I have just started reading the classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I love it so far. When I asked my mom if she had ever read it she paused, looked me dead in the eyes, and said she wanted to jump off a bridge when she was reading it in high school. It was too olden day for her. Personally, I love the olden day ambiance. If I could live in any time period I’d love to live in the 1800s. I also believe that the old English style will help my writing skills.
On page 23, Elizabeth, who is a Bennet daughter, is at a ball when a Mr. Darcy asks her to dance. She responds with,
Indeed, sir, I have not the least intention of dancing. – I entreat you not to suppose that I moved this way in order to beg for a partner.
This comment from Miss Elizabeth was beyond surprising to not only the reader but also Mr. Darcy. This rejection is unexpected considering it is a social norm for a women to leap at the attention of a possible suitor. But she did not. The author also mentioned that Elizabeth scrutinized Mr. Darcy for only asking for her hand because of the way she was moving. I perceived this in the sense that she was dancing in a more intimate way than women usually do at balls. Moving forward, the author has made it clear that Elizabeth, the eldest of the Bennet children, is not looking for a suitor and has a strong sense of independence.