ELIZABETH BENNET

ELIZABETH BENNET

1. KEY QUOTES

   • She is not half as handsome as Jane, nor half so good humoured as Lydia'.
     • Elizabeth is less immediately attractive or less fun loving than some of her sisters, though she does have a strong sense of humour.
     • 'I dearly love a laugh'.
   • 'Elizabeth continued her walk alone, crossing field after field at a quick pace, jumping over stiles.'
     • When necessary, she is prepared to be unladylike and unconvential.
   • Her face 'was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes.'
     • Darcy recognises that her expressive face reveals a lively mind.
   • 'You taught me a lesson...By you I was properly humbled'.
     • She has the intelligence and wisdom to gain Darcy's respect.
   • At the Netherfield Ball 'had her family made an agreement to expose themselves as much as they could...it would have ben impossible for them to play their parts with...finer success'.
     • Elizabeth is observant. The reader often watches her watching others and shares her feelings.

2. ROLE IN THE NOVEL

   • Elizabeth Bennet is the second eldest of the five Bennet sisters, who at the beginning of the novel are all unmarried. She is the heroine of the story, and events are frequently viewed from her perspective.
   • She meets Darcy at a local ball and immediately takes a dislike to him.
   • She rejects Mr Collins' proposal of marriage, even though acceptance would guarantee financial security for herself and a future home for others in her family
   • She is immediately charmed by the handsome Wickham and believes his account of treatment by Darcy.
   • She refuses Darcy's first offer of marriage and accuses him of not being 'gentlemen-like'
   • She begins to revise her opinions of Darcy after reading his letter of explanation. She later visits Pemberly, and finds she has been completely mistaken about him.
   • She resists Lady Catherine's attempts to bully her and marries Darcy on the same day as Jane, when she marries Bingley.