people money when they actually need it (even though I really didn’t need it). I don’t even care about what Elizabeth thinks of me after what you told her of what I have done to you and your family. She can be dead. Elizabeth is another person that I do not like at all. I honestly cannot believe that she fell in love with you. You are going to be such a disgrace to the Bennet family and not only you, but Elizabeth. Elizabeth, you could learn a thing or two to not be picky about who you marry, now look who you are stuck with! I know I said I was going to be civil… but you are a scoundrel!
My Dearest Lizzie,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you’re marrying a man who gets 10,000 pounds a year. You must invite me to your home in Pemberley, there if so much we could do after all we still have one sister left to be married, maybe we could set up a grand ball. I am very fortunate to have my three daughters married to wealthy gentleman, but I must say you aren’t as pretty as Jane I don’t see why Mr Darcy chose you over Jane. I heard from your sister Lydia that you have written a book about all of the ruckus that we had went through. I do hope that you revise your book and not talk about how I was talking about all the gentleman's wealth, but I must say I loved when you told them how bad my nerves were. It was the only way that they all could know how much stress I was putting on myself. “Oh Mr Bennet! How can you tease me so? Have you no compassion for my poor nerves?” this was by far my favorite line Lizzie. I should have never been mad at you when you said that you weren’t going to marry Mr. Collins, but please do empathize with me Lizzie I was just afraid. I very much disliked your father’s reaction back “From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. -- Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.” I was disgusted when Mr. Bennett said this. I was very angry at how he didn’t care about his children as much as I do, but I see now that he has done something right. Lizzie do you think that we might be able to go to London, I have never been there and I was hoping that we could take one of Mr. Darcy’s carriages. Well my dear Lizzie I hope you have a wonderful day my girl.
Your Lovely Mother,
Mrs Bennett
Dear Lady Catherine de Bourgh,
ReplyDeleteI shall not take much of your time to illustrate the events that have most recently transpired. It all began upon Mr. Darcy’s renunciation to accompany Ms. Elizabeth Bennett to a dance at the Longbourne. Elizabeth did not take kindly to this rejection as she prejudiced Mr. Darcy for a large extent of time. Meanwhile, Jane, Elizabeth’s more open minded sister, found an appeal in the very amiable Mr. Bingley. Later on, Elizabeth grew very fond of Mr. Wickham, an officer in the regiment, and a lying acquaintance to Mr. Darcy. Mr. Wickham was quickly discovered to be of low prestige not even in the proximity of your finest dignity. Thereafter, I declared my proposal to become engaged to the close minded miss Bennett, who rejected me and the benefits of living on the estate which you have entrusted to me. However, Elizabeth shall not tempt me any longer as I then found my one true love in life, Ms. Charlotte Lucas. From the moment, that I met her I knew that she was going to be the one, which is why I asked her to marry me right then and there. Of course no lady would resist an offer as such from me, and so I married the beautiful Charlotte Lucas. After this engagement though, I have found myself often, watering the plants, and taking care of the estate. How miserable Elizabeth must have felt, seeing all the lavish rooms and decorations of my estate, and what she had missed out on. When Mr. Wickham discovered that Elizabeth knew of the money that he had accepted from Mr. Darcy, he had decided to run off with the desperate Lydia Bennett to presumably ruin the Bennett name, which, already, did not have much value to it. However, because of Mr. Darcy’s love for Elizabeth, he had decided to find Wickham and pay him money to marry Lydia, putting the Bennett name in less jeopardy. Finally, Elizabeth got married to Mr. Darcy, and Jane married Mr. Bingley. I believe that everything worked out for the best, especially for me, as I was able to marry the most beautiful woman of them all.
Sincerely, Mr. Collins.
-Alex Wessel
Dear Mr. Darcy,
ReplyDeleteYou may not get the time to read this because you are a very busy nowadays, with your marriage included. And aswell my marriage to your wife’s sister. I do have to say, a very sincere congrats on the marriage, I hope we do get some jolly good time to see each other knowing how busy the whole family has been, that would be notable. While we have been away, Jane and I have now bought a house and have been reading a lot lately. One of our favorites has been “Pride and Prejudice” written by Jane Austen. The characters all have this weird bond together that make their lives like a love triangle. I would even say Mr. Darcy that this is as if this book was based off of drama from High School. There are these sisters that all go to a ball and meet these two men, and one of the men like one of the sisters. While reading we learn there is a quite ferocious man who doesn’t have the slightest bit of care about one of the girls. If we flip through to later on, we also learn that this same man that didn’t really like this girl at first, now totally has feelings for her. This kinda sounds like you Mr. Darcy, doesn’t it? Anyways, this book is a very good read Darcy, it has the great mix of drama and suspense. Also throughout the book you kind of gain a bond with some of the characters. Finally, all I have to say my dear Darcy is that the ending is a very large surprise and you know I don’t enjoy giving away endings to my books. I am very jolly that you got the time to read this, good day Darcy.
Sincerely,
Mr. Bingly
-Zachary Mola
My dearest Mr. Darcy,
ReplyDeleteI extend my deepest and sincerest felicitations to yourself and Eliza on your unexpected engagement. It would give me great pleasure to hear how you acquired her hand, as the last time we were all together, I vaguely recall your slight distaste for her family’s judgement and desperation for wealth. It is such a noble act on your part, to marry someone less accomplished than yourself. As I am sure you remember, "A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half-deserved." (ch 8) However, I do wish you luck, as you will surely be making visits to Longbourn to visit your new mother and father. I praise you, as I could not fathom an additional evening with Mrs. Bennet. I can imagine she is especially keen on visiting Eliza at Pemberley, once the two of you are married, with her entire family as witness. Mr. Collins, as well, would find your home exquisite, should he acquire a tour, or perhaps a stay. Hopefully, newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Wickham, will be able to attend, as I am sure Eliza would take pleasure in seeing her old friend, Mr. Wickham. Please extend my congratulations to Wickham and Lydia. As for Eliza, I hope she will adjust to the change in scenery well, I am sure she has never bared witness to such wealth and accomplishment. “To walk three miles, or four miles, or five miles, or whatever it is, above her ankles in dirt..." (ch 8) will not be acceptable once she is your bride. Should you ever find yourself having many probable doubts, I will always assist you in parting your ways, of which I am obliged to say could be wise.
Sincerely,
Miss Caroline Bingley
Kelton Lin
ReplyDelete10-17-17
Mr. Pellerin
British Literature
Dear Fitzwilliam,
I am not very pleased with you nephew, not one bit. You, young man, completely disregarded my wishes and your own best interest, and to think it was for a poor Bennet. I am truly appalled. My daughter is grieved by the news of your marriage with Elizabeth. When I had both of you at my manor I had thought it quite plain that Miss Elizabeth was a rude young girl. She, unlike her friendlier guests, found great amusement in contradicting me. I would try to give her advice, or help her in her travels, yet her response was always this ridicule. It was a peculiar feeling, she seemed to talk like she was of a higher rank than me, but that cannot be. To think such a young girl believes she is wiser than me, disgusting. As we all talked it seems you not only overlooked this behavior, but also her class and family. Yet through all of this you saw a potential wife. I don’t know if I should be surprised or angry. I thought you smarter than this, Fitzwilliam. Why not my daughter? She is kinder, more well mannered, and not to mention her family connections. I wonder still, even after I went to see Elizabeth and I asked her specifically not to marry you. Well, here we are I guess. There is no going back now. I don’t mean to make this whole communicants so dreary. So to end us off why don’t you send me back a letter of how you’re getting on. Tell me how is that good friend of yours, what’s his name Mr. Bingles? Well I hope to see you soon nephew, even if you keep Elizabeth in tow.
Best Wishes,
Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Dear, Mr. Bingley
ReplyDeleteI am quite displeased with the execution of this novel, and the endeavors to assess it. Although I respect it as a well written novel, I cannot help but discourage others from reading it in the future. There were a number of things I had been so unfortunate to realize when reading Pride and Prejudice, I haven't a clue where to start, nor do I have any incentive to after reading such a piece of literature. However, I must do my duties as and give my ill opinion on the subject. I felt it tiresome, some parts were capable enough to capture my attention but most did not, as a result the book made out to be boring for a majority of the time. Despite this, there was a lasting first impression on me for the first couple chapters. The characters and their interests were clearly laid out and the story established a very vibrant atmosphere for the character traits to flourish. Right off the bat we get to see the true nature of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Mrs. Bennet is described as crying impatiently at Mr. Bennet and he does not have any interest in the conversation. Later on at the ball we see the contrast between Elizabeth and Jane, and myself and you, Mr. Bingley. You struggled to push his narrative on to me, that somehow the women at the ball were something more than special, I could not see it myself of course. I couldn’t help but notice that an awful lot of the chapters with the Bennet sisters in Netherfield Park focused on Elizabeth and I, rather than you and Jane, people must have seen something in us that nobody else could i suppose. Mr Collins also has an interesting introduction. The Bennet family seems to be trying their best to maintain a relation with him, as he is the sole inheritor of the Longbourn Estate. He seems to be very awkward, especially during his appraisals of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, whom he seems to be obsessed with. As the book goes on past this point the chapters seem to get longer. I grew discouraged at the point where Elizabeth met Mr. Wickham. He puts on a fine show for her, no doubt. As always Mr. Wickham uses deceit and cunning tricks to grapple the hearts of the innocent. However, I grow even more discouraged when Elizabeth doesn’t realize this, and begins to reminisce on what could have been between the two of them. It pains me to see that her heart was once for Wickham, fortunately that is no more. When Elizabeth meets Lady Catherine we get to see how Jane Austen keeps her consistency with her characters. Mr. Collins is kissing the feet of Lady Catherine as usual. Lady Catherine (and others for that matter) makes herself out to be a higher being so to speak, should she talk to someone else she must “condescend” as Mr. Collins so eloquently put it. And lastly, Elizabeth seems to ignore the presence of authority when in sight of Lady Catherine, and speaks to her in a quite unusual manner for the Lady to handle. Past this point we get to see Elizabeth’s feelings for me and Mr. Wickham shift, which pleases me greatly. Though I feel most parts of the book contributed little to the overall story, the ending sought to excite me. I have the pleasure of making Elizabeth my dear Mrs. Darcy. I respect this novel as a well written piece of literature and history, despite its shortcomings with my attention span.
From, Mr. Darcy.
(Isaac Mezher)
Dear Mr. Darcy,
ReplyDeleteI am very put out, indeed. I recently had the great displeasure of finding a scandalous little novel by the name of Pride and Prejudice. My dear neighbor, Mr. Collins, was so kind to point me in its direction after hearing tell of its relations to you and the happenings of some little place just next to Meryton. I had hoped to find the nature of the book some made up figment of my poor clergyman’s mind, but I find that once again the good sir’s subtlety deceives me. I do say, my dearest nephew, I see no reason why you haven't yet to throw off all relations with that vile Bennet family-- they are a nasty sort of people indeed. I have heard of that overzealous snake of a younger sister, especially her hasty elopement, and had the indignation of meeting their pining, whimpering mother while attempting to conference with who is now your dearest Mrs. Darcy. I, being a most sympathetic and courteous woman, see how endearing your actions to, perhaps, raise such a family out of complete anarchy might be. However, you must understand the extent of the influence such a name as yours and my own has upon such a lowly kind. Otherwise, I must say you are not at all in such a righteous state either, I have read of your proclamations of your ardent ‘admiration and love’ for Mrs. Darcy, I dare say, before you were both married and without the proper consent of me, your closest relative. You must already know of my great dislike for your bullheaded and decisive wife, but this is the last straw indeed. How you, a sensible and dignified man, could stoop so low as to take this ill-natured group under your name. I cannot believe the extent of their and your indiscretion. Even such a kind temper as the one I possess cannot overlook the events detailed in this lowly novel, how frivolous and downright indecent you and your new family-in-law act, without shame or respect for civility. I am shocked and astonished.
Your dearest aunt,
Lady de Bourgh
Dear Lady Catherine de Bourgh,
ReplyDeleteI am writing to you as to describe my thoughts and revelations on noveI have recently read, Pride & Prejudice, by a Jane Austen. I believe Jane Austen portrayed the characters of our namesake remarkably well. I think people such as Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were depicted as too caring or intelligent, for if she were that smart she would have taken my hand in marriage. However, my ladyship, you were portrayed excellently. Your extreme generosity was shown with great accuracy when you took to Rosings and offered your carriages to the very ungrateful Mrs. Darcy. I do believe my stature could have been shown to be better, though I could see how cousin Elizabeth’s rejection of my gracious marriage proposal may send the wrong message. I also feel like my character was too exaggerated. Your niece, Mr. Darcy, did however make a valiant choice in paying off cousin Lydia’s marriage, and did a good a job of concealing it. I do not know what to make of him, but he seems to be a gentleman, alas with poor taste. I do think the same goes for Mr. Bingley, but that he is better matched with Jane. I did think the novel contained a great amount of clever and witty remarks from various characters, and was quite impressed by that. Many were written into cousin Elizabeth’s lines which I did not appreciate. I was also surprised by the various plot twists included, such as Wickham’s elopement with Lydia and Mr. Bingley’s winter in London away from Jane. I found that these added to the overall story very much and allowed certain characters to stay relevant throughout the novel. All in all,I think that this novel was a good read and experience, and would definitely reread it in the future.
Sincerely,
Mr. Collins
-Matthew Hebert
Dearest Lydia,
ReplyDeleteHow I have yearned to write such a letter to you, throughout all my years of suffering! Life has acted as cruelly to I as it has acted forgivingly to you and the others. And mind you, dear sister, part of me is quite contended with you being married. The same, I do believe, applies for Jane and Elizabeth. I wish I could say the equivalent for poor Mary, but truthfully, what has she done to deserve my praise? Now, I show the greatest fear in saying I am of an equal ranking to her. Oh!, I dare say even the insufferable Mr. Collins has received more prosperity and contentment than I! What have I done, may I ask you, to deserve such defeat? Have I been nothing but a playful and gracious lady to all those soldiers--particularly at that one dreary ball? Yes, even then I felt the eyes of judgement and disgrace rest upon my shoulders. Is it so wrong for someone to be amused? However, I now realize that I was but a mere, silly child in comparison to my sisters (with the exception of Mary, of course), though Jane never publically displayed any signs of affection and Lizzy was far too selective. Albeit, she was right in one thing--certainly not her choice in marrying that horribly awkward Mr. Darcy--but rather in her past admiration of your love. Wickham was indeed a very fine man; both Mother and Father had come to agreement upon that fact. Now, I am afraid you have worked him tired and old. I, too, have grown older, but in ways that have benefitted me so wonderfully. Now, I find myself wiser and much less insipid than I was before...and, might I add, much more mature and deserving than you will ever be. It is, of course, true that I still love you, dear Lydia, but in that love there is also such a wild jealousy. The same prick of jealousy burns within the love of Elizabeth and Jane as well.
ReplyDeleteTo my Mother in Law,
Though it Brought me no Pleasure, I have at last read the “Novel” that spoke so detailed of our affairs last year. Let me remind you that I only read it on your incessant and dare I say bothersome requests. I do not know who this Jane Austen is, and I cannot comprehend why you all chose to reveal the inner workings of our families to her. Have you no concept of discretion? Or must you announce the majority of your affairs to every individual that should pass you by. Nevertheless I took time from my own dealings to read your friend’s tome. My thoughts on the story can best be described as; unnerved, the accuracy is uncanny. I could not comprehend how you managed to recount my narrative of mr. Wikhem with such exactness, until of course I learned you “stumbled” upon my letter, which supposed to be a confidential message might I add. Not only did you read it, you gave it to that writer and she put in in the book! This troubled me greatly as I cannot expect privacy in my transactions from now on. As I hope you can understand Mrs. Bennet I was quite put out, though I have since recovered. I did however find myself enjoying the 3rd person narration in the story particle during the balls that we attended, I found myself laughing at my own foolish behavior. I also was amused at the humor she used throughout the story, I particurly enjoyed reliving our encounters with dear Mr. Hurst and of course, Mr Collins. Though I protested the creation of this tome I find it a piece of writing of respectable quality.
Yours Sincerely,
Fitzwilliam Darcy.
November the 11th 1814