So Mom inspired me to pick up another classic. After Gulliver's Travels and only getting to chapter three, I am hoping Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin will hold more of my attention. If the first sentence is any indication -- I am in!
I didn't read any notes on the text at the beginning or any of the lengthy introduction by Vivien Jones or the original Penguin Classics intro by Tony Tanner because, well, I am not supposed to. I did read that Jane A. died at 37. Is that right?
The book had a reproduction of a reproduction of a reproduction of the original title page. A novel in three volumes. The date was 1813 or 1819 since the repo was hard to read. It makes a difference though. Think of the difference of 1983 to 1989 -- big difference.
The first sentence made me laugh out loud. Only because it's not true and then it is true. A single, rich man moving to the 'hood is still a hot item. He "came down on Monday in a chaise and four" and "was so delighted". More men should be delighted. I imagine him (forgot his name already) doing leprechaun kicks in front of this big manor with his starched, white cravat blowing in the breeze. Or it could have been just Mrs. Bennet's word choice but I hope not. I want him to be giddy.
Mrs. Bennet called her husband Mr. Bennet. Typical of the day? How impersonal. She wants him to visit the new rich man. Mr. Bennet compliments his wife -- nice. Then plays her. He's wry and dry. I like him already. She's annoying.
Other big wigs want a shot at this young man as well -- Sir William and Lady Lucas.
We already know the favorite daughter -- Lizzy with her "quickness". I like that word. Her sister Jane is pretty and Lydia funny but it's Lizzy who her dad (Mr. B) favors.
A great line responding to Mrs. B comment about 'her nerves'. "I have the highest respect for your nerves. They are my old friends." Yikes. Imagine that marriage.
Mr. B is smart and complicated. Mrs. B is shallow and a busybody who's sole purpose in life appears to get her daughters married.
My money is on Lizzy getting the rich dude.
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