Pride And Prejudice:Why is the news of the elopement of Lydia and Wickham in Chapter 46 Essay

Why is the upstarts of the elopement of Lydia and Wickham in Chapter 46 such an in-chief(postnominal) present moment and how does it affect what follows in the novel?A very(prenominal) key moment in the novel is when Elizabeth is informed of the elopement of Lydia and Wickham by dickens letters from Jane (while she is visiting Pemberley in Chapter 46). The two letters instead of one create more indecision and anticipation. This chapter is very important because that single event changes eachthing and has far reaching perfumes on relationships (such as Elizabeth and Darcy, Lydia and Wickham, Jane and Bingley, the bennet family and its nonadjacent relations), attitudes, and the development of records in the story. It changes the perspective of many characters and the truth behind appearances begins to emerge. Everything in the novel builds up to this decisive moment of crisis where things could go either way good or bad.The build up to this chapter is very crucial as Eliza beth and Darcy slowly come closer and are on the nigh civil harm before the news of the elopement breaks, which contacts the situation sadly ironic. Elizabeth goes from rejecting him to having her prejudices lifted when he gives the letter, correcting her misconceptions and finally to respecting him and having a deep gratitude towards him She respected, she esteemed, she was refreshing to him. Darcy even invites her to meet his sister and she begins to start thinking of bringing on the renewal of his address. This is why its so ironic when the news arrives of Lydias scandalous elopement because just when Elizabeths feelings reach a new high point for Darcy, she is hit with the realisation that he may never want to be associated with her over again Never had she so honestly matte that she could cast off loved him, when all love must be in vain.However, Darcy does show great concern for Elizabeth when he arrives unexpectedly during her breakdown an ironic and dramatic moment a s hes intimately like her saviour coming to rescue her. His concern for her is an important factor showing the closeness of the two characters, and so the reader may be contemplating whether to agree with Elizabeth or not, on her opinion that her power was sinking. When Elizabeth gives him an account of the situation and how nothing can be through, according to her interpretations, he shook his head in silent acquiescence and is seen to be walking up and down the room in earnest meditation, his brow contracted, his air gloomy. Elizabeth thinks that this was evidence plenty that his feelings are changing. unless in fact, she misunderstands his actions which is ironic as she thinks she instantly understood it.In fact, Darcy proves her wrong and does help the situation, showing the authority of Darcys love for Elizabeth which is the main reason that the elopement accelerates their love affair, instead of completely destroying it. It is ironic how Elizabeth regrets qualification Mr Darcy acquainted with their fears for her sister in earlier chapters, but if he hadnt known, the situation would have deteriorated.Elizabeth had clear underestimated him as instead of looking at Elizabeths status with scorn, he helps the Bennets put off from disgrace. Elizabeth learns most this through Mrs Gardiners letter He left Derbyshire only one day later on ourselves, and came to town with the resolution of hunting for them. Such a quick reaction meant that he had probably determined his intentions during his and Elizabeths unexpected encounter. The elopement acts as a catalyst instead of hindrance as it develops trust, understanding and gratitude amidst the couple. Elizabeth, of course is grateful for his unexampled softness to her sister but Darcy also has his reasons to thank Elizabeth.Darcys character is altered by the elopement, and his need to redeem himself before Elizabeth is a major part of how the hearts of the elopement managed to share a positive turn for some people. Darcy undergoes a huge change in his behavior aft(prenominal) Elizabeth rejects his proposal as he says You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of be pleased. He views the rejection as a lesson, hard indeed at first, but most advantageous. His behaviour improves in Pemberley as hes shown as polite and unassuming opposed to the previous comments of his plaguey countenance in Meryton.But it is nothing compared to the test that the elopement put his character through. He must have suffered to lower himself and negotiate with people who nearly destroyed his sisters life Mrs Younge and Wickham. Every kind of pride must revolt from the ascribeion, but he does it to prove himself to Elizabeth The wish of giving pleasure to you, might add force to the other inducements that lead me on. He also feels prudent for the fact that because of his sham pride, Elizabeths sister was going through something that his sister had been saved of which is why he felt it his duty to step forward and endeavour to remedy an evil which had been brought upon by himself. It shows how he is get wording to make up for his past mis channelizes which brings light to his good nature.However, for characters like Wickham and Lydia, the elopement does preferably the opposite as their real images are finally revealed to the populace. For Lydia, although her disgraceful behaviour really accentuates her flaws and the full extent of her shameless nature is shown, the elopement doesnt recite us anything new about her character. Even previously, as Elizabeth notes, Lydia had wanted only encouragement to attach herself to anybodyher affections had been continually fluctuating, but never without an object.Not many people had high expectations for her as Mr Bennet says, when Elizabeth is pleading to prohibit Lydia to go to Brighton Lydia exit never be easy till she has exposed herself in some public place or another. Its ironic as Mr Bennet s predictions actually take place in Brighton. With Wickham, its a completely different matter as he of all time had a very gentlemanlike appearance and an agreeable carriage but after the news of the elopement everyone realises, as Colonel Forster says, W. was not a man to be trusted. A few people, like Elizabeth, Jane and Darcy were already awake(predicate) of Wickhams true personality but most were not. Later on, when the town amazes out about his debts to every tradesman in the place, they declare him to be the wickedest young man in the world.The elopement itself is a fearful development as there was no symptom of affection on either side, as Elizabeth mentions, before Lydia goes to Brighton. From this, we can make an assumption that neither of the couple has strong feelings for one another as it seems a very rushed decision made in the heat of the moment rather than a well thought out labor union plan. In fact, in Janes letter, Denny says that Wickham never intended to go there, or to marry Lydia at all (there in this context heart Gretna Green a place where young couples got married).Lydia did believe she was going to get married, as Elizabeth thinks She did not suppose Lydia to be on purpose engaging in an elopement, without the intention of marriage. But there was enough evidence to suggest that her slim understanding would be her downfall neither her virtue nor her understanding would preserve her from falling an easy target. She definitely didnt understand the repercussions of this scandalous affair and doesnt seem to full grasp the meaning of a womans honour something that was very important in the 19th century. As bloody shame says in her reflections Loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable- that one false step involves her in endless ruin.Thankfully, the couple end up getting married due to a fee of considerably more than a thousand pounds by Darcy but their characters seem the least affected by the entire misadventure. Lydia was L ydia still untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy and fearless. Lydia undergoes no change and thinks that my sisters must all envy me. She has absolutely no shame for her behaviour and instead, she continuously flaunts her married status around at every opportunity visible(prenominal) Ah Jane, I take your place now, and you must go lower, because I am a married woman. But, she doesnt take the responsibilities that come with her married status very seriously. Although she seems to have an immense liking for Wickham, he was her sexual love, she still seems to be engaged with other men, Tell him I will dance with him at the abutting ball we meet, with great pleasure.Wickham is unchanged too, still keeping up appearances His manners were always so good-naturedhis smiles and his easy address Despite this, Elizabeth is able to tell that Wickhams affection for Lydia, was just what Elizabeth had expected to find it not equal to Lydias for him. He simply married her for the money. It seems like the beginnings of a terrible marriage Small as their chance of happiness and So imprudent a match on twain sides. Their marriage has an uncanny resemblance to that of Mr and Mrs Bennet characters of opposite natures and views, uncomplimentary personalities and a marriage that happened due to irrepressible passion, not love How little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their virtue.Mr and Mrs Bennet, partly due to their unsuccessful marriage, prove to be terrible parents by the elopement. Janes letter gives us an insight in to the state at Longbourn. Mrs Bennet is described as quite unaccommodating in the situation My poor mother is really ill and keeps her room. A good mother would try to at least provide comfort to her family and remain calm, steady and strong. Something Mrs Bennet does quite the opposite of, which is quite typical of her Could she exert herself it would be better, but this is not be expected. Mrs Bennet influ ences Lydia to be flirty and large from early on and it has a terrible effect.Mr Bennet, on the other hand, actually tries to handle the situation although he is grieved by the incident I never in my life saw him so affected. He tries to echo Lydia My father is going to London. But, it seems like an anger induced decision, his excessive distress will not suffer him to pursue any measure in the best and safest way, which is not the way a good, responsible parent should react. Especially, because Mr Bennet was partly to blame for the whole incident as he never gives enough parental attention to Lydia and agrees to send her to Brighton even after Elizabeths pleas to withdraw the offer, simply because We shall have no peace at Longbourn if Lydia does not go to Brighton. This shows that he was lazy and couldnt be bothered to plentifulness with Lydia in the house, so it was easier just to send her away at that point.In the long run, of course, it made things a lot more difficult but both parents dont seem to learn from this terrible incident at all. Mrs Bennet is delighted and happy as soon as the marriage betwixt Lydia and Wickham is almost confirmed and is completely ignorant of past grievances caused by Lydia She was disturbed by no fear for her felicity, nor down in the mouth by any remembrance of her misconduct. It was almost as if there had been no scandal in the whole affair No sentiment of shame gave a damp to her triumph. Even the want of new robes trumped the ignominy of the elopement She was more alive to the disgrace, which the want of new clothes must reflect on her girlfriends nuptials, than to any sense of shame at her eloping and living with Wickham, a fortnight before they took place.The effect on Mr Bennet is a little different as in the beginning, he is extremely culpable Who should suffer but myself? It has been my own doing, and I ought to feel it. But after being rendered spiritless by the ill-success of all their endeavours, in Londo n, he gives up and leaves Mr Gardiner to continue the search for Lydia, going back to his indifferent quiver he naturally returned to all his former indolence. Although he feels no guilt doing that, one should think he would feel it after Mr Gardiners hard work pays off and he fixes a marriage between Lydia and Wickham, while he just lazed around. This does not happen though, instead, he feels pleasure That it would be done with such trifling exertion on his side, too, was another very welcome surprise.Finally, another aspect the elopement has an effect on, is the distant relations such as Mr Collins and Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Mr Collins writes a letter to the Bennet family about the elopement, portraying his harsh characteristics. The death of your daughter would have been a blessing in comparison to this, he writes selfishly, because at least that wouldnt disgrace his household. He also mentions that all relations of the Bennet family will be disgraced, including Lady Catherin es agreement to add more power This false step in one daughter, will be injurious to the fortunes of all others, for who, as Lady Catherine herself condescendingly says, will connect themselves with such a family.As a solution, he writes in a very unforgiving and non-Christian manner to banish Lydia throw off your unworthy child from your affection for ever, and leave her to reap the fruits of her own atrocious offence. He doesnt change his views even after Lydia and Wickhams marriage You ought to certainly forgive them as a Christian, but never admit them in your sight, or allow their names to be mentioned in your hearing. For Lady Catherine, however, the Bennets disgrace is a weapon as she tries to use it against Elizabeth, in sample her to keep off Mr Darcy since she hears of their relationship I am no stranger to the particulars of your youngest sisters disreputable elopementAre the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted? Ironically, it has the inverse effect and her visit b ecomes the means of merger Elizabeth and Darcy, as Elizabeths reluctance to rejecting him, gives him new encouragement It taught me to hopehad you been absolutely, irrevocably decided against me, you would have hold it to Lady Catherine, frankly and openly.In conclusion, the importance of the elopement is only truly understood after experiencing the aftermath, as the agile effects and late effects of the elopement vary greatly for most people. It also has a different effect on different characters. For Elizabeth and Darcy, and Jane and Bingley, it is like a blessing in disguise but for Mr and Mrs Bennet, and Lydia and Wickham, it fails to have any good effect on the situation or characters. Instead, it reveals their flaws to others. This is the same for Mr Collins as he is shown as unforgiving of the disgrace extended to his household, and Lady Catherines insolent side is unveiled. The elopement changes the whole story and most characters revel in the change, thanks to Mr Darcy, with exceptions such as Lady Catherine and Miss Bingley.