NieNie Wrote:
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> I do think that Austen presents marriage based on
> affection, esteem or love as morally superior, but
> as always she shows how this is far from a simple
> matter. Prudential considerations cannot be
> ignored, but as a matter of principle should not
> be the basis of a marriage.
>
> And I agree that Darcy did not necessarily expect
> Elizabeth to be in love with him at Hunsford,
> although I cannot quite figure out what he
> was thinking!
I think he was thinking with his "little" Darcy, overcome by a chemical rush. It happens to men and women, but in his case, he had the financial means to indulge his bad decision-making. Elizabeth was a very bad choice for him and the marriage could easily become a disaster, much like that of the Bennets. What did Darcy know of Elizabeth that made him think he wanted to spend a life with her? She had a snappy wit and was kind to those she liked, but let's face it -- Elizabeth could probably show a very mean side if vexed or pushed. I think Mr. Bennet had it right that she would not have suffered a bad choice in marriage well. Darcy would have seen this and been afraid to risk his future, his sister's happiness, and the opinion of his circle on this woman, had he not been so in lust. Sorry, but in my opinion, Elizabeth was a very bad decision on Darcy's part.
Heh, heh. Ducking now.
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> I do think that Austen presents marriage based on
> affection, esteem or love as morally superior, but
> as always she shows how this is far from a simple
> matter. Prudential considerations cannot be
> ignored, but as a matter of principle should not
> be the basis of a marriage.
>
> And I agree that Darcy did not necessarily expect
> Elizabeth to be in love with him at Hunsford,
> although I cannot quite figure out what he
> was thinking!
I think he was thinking with his "little" Darcy, overcome by a chemical rush. It happens to men and women, but in his case, he had the financial means to indulge his bad decision-making. Elizabeth was a very bad choice for him and the marriage could easily become a disaster, much like that of the Bennets. What did Darcy know of Elizabeth that made him think he wanted to spend a life with her? She had a snappy wit and was kind to those she liked, but let's face it -- Elizabeth could probably show a very mean side if vexed or pushed. I think Mr. Bennet had it right that she would not have suffered a bad choice in marriage well. Darcy would have seen this and been afraid to risk his future, his sister's happiness, and the opinion of his circle on this woman, had he not been so in lust. Sorry, but in my opinion, Elizabeth was a very bad decision on Darcy's part.
Heh, heh. Ducking now.