For Monday: Lady Catherine´s Critique

The reading for Monday (Vol. 3 Ch. 14) ends with Lady Catherine de Bourgh´s visit to Elizabeth, where Lady Catherine expresses her belief in Elizabeth´s inferiority in all aspects, especially given recent events. What is Lady Catherine saying, how does it represent 18th century society, and in what way does it reflect Austen´s own views? What tensions exist between doing what society expects and doing what we individually want? In what ways is gender important in this case? Social class? Consider also the impersonal 3rd person omniscient narrative and how the reader is left to come to their own conclusions.

Don´t feel pressured to answer ALL the questions-- but try to look for specific quotes to back up what you´re saying.

Eligible Bachelors . . .

While George Wickham and Colonel Fitzwilliam may not seem to have much in common, these characters both represent potential matches for Elizabeth. As we discussed today, Volume 1 closes with Elizabeth escaping Mr. Collins, and hopes for marriage based on love at a low. Yet both of these young men give us something to hope for (at least for a bit).

With that in mind, compare them in terms of 1) appearance and personality, 2) social position, 3) their philosphy on marriage and 4) how Elizabeth views them. You will find information on Wickham in much of Volume 1; Colonel Fitzwilliam appears in Vol. 2 Ch. 7. Pay attention to detail-- what do they say, what does the narrator tell us, and what do other characters notice.

It is a truth universally acknowledged . . .

Jane Austen decisively sets the tone for her novel from the very first lines: "[A]ny single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." While for some, Austen's tale of sisters searching for true love (whatever that is) may seem superficial and trivial, from the very beginning she puts a sarcastic twist on her words, suggesting a deeper meaning to her silly novel.

Consider Chapters 1-3, the characters (especially dialogue) and narration, and comment on the tone of the novel. What is the deeper meaning to the simple romance that is being spun? What underlying issues come to the surface, through double meanings, ironies and sarcasm?

Remember-- use the blog entries as the opportunity to have a conversation with each other. Feel free also to comment on other observations.

What is Shelley´s message?

Now that we should be finishing Frankenstein, and we´ve seen Victor and his creation´s fates, what is the point anyway? Why is Victor (notice his name and what it literally means) such a big Loser? Where does the monster go at the end of the book and why? What is Walton´s role in all this? What is Shelley trying to say here about the world, and how does that relate to Romanticism? What does the subtitle of the title mean (look at the title page of your book, and you will see: Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus)?

Respond to whichever of the questions interests you, or all (they are connected). Also, make sure to read and respond to each others´ ideas, because that is the point of this!

Reminder: For Tuesday, buy Pride and Prejudice!

Frankenstein-- Fallen angel?

After we´ve looked at Book 1 of Paradise Lost, what do we think? How does Milton characterize Satan? Why did the creature choose to compare himself to Satan and Adam? Which comparison seems more accurate and why?

Respond to these questions, or something related. Don´t be afraid to get off topic-- and draw on the texts whenever you need to. Also, try to respond to each other´s comments.