P&P 7-10

Stephen Simmons
AP English 11/Mr. George
10/1/09
P&P 7-10

"When dinner was over, she returned directly to Jane, and Miss Bingley began abusing her as soon as she was out of the room. Her manners were pronounced to be very bad indeed, a mixture of pride and impertinence; she had no conversation, no style, no beauty"(Austen 25-26)

This quotation exemplifies the strictness of the class system and how those who live in the higher classes disrespect and harp on the negative qualities of those in the inferior classes. Mr. Binglie's sister and Mrs. Hurst take Elizabeth's presence as an opportunity to harp on all of her bad qualities and and attack her pride. They disrespectfully state that she acts on pride and ignorence and because of that, Elizabeth has no style and elegance to her. Although her behavior is seen as rude and improper, one could look at Elizabeth's behavior as superior to the others for she does not seem to be so obsessively blinded and controlled by the strict class system.

"Mrs. Bennet and her daughter then departed, and Elizabeth returned instantly to Jane, leaving her own and her relations' behavior to the remarks of the two ladies and Mr. Darcy; the latter of whom, however, could not be prevailed on to join in their censure of HER, in spite of all Miss Bingley's witticisms on FINE EYES"(34)

This quotation refutes the assumption that most members of the upper class think negatively of those in the lower class. Although Darcy is expected to join in the further mocking of Elizabeth, based on his social status, he does not. It is also in this chapter that we begin to see Darcy emerging from his cacoon of anxiety and social awkwardness and finding the courage to ask Elizabeth to dance. Although she says no, this is not only a large step for Darcy but class refuting example for all.