Harvey S. Wrote:
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> You could also have Mrs Bennet feel real affection
> for Collins, and not fearing for her future, she
> might be less silly (or even sensible). And I have
> always thought Mr Bennet's behavior was due in
> part to feelings of futility - he had no stake in
> the future of Longbourn because he felt no
> attachment to its heir, so he gave up and let his
> wife do whatever she wanted (as long as she didn't
> drive them into debt).
>
> It would be heresy for Collins to marry Elizabeth
> or Jane, but Mary is up for grabs, and with less
> negligent parents she would probably be a
> perfectly nice young lady. Of course if Collins
> was too much a son to the Bennets, this choice
> might be weird for him (although my impression is
> that it wouldn't be considered weird by social
> norms).
That's my take on it - if Mrs. Bennet feels real affection for Collins that is returned, she is going to feel far more secure and perhaps less silly at time. And if Mr. Bennet has a stake in shaping the course of the estate, perhaps he may be less of an indolent father. Although no matter how much situations change, there are some traits of personality that cannot be changed.
And do not worry, there will be no heresy! Lizzy and Jane are safe from such a blasphemous match. Kitty, on the other hand, may have someone to follow and tag along in idolation that isn't Lydia.
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> You could also have Mrs Bennet feel real affection
> for Collins, and not fearing for her future, she
> might be less silly (or even sensible). And I have
> always thought Mr Bennet's behavior was due in
> part to feelings of futility - he had no stake in
> the future of Longbourn because he felt no
> attachment to its heir, so he gave up and let his
> wife do whatever she wanted (as long as she didn't
> drive them into debt).
>
> It would be heresy for Collins to marry Elizabeth
> or Jane, but Mary is up for grabs, and with less
> negligent parents she would probably be a
> perfectly nice young lady. Of course if Collins
> was too much a son to the Bennets, this choice
> might be weird for him (although my impression is
> that it wouldn't be considered weird by social
> norms).
That's my take on it - if Mrs. Bennet feels real affection for Collins that is returned, she is going to feel far more secure and perhaps less silly at time. And if Mr. Bennet has a stake in shaping the course of the estate, perhaps he may be less of an indolent father. Although no matter how much situations change, there are some traits of personality that cannot be changed.
And do not worry, there will be no heresy! Lizzy and Jane are safe from such a blasphemous match. Kitty, on the other hand, may have someone to follow and tag along in idolation that isn't Lydia.