'"Oh!" said she, 'I heard you before; but I could not immediately determine what to say in reply. You wanted me, I know, to say 'Yes' that you might have the pleasure of despising my taste; but I always delight in overthrowing those kind of schemes, and cheating a person of their premeditated contempt. I have therefore made up my mind to tell you that I do not want to dance a reel at all--and now despise me if you dare'" (Austen 45-46).
At this point in the novel, Elizabeth and Jane are staying at the Bingley's, for Jane has fallen ill. One evening, Elizabeth remains rather taciturn while watching Miss Bingley give many propitious compliments to Darcy, leading to Elizabeth and Darcy fighting over the fact if one should accept advice from a friend. Afterward, Miss Bingley plays a song on the piano and Darcy asks Elizabeth to dance. Elizabeth says the above quote in response to Darcy's offering. After reading this quote, I sensed a bit of pride in Elizabeth's response for Darcy would not dance with her at the ball, but wants to dance with her now. Elizabeth has an odious attitude toward Darcy, and is showing him that since he did not want to dance with her then, he would not have the opportunity now.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment