Sunday, November 29, 2009

Rossi, 1

Michael Rossi
November 29, 2009
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition / Mr. George
Students are to write two one-page descriptions of a character.

Is that what I said?

Mr. Wickham is the embodiment of the most inconvenient evil within the text and when people finally rise against him it is too late.
Lady Catherine, clearly an antagonist sometimes is problematic to Elizabeth and her sisters however, Elizabeth is rather proficient in dealing with Lady Catherine: “‘With three younger sisters grown up, ‘replied Elizabeth smiling, ‘your Ladyship can hardly expect me to own it.’”(Austen 128). This is so because Lady Catherine is very straight forward in her prejudice and expects the Elizabeth to bend at the knee. Elizabeth is able to brush her off very simply. Mr. Wickham on the other hand is significantly more difficult to oppose. Elizabeth must contradict the positive view of Wickham that she once advocated.
Mr. Wickham bears a glaring parallel to Al Qaeda. In Conventional warfare two armies would meet until a decisive victory can be determined. The Al Qaeda work to preserve their identity and keep the enemy from truly knowing who they are fighting. In the same way Wickham does not truly show that he is at war, so to speak, with the world. He simply wears a simile and drenches himself in agreeable manners. He does all this just to steal Lydia before the troops arrive.
Mr. Wickham killed his reputation that society seemed to think he represented. In the same way the Jim Jones killed the followers in whom his reputation once lived.


Rossi, 1

Michael Rossi
November 29, 2009
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition / Mr. George
Students are to write two one-page descriptions of a character.

Tough Love

Mr. Darcy is the embodiment of relentless love that is battling for positive change throughout the text.
The first instance in which Mr. Darcy offered his heart to Elizabeth, she ripped it from his chest and trampled it under her feet. Typically, when a man is rejected he never wishes to renew such an offer, especially when he has been so harshly rebuked. Rather than project the ill feelings upon Elizabeth, he looked inward to find a solution for the accusations. The way in which Mr. Darcy looked to discover what was wrong was done so in an objective manner. Mr. Darcy was mistaken in his accusation against the authenticity of Jane’s love. It was Mr. Darcy who convinced Bingley to renew his relationship with Jane. Mr. Darcy did all of this for a Elizabeth who said, “you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry” (Austen 148).
Mr. Darcy is a lot like Jesus. In his time people often professed their hatred of him, but eventually learned to appreciate his good will. In the same way, Mrs. Bennet and others like her eventually learned to love Mr. Darcy. Jesus told his people that in order to understand him they must follow him. Mr. Darcy was not understood until Elizabeth attempted to see from an objective lens.
Mr. Darcy strongly resembles Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots, because just like Darcy, some people often see him as cold and emotionally detached, but it was not until the influence of his leadership graced the Patriots that they started to succeed.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Pride and Predjudice Chapters 16-end

Quote 1:
"Lady Catherine had been rendered so exceedingly angry by the contents of her nephew's letter, that Charlotte, really rejoicing in the match, was anxious to get away till the storm was blown over" ( Austen 294).

Analysis 1:
Lady Catherine is the only true antagonist in the novel. She is the only person who can never bask in others happiness unless she believed that the happiness was through her doing. She is internally frustrated by the fact that her influence has boundaries and she cannot separate two people madly in love simply of her own volition. Some one who works so diligently to glorify her name certainly shows a lack of regard for the opinion of her own nephew. Charlotte was forced to hide her felicity from Lady Catherine's self-righteous inquisition.

Quote 2:
"I do not think we shall have quite money enough to live upon without some help. Any place would do, of about three or four hundred a year; but however, do not speak to Mr. Darcy about it, if you had rather not" (Austen 296).

Analysis 2:
Austen utilizes the relationship between Bingley and Jane and Lydia and Wickham to demonstrate the true compatibility of Elizabeth and Darcy. The love between Bingley and Jane is a bliss one in which no unfortunate circumstance could ever been seen as disagreeable. For Bingley and Jane, any misfortune will simply be disregarded on the account that some be more deserving. Lydia and Wickham favor immediate gratification too heavily to be trusted with any long-term goals. As a result, their marriage is destined for a most downward trend. Elizabeth and a Darcy have the greatest form of marriage; one which grows and they will never have a dull moment exploring the depths of each others character. Their marriage is not so false as Lydia and Wickham's and not so plain as Bingley and Jane's and for that there is something to be said.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Pride and Prejudice 13-15

Quote 1:
"Mrs. Bennet, with great, civility, begged her lady ship to take some refreshment" (Austen 269).

Analysis 1:
How is it that Mrs. Bennet's unhappy manners and stubborn disposition could yield to Lady Catherine? Disrespect and outward signs of her stupidity used to be her policy to people of higher class such as Mr. Bingley or Mr. Darcy. Inconsistency in action is emblematic of instability of the the mind. Until Elizabeths parents learn how to be good consistent parents who offer are able to offer constructive judgement, they will be forced to crawl across the street of life without the grip of reason.

Quote 2:
"Elizabeth had never been more at a loss to make her feelings appear what they were not. It was necessary to laugh, when she would rather cried. Her father had most cruelly mortified her, by what he said of Mr. Darcy, and she could do nothing but wonder at such a want of penetration, or fear that, instead of his seeing too little, she might have fancied too much" (Austen 278).

Analysis 2:
"Though Mr. Bennet has pledged to resolve his hands off parenting he has neglected to fix another one of his vice's. Mr. Bennet is emotionally detached. Although he does mean well as a father he is still incredibly insensitive toward Lizzie for any involved father would be able to pick out sensitive topics of conversation. It is permissible for individuals to learn and grow socially, especially if they do not consider themselves very sociable, however parents are ones who should (for the most part) be over the social growing pains.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Pride and Predjudice Chapters 6-9

Quote 1:
" 'I should be sorrry indeed if it were. We were always good friends; and now we are better' " (Austen 249).

Analysis 1:
Mr. Wickham exhibits such a monotone effort to earn the good favor of his peers. If Lizzie had been addressed as Mr. Wickham's closest friends before she had learned of his true character she would have been flattered. Now that Lizzie is seeing clearly, Wickham is nothing more than a sad little man who has stolen her sixteen year old sister. Wickham should have come clean to show Lizzie that there is room for change, however his head has only left room for a soft mind.

Quote 2:
"Darcy had walked away to another part of the room. She followed him with her eyes, envied every one to whom he spoke, had scarcely patience enough to help anybody to coffee; and then was enraged against herself for being so silly!" (Austen 260).

Analysis 2:
This quotation exemplifies the role reversal which Lizzie and Darcy had become subject to. Darcy had once been the one to chase and scrutinize Lizzie in hopes of winning her heart. Now it is Lizzie who is so infatuated with him it hurts. Their role in character have also been reversed. Mr. Darcy was more readily engaging in conversation with others and seems to be more agreeable. Lizzie on the other hand is as silent and uninvolved as Mr. Darcy was at their first ball. Both Lizzie and Darcy are attempting to conform to the others advice and Lizzie takes it a step too far.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Pride and Predjudice Chapters 6-9

Quote 1:
"Five daughters successively entered the world, but yet the son was to come; and Mrs. Bennet, for many years after Lydia's birth had been certain that he would. This event had at last been despaired of, but it was then too late to be saving" (Austen 234).

Analysis 1:
Disappointment is a misfortune that everyone is forced to deal with sooner or later in life. Tolerable disappointment stems from small failures such as losing a low-stake gamble or losing at a sport. Mr. Bennet is suffering from the massive failure of premeditated goals. All other aspects of Mr. Bennets life revolved around the fact that he would live comfortably and be able to provide for his family. Mr. Bennet had become complacent in the midst of his smooth sailing toward his goal. His dreams are now shipwrecked and only his entire family was on the boat.

Quote 2:
"Had Lydia's marriage been concluded on the most honourable terms, it was not to be supposed that Mr. Darcy would connect himself with a family. where to ever other objection would now be added, an alliance and relationship of the nearest kind with the man whom he so justly scorned"(Austen 236).

Analysis 2:
Many literary components are employed to create a great novel. This quote truly emphasises just how the story is climbing to its climax and how Austen creates such an epic romance. Lizzie is completely oblivious to Mr. Darcy's love for her and is convinced Mr. Darcy could not overcome her insults and rejections. In spite of class, insult, and society Mr. is will to put all of that aside for Elizabeth. The novel does not illustrate two perfect people with perfect familys who are perfectly agreeable. The novel highlights strenous obstacles that are highly intersting and lead to a most perfect love.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Pride and Predjudice 3-6

Quote 1:
"Miss Bingley was venting her feelings in criticisms on Elizabeth's person, behaviour, and dress. But Georgiana would not join her" (Austen 205).

Analysis 1:
The quality of an individual is often measured by the manner in which they treat other individuals. Mr. Darcy declares himself blame worthy in Lydia's predicament. His sister lives up to these high moral standards. Even in Elizabeth's absence Ms. Darcy will not slander her in order to seem more agreeable in the eyes of Ms. Bingley. This attribute seems to run in the family.

Quote 2:
"Poor Kitty has anger* or having concealed their attachment; but as it was a matter of confidence on cannot wonder" (Austen 208).

Analysis 2:
The Bennet sisters blame themselves for not providing the information which may have saved Lydia. In some respects yes it would be ideal to have provided justice with the information however, The Bennets minds never remotely fathomed the morbid possibility. If they had thought of it and still refused to relinquish the information then they would have been significantly more at fault. The only person who is to blame is Mr. Bennet whose daughters behavior he did nothing to regulate, knowing that there could be consequences.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Pride and Predjudice chapters 19-2

Quote 1:
"The possibility of meeting Mr. Darcy, while viewing the place, instantly occurred. It would be dreadful! She blushed at the very idea; and thought it would be better to speak openly to her aunt, than to run such a risk" (Austen 184)

Analysis 1:
Elizabeth undermines the significance of Mr. Darcy's influence over her. Elizabeth shies away from Mr. Darcy because he makes her feel uncomfortable. Elizabeth runs the risk of being read like an open book, insulted, or outwitted. Elizabeth tries to avoid the one thing in her life that she cannot control, and to an extent is controlled by.

Quote 2:
"She respected, she esteemed, she was grateful to him, she felt a real interest in his welfare; and she only wanted to know how far she wished that welfare to depend upon herself, and how far it would be for the happiness of both that she should employ the power, which her fancy told her she still possessed, of bringing on the renewal of his addresses" (Austen 201).

Analysis 2:
Ever since Mr. Darcy's first proposal Elizabeth's mind had been occupied with thoughts of Mr. Darcy. His presence once suppressed within Elizabeth's sub conscience has now bubbled over to the point of keeping Elizabeth from falling asleep. Since Elizabeth often acts and thinks with passion, It would be out of her character to ask Darcy's hand in marriage.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Pride and Predjudice 12-18

Quote 1:
"She felt that Jane's feelings though fervent, were little displayed, and that there was a constant complacency in her air and manner, not often united with great sensibility" (Austen 160).

Analysis 1:
Elizabeth can no longer hide behind her blissful hatred of Darcy. Darcy's invalid opinion (according to Elizabeth) is being repeated by Elizabeth's closest friend. Blinded by her hatred for Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth's ego did what ever it could to protect itself from realizing her enemy is in fact her friend and vice versa.

Quote 2:
"Jane had been deprived, by the folly and indecorum of her own family!" (Austen 163)

Analysis 2:
Elizabeth is forced relinquish her negative coping mechanisms for Jane's misfortune. Jane projected Jane's misfortune on to Darcy when it was actually the fault of her own household. Mrs. Bennet needed to either learn temperance or she should not have been permitted to attend the balls. She was the only pragmatic obstacle impeding her dream of Jane's marriage. That matter should have been addressed prior to social gathering by Mr. Bennet. The bread must come together before it can rise.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Pride and Predjudice 6-11

Quote 1:
" ' To Jane herself,' she exclaimed, 'there could be no possibility of objection ' " (Austen 143)

Analysis 1:
Elizabeth contorts each and every bit of information she receives about Mr. Darcy into proof of his horrid character. In comparison, Elizabeth has this emotionally induced blindness when it comes to Jane. Elizabeth tells herself that Jane has no flaw that Mr. Darcy could possibly see, yet earlier in the novel when Elizabeth was relaying criticisms, Jane was still exhibiting non- pragmatic optimism. In Elizabeth's eyes Mr. Darcy can do no right and Jane can do no wrong.

Quote 2:
" 'My faults, according to this calculation, are heavy indeed! But perhaps,' added he, stopping in his walk, and turning towards her, 'these offenses might have been over looked, had not your pride been hurt by honest confession of the scruples that had long prevented my forming any serious design' " (Austen 147).

Analysis 2:
The title bears its first clear significance within this quote. Both Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth see each other as the embodiment of pride and prejudice. Elizabeth is disgusted with Mr. Darcy's pride and questions his authority of his critiques of Mr. Bingley's romantic life. Mr. Darcy had already confessed his prejudice disposition to Elizabeth. On the other hand, Mr. Darcy sees Elizabeth's rejection of his proposal and prejudice against him, stemming from her wounded ego.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Pride and Predjudice Chapters 2-5

Quote 1:
I pity, though I cannot help blaming her. She was very wrong in singling me out as she did; I can safely say, that every advance to intimacy began on her side [...]But I pity her, because she must feel that she has been acting wrong, and because I am very sure that anxiety for her brother is the cause of it (Austen 115).

Analysis 1:
This passage outlines the positive and negative aspects of Jane's blissful optimism. Jane truly and utterly feels guilt for blaming Caroline. Jane's philosophy does not allow her to truly give up on an individual always looking for the good. On the other hand, this becomes a problem when Jane believes all human beings are as good as her. Carolin does not feel that she has been acting wrong she simply drowns out the guilt with waves of conceit.

Quote 2:
"he addressed himself particularly to her, as if wishing to make her feel what she had lost in refusing him" (Austen 120).

Analysis 2:
Mr. Collins's backwardness constantly humiliates him. A clergyman who preaches for God and all he stands for is attempting to make a woman jealous for no other reason than to enjoy her potential reaction. It is disgraceful. Mr. Collins is and forever will be preceded even by his lowly reputation.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Pride and Prejudice chapter analysis 21-1

" 'My dear Madam,' he replied, 'this invitation is particularly gratifying, because it is what I have been hoping to receive; and you may be very certain that I shall avail myself of it as soon as possible' " (Austen 95).

Once again Mr. Collins has proven himself to be unable to understand common social formalities. The Bennet's simply offered to have him return because it was the right thing to do and they had hoped he would not. After Collins was disrespected and rejected by Elizabeth it would be expected that he would never wish to return and he would conjure up some false excuse of why he would be unable to attend.



"Between Elizabeth and Charlotte there was a restraint which kept them mutually silent on the subject; and Elizabeth felt persuaded that no real confidence could ever subsist between them again" (Austen 98).

For friends to argue and issue harsh criticism to one another, demonstrates true friendship. If Elizabeth were to tell Charlotte that Mr. Collins was unacceptable Elizabeth would be showing that Charlotte's well being demands a higher precedence than how much Charlotte likes her. To simply say nothing is giving up on the friendship altogether. Times like these demonstrate the true character of a person. Charlotte was devoured by her selfish insecurity.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Pride and Prejudice- Chapter 17-20

"'He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship' [...] 'and in a manner which he is likely to suffer from all his life'" (Austen 70).

In this quote Darcy endures a verbal assault from Elizabeth. Elizabeth is guilting Mr. Darcy into feeling badly about his actions towards Mr. Wickham. However, she is shortsighted, since she does not think about Mr. Darcy's side of the story. She is always on the attack, ever since the dance where she specifically noted. However, it is not healthy for one to bear such grudges. Perhaps, later on, Elizabeth will realize that it is not Mr. Darcy that she hated, but it was his actions early on. Maybe Mr. Darcy will even change her mind about him in some way, perhaps through conversation, a letter, or some other means.

" 'Were it certain that Lady Catherine would think so, ' said Mr. Collins very gravely - 'but I cannot imagine that her ladyship would at all disapprove of you. And you may be certain that when I have the honour of seeing her again I shall speak in the highest terms of your modesty, economy, and amiable qualifications ' " (Austen 82).

Mr. Collins cannot hope to win Elizabeth's heart. This appeal is a failed attempt at logic because it implies the fact that an arbitrary third party should be responsible for the fate of a couple. Also it detaches Mr. Collins from the authenticity of his romantic venture. Also he has no backround with his cousins, yet he is proposing to her.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Blog chapters 11-16

Quote 1: "Elizabeth went away with her head full of him. She could think of nothing but of Mr. Wickham, and of what he had told her, all the way home; " (Austen 64).

Description 1:
Thus far, Elizabeth has not showed any extended interest in the opposite sex. She was offended at Mr. Darcy's vanity and annoyed at Mr. Collins's utter ridiculousness. Elizabeth is not intrigued by men of similar mannerism (I.E. Mr. Darcy) or by men who are rather different from her (I.E Mr. Collins). Elizabeth's opinion of men seems to coincide with society's views. People gossip of Mr. Darcy's arrogance and Mr. Collins stupidity and Elizabeth shares these same view points. Mr. Wickham is well received by the characters within the novel and so it is a sound prediction that she will also find him intriguing.

Quote 2: "Mr. Collins had only to change from Jane to Elizabeth-and it was soon done" (Austen 53)

Description 2:
Marriage is a loving union in which love is the feeling and marriage is the action. In between a feeling and an action there should be a passion which comes from a feeling being pushed by one's inner soul to an over infatuation. Mr. Collins approaches courtship with a certain obligatory formality that is considerably repulsive to Elizabeth.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Pride and Prejudice chapter analysis 7-10

Quote 1: " 'A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word, and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, and her address and expressions, or the word will be but half deserved' " (Austen 29).

Description 1:
This mind blowing depiction of women is completely counter cultural in today's society. The quote infers that women are mere trophies and ought to exemplary in order to be recognized with a compliment that would not incite nearly as much dispute in today's society. Charming language is seen as uniform courtesy which people commonly expect for no extraordinary occasion.

Quote 2: " 'Oh! dear, yes; - but you must own that she is very plain. Lady Lucas herself has often said so, and envied me Jane's beauty. I do not like to boast of my own child, but to be sure, Jane- one does not often see any body better looking' " (Austen 33).

Description 2:
This quote emphasises the true intensity Mrs. Bennet has to marry her daughters. She never stops competing for her daughters whether they like it or not. She hopes by pointing out the faults of her competition she will be able to make her daughters shine even more. All of her self worth comes from the image of her daughters in the eyes of suitors. She tries to make her girls happy the way which society says they will be, rich and married. Elizabeth's intellect and individualism collide with these ideals and set the plot development in motion for a probable crash course.