Sunday, December 4, 2016

What was Jane's reaction when Elizabeth told her about Darcy's marriage proposal?

After arriving home, Elizabeth can't wait to tell Jane that Mr. Darcy proposed, and when they are finally alone, she delivers the news. Jane is at first astonished, but this feeling quickly passes as a "strong sisterly partiality . . . made any admiration of Elizabeth appear perfectly natural." In other words, Jane thinks so well of her sister that it seems reasonable to her that a wealthy and haughty lord would propose to Elizabeth, even if she lacks a dowry.
Jane's feelings then quickly slide into concern for Mr. Darcy's emotions. Jane wonders about and "grieves" for Mr. Darcy's disappointment and unhappiness, noting that his disappointment must be all the worse for having been so sure Elizabeth would say yes. Elizabeth dismisses this, being sure Darcy will soon be over her and quickly move on to other interests.
Elizabeth then asks Jane if Jane blames her for refusing such a good match, and Jane says no, of course she doesn't—showing that she, like Elizabeth, values the idea of marrying for love, not money or status.

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