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.