P&P #13: Ch. 10-12

“ I fancy, Lizzy, that obstinacy is the real defect of his character after all” (313).

• In the past few chapters, Darcy is depicted as more than perfect, to the point where even one negative trait results in good actions. Rather than be a play on words, this quotation could be considered as a play on “comprehension”. Darcy insists that he personally provide Mr. Wickham and Lydia with pecuniary aid. After doing so, Darcy was also adamant in regards to making Mr. Gardiner take the credit for such a good deed. Obstinacy is often understood to be a negative or haughty characteristic. It is usually deemed as disrespectful or condescending. However, within the context, it is evident that obstinacy becomes a form of humility. Austen elucidates the reasoning behind Darcy’s obstinacy, which forces the reader to conclude that the sole “defect” Darcy possesses results in positive and constructive works which makes Darcy even more unbelievably perfect.
  

Multiple Choice:

Which quotation best describes Mrs. Gardiner’s opinion of Darcy?

A) “His behavior to us has, in every respect, been pleasing as when we were in Derbyshire. His understanding and opinions all please me” (315)
B) “I must say that I hate the very sight of him” (323).
C) “Silent, grave and indifferent” (328).
D) “Everybody declared that he was the wickedest young man in the world; and everybody began to find out, that they had always distrusted the appearance of his goodness” (285).
E) “His countenance, voice, and manner, had established him at once in the possession of every virtue” (203).