Partially agree. Elizabeth and Darcy have many similarities which explains their clashing. However, i would argue Jane is even more similar to Darcy, which is why they wouldn't work (there is actually a variation out there that pairs Darcy & Jane). Both are quiet and don't show their inner feelings to others. This could also explain why , once Elizabeth gains some maturity and recognizes she has been forming opinions based on her own self importance, her feelings for Darcy change so drastically considering how much she loves Jane. I DONOT agree Jane belongs paired with Bingley. She deserves someone with constancy and a spine, not someone as indolent as her father. Think JA didn't get that pair right.
Actually I think you are right about Jane and Bingley. I have never been a big fan of his…he is so very weak willed and unable to make his own decisions. Bennet’s quip about their overspending and servants cheating them always seemed right on to me. Jane would be much better off paired with a stronger character.
I agree. I don't think Jane is weak. I think she is patient to give people the chance to prove themselves one way or the other. Also think she was a peacemaker so wasn't going to
react to caroline's barbs or stoop to her level or be manipulative. I always found it interesting Wickham didn't try with her since she was supposed to be so beautiful. Even though she didn't think meanly of him, think she would not have taken his story at face value and he intuitively guessed this so didn't try. She also had Darcy pegged correctly. As the oldest sibling, i believe she probably tried to guide her younger siblings before we readers met the family but, without the support of her parents, chose her battles carefully. I know our oldest often tried to be the 3rd parent, the 3 youngers
conscience.
Ultimately Jane should have someone that supports her.
Great conversation here. Yes, Jane needs support...hence many are pairing her with Colonel Fitzwilliam. Me, I think in the Austenesque world she can have love with Bingley as he grows. While neither feature in my upcoming Ghost Flight, Bingley demonstrates his mettle with Darcy and then joined Chief Air Marshal Tedder's staff where he meets Jane, the WAAF officer heading up Tedder's office. Tey are both older and shaped by the war.
Yes! Jane paired with the right supportive partner would be someone with the best parts of optimism and compassion. JA seems to have written her as not defiant, like Elizabeth, but someone who is more deliberate in her responses. If she is paired with a strong partner who can be very decisive in the moment it seems like an excellent match. I think having her and Bingley’s mature during a war time experience might make all the difference.
Interesting analysis. I can see how Darcy and Elizabeth are a true fit, especially when viewed through the lens you described. And even if Jane was not for Bingley she would not have matched well with Darcy. She, and Anne de Bourgh as well, was much too passive a character. Darcy needed Elizabeth’s lively spirit to break free from his oh-so-tight restraint.
I also appreciate when there is recognition that Elizabeth also has issues. She is over confident and not yet mature enough to judge…especially when she is not in possession of all the facts. Many JAFF authors paint her as a blameless victim instead of someone with some agency. I know the social restrictions of the time would not let her just have it out with Darcy when he makes that initial remark, but her pettiness in telling everyone in the community strikes me as just as juvenile as Darcy’s mistake. Then there is the whole proposal fiasco where mistakes occur on both sides. They both have much growing to do to deserve the other.
Partially agree. Elizabeth and Darcy have many similarities which explains their clashing. However, i would argue Jane is even more similar to Darcy, which is why they wouldn't work (there is actually a variation out there that pairs Darcy & Jane). Both are quiet and don't show their inner feelings to others. This could also explain why , once Elizabeth gains some maturity and recognizes she has been forming opinions based on her own self importance, her feelings for Darcy change so drastically considering how much she loves Jane. I DONOT agree Jane belongs paired with Bingley. She deserves someone with constancy and a spine, not someone as indolent as her father. Think JA didn't get that pair right.
Actually I think you are right about Jane and Bingley. I have never been a big fan of his…he is so very weak willed and unable to make his own decisions. Bennet’s quip about their overspending and servants cheating them always seemed right on to me. Jane would be much better off paired with a stronger character.
I agree. I don't think Jane is weak. I think she is patient to give people the chance to prove themselves one way or the other. Also think she was a peacemaker so wasn't going to
react to caroline's barbs or stoop to her level or be manipulative. I always found it interesting Wickham didn't try with her since she was supposed to be so beautiful. Even though she didn't think meanly of him, think she would not have taken his story at face value and he intuitively guessed this so didn't try. She also had Darcy pegged correctly. As the oldest sibling, i believe she probably tried to guide her younger siblings before we readers met the family but, without the support of her parents, chose her battles carefully. I know our oldest often tried to be the 3rd parent, the 3 youngers
conscience.
Ultimately Jane should have someone that supports her.
Great conversation here. Yes, Jane needs support...hence many are pairing her with Colonel Fitzwilliam. Me, I think in the Austenesque world she can have love with Bingley as he grows. While neither feature in my upcoming Ghost Flight, Bingley demonstrates his mettle with Darcy and then joined Chief Air Marshal Tedder's staff where he meets Jane, the WAAF officer heading up Tedder's office. Tey are both older and shaped by the war.
Yes! Jane paired with the right supportive partner would be someone with the best parts of optimism and compassion. JA seems to have written her as not defiant, like Elizabeth, but someone who is more deliberate in her responses. If she is paired with a strong partner who can be very decisive in the moment it seems like an excellent match. I think having her and Bingley’s mature during a war time experience might make all the difference.
Totally agree different time period, different discussion. Enjoyed the sharing of thoughts all the same.
I liked this excerpt!The playfulness and teasing is cute between the two!lol
Interesting analysis. I can see how Darcy and Elizabeth are a true fit, especially when viewed through the lens you described. And even if Jane was not for Bingley she would not have matched well with Darcy. She, and Anne de Bourgh as well, was much too passive a character. Darcy needed Elizabeth’s lively spirit to break free from his oh-so-tight restraint.
I also appreciate when there is recognition that Elizabeth also has issues. She is over confident and not yet mature enough to judge…especially when she is not in possession of all the facts. Many JAFF authors paint her as a blameless victim instead of someone with some agency. I know the social restrictions of the time would not let her just have it out with Darcy when he makes that initial remark, but her pettiness in telling everyone in the community strikes me as just as juvenile as Darcy’s mistake. Then there is the whole proposal fiasco where mistakes occur on both sides. They both have much growing to do to deserve the other.