P&P #11: Ch. 3-6

“That loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable, that one false step involves her in endless ruin, that her reputation is no less brittle than it is beautiful, and that she cannot be too much guarded in her behaviour towards the undeserving of the other sex” (280).

• We do not come across Mary very often in the text; however, when she speaks it is often very insightful. She is known to be an intelligent reader that keeps to herself. When reading this passage, it is evident that Mary has intelligent explanations. She is indeed younger than both Jane and Lizzy, nevertheless, her intelligence level can be considered to have exceeded her age. She explicates Lydia’s situation as being a lesson to be learned so no one may commit the same mistake. Mary also illustrates one of the common themes in the novel—impressions. The society is extremely focused on social structure and how one is obligated to act. If this is not done, people will often speak badly of that person, which will eventually destroy their reputation. Just as, if the citizens are aware of how the marriage came about, people would begin to speak badly of not only her but her entire family. Lydia obviously did not think of the damage she would be causing. This could be considered a common case of the moral triangle where Lydia allowed for the end to justify the means.
  

Multiple Choice:

What type of emotion does Mr. Bennet evoke through the following passage?

“ ‘Say nothing of that. Who should suffer but myself? It has been my own doing, and I ought to feel it’” (289).

A) Guilt because he feels responsible for allowing Lydia to go
B) Anger because he had personally told her not to go
C) Sarcastic Happiness because he does not care for the foolish acts of his family
D) Indifferent because Lydia is marrying into wealth
E) None of the above