Phoebe Willett

Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austin

Classic British Novel

Challenge

Pg. 148

1. Right now in my book, the Bennet's are at Lady Catherine de Bourgh's house and Elizabeth is playing the piano for her. Mr. Collins and his wife Charlotte have brought the Bennet's to see Lady Catherine. Mr. Darcy and the Bingley's are also at her house and they are talking about music. Lady Catherine is praising her own daughter for her musical talents and telling Elizabeth that she should practice more. Mr. Darcy has been showing some interest in Elizabeth but in peculiar ways so Elizabeth doesn't really know what to think.

2. I like this book and I don't like this book. I like reading an old classic because it is a change from what I usually read but I have a very difficult time following it. They use very old English so I can understand most of it but not every detail. Since I have seen the movies a number of times, I can follow the story and understand what they are talking about but I think that if I hadn't seen the movies, I would not be able to follow it. Even with the background knowledge, I still find myself bored while I'm reading because it is so hard to follow. I do like the story line and the characters though.

3. A theme that I've noticed in this book so far is reputation. The women in the their town have a certain expectation that they must fulfill in order to have respect from others. The women that we have met in the book so far are all trying to be something that they aren't so that they can seem better than everyone else. Elizabeth does a good job of resisting the temptation to follow in the footsteps of others. For example, when Elizabeth shows up at Netherfield with a dirty dress because she walked there, the sisters scoff at her and gossip about her appearance but Elizabeth doesn't care. Everyone in the book from Mrs. Bennet to Mr. Collins cares about their reputation and how others perceive them.

4. My favorite character is Mr. Bingley because he is a really good guy who cares for Jane. It is clear that he really likes Jane but his sister Miss Bingley is trying to prevent them from seeing each other. He doesn't care what people think or talk about and only sees the good in people. He is also very kind to Mr. Darcy who doesn't deserve his hospitalities. Mr. Bingley is kind and welcoming to everyone and I always feel happy when I am reading a scene with him in it.

5. My least favorite character is Miss Bingley because she is the complete opposite of Mr. BIngley. She was unfriendly towards the Bennets; especially Elizabeth. She seemed to be kind to Jane but then sent Jane letters trying to make her think that Mr. Bingley didn't like her. She also tries to make Elizabeth think that there is something going on between her and Mr. Darcy even though there isn't and Elizabeth wouldn't care anyway. She always gossips about people and doesn't care about anybody but herself.

6. I predict that Mr. Bingley will come back from London and find out all the stuff that Miss Bingley told Jane and be upset with her. I think that Mr. Darcy is going to show a deeper interest in Elizabeth and Elizabeth will still show no interest in him but after a while she will like him. I also think that Elizabeth is going to say something that Lady Catherine does not approve of and they will be asked to leave because I think that Elizabeth can only hold her temper for so long.