TBB BotM: September: Let's Read: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice!

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Hieronymous Alloy: Jan 30, 2009; Why! Why!! Why must you refuse to accept that Dr. Hieronymous Alloy's Genetically Enhanced Cream Corn Is Superior to the Leading Brand on the Market!?!; Morbid Hound

Chapter 22

Just in case anyone was worried about Mr. Collins' poor broken heart, don't be; he solves that problem ASAP.

quote:

THE Bennets were engaged to dine with the Lucases, and again during the chief of the day, was Miss Lucas so kind as to listen to Mr. Collins. Elizabeth took an opportunity of thanking her. ``It keeps him in good humour,'' said she, ``and I am more obliged to you than I can express.'' Charlotte assured her friend of her satisfaction in being useful, and that it amply repaid her for the little sacrifice of her time. This was very amiable, but Charlotte's kindness extended farther than Elizabeth had any conception of; -- its object was nothing less than to secure her from any return of Mr. Collins's addresses, by engaging them towards herself. Such was Miss Lucas's scheme; and appearances were so favourable that when they parted at night, she would have felt almost sure of success if he had not been to leave Hertfordshire so very soon. But here, she did injustice to the fire and independence of his character, for it led him to escape out of Longbourn House the next morning with admirable slyness, and hasten to Lucas Lodge to throw himself at her feet. He was anxious to avoid the notice of his cousins, from a conviction that if they saw him depart, they could not fail to conjecture his design, and he was not willing to have the attempt known till its success could be known likewise; for though feeling almost secure, and with reason, for Charlotte had been tolerably encouraging, he was comparatively diffident since the adventure of Wednesday. His reception however was of the most flattering kind. Miss Lucas perceived him from an upper window as he walked towards the house, and instantly set out to meet him accidentally in the lane. But little had she dared to hope that so much love and eloquence awaited her there.

In as short a time as Mr. Collins's long speeches would allow, every thing was settled between them to the satisfaction of both; and as they entered the house, he earnestly entreated her to name the day that was to make him the happiest of men; and though such a solicitation must be waved for the present, the lady felt no inclination to trifle with his happiness. The stupidity with which he was favoured by nature must guard his courtship from any charm that could make a woman wish for its continuance; and Miss Lucas, who accepted him solely from the pure and disinterested desire of an establishment, cared not how soon that establishment were gained.

Well, that was fast. I think they've spoken a grand total of three or four times. Charlotte really is the practical one.

quote:

Sir William and Lady Lucas were speedily applied to for their consent; and it was bestowed with a most joyful alacrity. Mr. Collins's present circumstances made it a most eligible match for their daughter, to whom they could give little fortune; and his prospects of future wealth were exceedingly fair. Lady Lucas began directly to calculate with more interest than the matter had ever excited before, how many years longer Mr. Bennet was likely to live; and Sir William gave it as his decided opinion that whenever Mr. Collins should be in possession of the Longbourn estate, it would be highly expedient that both he and his wife should make their appearance at St. James's. The whole family, in short, were properly overjoyed on the occasion. The younger girls formed hopes of coming out a year or two sooner than they might otherwise have done; and the boys were relieved from their apprehension of Charlotte's dying an old maid. Charlotte herself was tolerably composed. She had gained her point, and had time to consider of it. Her reflections were in general satisfactory. Mr. Collins to be sure was neither sensible nor agreeable; his society was irksome, and his attachment to her must be imaginary. But still, he would be her husband. -- Without thinking highly either of men or of matrimony, marriage had always been her object; it was the only honourable provision for well-educated young women of small fortune, and however uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleasantest preservative from want. This preservative she had now obtained; and at the age of twenty-seven, without having ever been handsome, she felt all the good luck of it.

From a practical point of view, she's done the right thing, and everyone in her family is happy for her. It will mean a big social promotion for the whole family -- the parents will gain status (though the idea that it will get them a chance to make an appearance at Court may be hopeful exaggeration), the younger daughters can start chasing men now (because you're supposed to let the older siblings marry first), and the younger brothers don't have to worry about supporting her. Charlotte's age of twenty-seven is important because she's basically at the top end of the marriageable range -- over thirty and you were considered an "old maid" and essentially guaranteed not to marry.( The Annotated points out that Austen was herself in her thirties when P&P was written.)

Mr. Collins returns to the family and takes his leave of them, without initially telling them about the new engagement. There is one funny exchange:

quote:

As he was to begin his journey too early on the morrow to see any of the family, the ceremony of leave-taking was performed when the ladies moved for the night; and Mrs. Bennet, with great politeness and cordiality, said how happy they should be to see him at Longbourn again, whenever his other engagements might allow him to visit them.

``My dear Madam,'' he replied, ``this invitation is particularly gratifying, because it is what I have been hoping to receive; and you may be very certain that I shall avail myself of it as soon as possible.''

They were all astonished; and Mr. Bennet, who could by no means wish for so speedy a return, immediately said,

``But is there not danger of Lady Catherine's disapprobation here, my good sir? -- You had better neglect your relations, than run the risk of offending your patroness.''

``My dear sir,'' replied Mr. Collins, ``I am particularly obliged to you for this friendly caution, and you may depend upon my not taking so material a step without her ladyship's concurrence.''

``You cannot be too much on your guard. Risk any thing rather than her displeasure; and if you find it likely to be raised by your coming to us again, which I should think exceedingly probable, stay quietly at home, and be satisfied that we shall take no offence.''

Mr. Bennett is smarter than he lets on.

Charlotte drops by to tell Elizabeth about the engagement. Elizabeth's surprised.

quote:

``Engaged to Mr. Collins! my dear Charlotte, -- impossible!''

The steady countenance which Miss Lucas had commanded in telling her story, gave way to a momentary confusion here on receiving so direct a reproach; though, as it was no more than she expected, she soon regained her composure, and calmly replied,

``Why should you be surprised, my dear Eliza? -- Do you think it incredible that Mr. Collins should be able to procure any woman's good opinion, because he was not so happy as to succeed with you?''

But Elizabeth had now recollected herself, and making a strong effort for it, was able to assure her with tolerable firmness that the prospect of their relationship was highly grateful to her, and that she wished her all imaginable happiness.

``I see what you are feeling,'' replied Charlotte, -- ``you must be surprised, very much surprised, -- so lately as Mr. Collins was wishing to marry you. But when you have had time to think it all over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins's character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.''

Elizabeth quietly answered ``Undoubtedly;'' -- and after an awkward pause, they returned to the rest of the family. Charlotte did not stay much longer, and Elizabeth was then left to reflect on what she had heard. It was a long time before she became at all reconciled to the idea of so unsuitable a match. The strangeness of Mr. Collins's making two offers of marriage within three days, was nothing in comparison of his being now accepted. She had always felt that Charlotte's opinion of matrimony was not exactly like her own, but she could not have supposed it possible that, when called into action, she would have sacrificed every better feeling to worldly advantage. Charlotte the wife of Mr. Collins, was a most humiliating picture! -- And to the pang of a friend disgracing herself and sunk in her esteem, was added the distressing conviction that it was impossible for that friend to be tolerably happy in the lot she had chosen.

Elizabeth may be smart, but she's not nearly as good a judge of character as she thinks she is. All the clues were there -- every time Elizabeth's tried to avoid Mr. Collins previously, Charlotte stepped into the breach -- but she didn't want to see them.

Hieronymous Alloy fucked around with this message at 03:32 on Sep 15, 2014

# ? Sep 15, 2014 03:26

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# ? May 7, 2024 13:48

Hieronymous Alloy: Jan 30, 2009; Why! Why!! Why must you refuse to accept that Dr. Hieronymous Alloy's Genetically Enhanced Cream Corn Is Superior to the Leading Brand on the Market!?!; Morbid Hound

Chapter 23.

Soon enough, everyone else finds out.

quote:

ELIZABETH was sitting with her mother and sisters, reflecting on what she had heard, and doubting whether she were authorised to mention it, when Sir William Lucas himself appeared, sent by his daughter to announce her engagement to the family. With many compliments to them, and much self-gratulation on the prospect of a connection between the houses, he unfolded the matter, -- to an audience not merely wondering, but incredulous; for Mrs. Bennet, with more perseverance than politeness, protested he must be entirely mistaken, and Lydia, always unguarded and often uncivil, boisterously exclaimed,

``Good Lord! Sir William, how can you tell such a story? -- Do not you know that Mr. Collins wants to marry Lizzy?''

Nothing less than the complaisance of a courtier could have borne without anger such treatment; but Sir William's good breeding carried him through it all; and though he begged leave to be positive as to the truth of his information, he listened to all their impertinence with the most forbearing courtesy.

Elizabeth, feeling it incumbent on her to relieve him from so unpleasant a situation, now put herself forward to confirm his account, by mentioning her prior knowledge of it from Charlotte herself; and endeavoured to put a stop to the exclamations of her mother and sisters, by the earnestness of her congratulations to Sir William, in which she was readily joined by Jane, and by making a variety of remarks on the happiness that might be expected from the match, the excellent character of Mr. Collins, and the convenient distance of Hunsford from London.

There's a bit of irony going on there with Sir William's "complaisance of a courtier" and "good breeding," since he's only been to Court once (to be knighted) and comes from a trade background, but to be fair to the guy he is being really polite in the face of Mrs. Bennett's ravings.

Elizabeth and Jane are saying the correct polite things here and keeping their heads on their shoulders, unlike their mother. From The Annotated I learn that it's a distances of around twenty or so miles from Hunsford (where Collins lives, near Rosings Park) to London and an additional twenty or thirty or so miles from London to Longbourne, so the Bennetts live around fifty miles away from Rosings total, or "about half a day's journey on good roads."

The rest of the family reacts as expected (selfishly, except for Jane, who tries to believe it will work out happily). Mr. Collins writes to say that he's going to come visit again (he did check with Lady Catherine de Blaaaaaargh, and she totally approved). A few weeks pass and he comes back, but fortunately or unfortunately spends his time with Charlotte mostly.

Then we have this sharp little exchange:

quote:

``Indeed, Mr. Bennet,'' said she, ``it is very hard to think that Charlotte Lucas should ever be mistress of this house, that I should be forced to make way for her, and live to see her take my place in it!''

``My dear, do not give way to such gloomy thoughts. Let us hope for better things. Let us flatter ourselves that I may be the survivor.''

This was not very consoling to Mrs. Bennet, and, therefore, instead of making any answer, she went on as before,

``I cannot bear to think that they should have all this estate, If it was not for the entail I should not mind it.''

``What should not you mind?''

``I should not mind any thing at all.''

``Let us be thankful that you are preserved from a state of such insensibility.''

``I never can be thankful, Mr. Bennet, for any thing about the entail. How any one could have the conscience to entail away an estate from one's own daughters I cannot understand; and all for the sake of Mr. Collins too! -- Why should he have it more than anybody else?''

``I leave it to yourself to determine,'' said Mr. Bennet.

If Mr. Bennett dies first, Charlotte Lucas will become the Lady of the House, and will take precedence at events, sit at Mrs. Bennett's current place at table, etc., and the Widow Bennett would have to move down and rely on the Collins' charity. Mr. Bennett is telling her not to worry about that because she may die before he does.

And on that note, we're at the end of Volume One.

Hieronymous Alloy fucked around with this message at 14:07 on Sep 15, 2014

# ? Sep 15, 2014 03:42

Hieronymous Alloy: Jan 30, 2009; Why! Why!! Why must you refuse to accept that Dr. Hieronymous Alloy's Genetically Enhanced Cream Corn Is Superior to the Leading Brand on the Market!?!; Morbid Hound

Obviously I'm moving slower than I had initially planned!

I'm going to keep going. Right now my plan is to finish this out as a "normal," i.e., non BoTM thread, next month, probably throwing A Night in the Lonesome October up for next month as a nice casual break book. Alternatively, I could just say "discuss whatever part" and lift the restrictions, or I could continue this BotM over two months. Thoughts/feedback?

# ? Sep 18, 2014 12:57

Walh Hara: May 11, 2012

Hieronymous Alloy posted:

Obviously I'm moving slower than I had initially planned!

I'm going to keep going. Right now my plan is to finish this out as a "normal," i.e., non BoTM thread, next month, probably throwing A Night in the Lonesome October up for next month as a nice casual break book. Alternatively, I could just say "discuss whatever part" and lift the restrictions, or I could continue this BotM over two months. Thoughts/feedback?

I don't mind it going slowly at all. Personally I'd just continue this BotM over two months and continue it as a let's read, but I'm not the one who has to write all those summaries so honestly you should just decide yourself.

edit: oh, on topic: I thought the chapter with the ball was by far the best one so far and really enjoyable. I've been enjoying this book so far despite my initial prejudices against Austen.

Walh Hara fucked around with this message at 17:46 on Sep 18, 2014

# ? Sep 18, 2014 17:43

busb: Mar 19, 2009; Thorgie

This thread inspired me to go back and revisit this great novel. You've done a great job so far, i don't mind that it's slow i'm still interested in the in depth read you're doing.

Walh Hara: I've struggled getting into Austen's work such as Emma and Sense and Sensability; but Pride and Prejudice really is such a pleasure to read and follow that it makes Austen easy in my opinion. The great 1995 BBC rendition also helps too

# ? Sep 19, 2014 13:51

V. Illych L.: Apr 11, 2008; ASK ME ABOUT LUMBER

Yeah, I definitely agree with that. Emma, I feel that the main character is simply too unlikeable, and in Sense and Sensibility the whole "sense" part just feels too sterile to me. Pride and Prejudice hits this beautiful middle ground.

Also, Hieronymous, your write-ups are great and I'm really enjoying them. One thing I feel is odd is how outr� the younger girls are and why this is the case - I get that this family is pretty eccentric, but the younger girls are all just gently caress-ups. I feel as though there must be some reason for this that I'm not getting, some irony that's contingent on knowledge I just don't have. Any thoughts on that? Basically, a commentary on how loving annoying younger siblings are?

# ? Sep 20, 2014 20:14

Hieronymous Alloy: Jan 30, 2009; Why! Why!! Why must you refuse to accept that Dr. Hieronymous Alloy's Genetically Enhanced Cream Corn Is Superior to the Leading Brand on the Market!?!; Morbid Hound

V. Illych L. posted:

Yeah, I definitely agree with that. Emma, I feel that the main character is simply too unlikeable, and in Sense and Sensibility the whole "sense" part just feels too sterile to me. Pride and Prejudice hits this beautiful middle ground.

Also, Hieronymous, your write-ups are great and I'm really enjoying them. One thing I feel is odd is how outr� the younger girls are and why this is the case - I get that this family is pretty eccentric, but the younger girls are all just gently caress-ups. I feel as though there must be some reason for this that I'm not getting, some irony that's contingent on knowledge I just don't have. Any thoughts on that? Basically, a commentary on how loving annoying younger siblings are?

They talk about this a little more later in the book, but basically, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have worked less and less on raising each succeeding daughter correctly.

# ? Sep 20, 2014 22:38

Hieronymous Alloy: Jan 30, 2009; Why! Why!! Why must you refuse to accept that Dr. Hieronymous Alloy's Genetically Enhanced Cream Corn Is Superior to the Leading Brand on the Market!?!; Morbid Hound

EDIT: Obviously this is a post in progress! Whurps, hit the button too soon!

Ok, Onwards and Upwards! Excelsior!

For those following along online, it looks like the Pemberly website is changing their formatting, so you can find the novel here:
http://pemberley.net/etext/PandP/index.html

Chapter Twenty-Four (Vol II, Chapter 1)

quote:

Miss Bingley's letter arrived, and put an end to doubt. The very first sentence conveyed the assurance of their being all settled in London for the winter, and concluded with her brother's regret at not having had time to pay his respects to his friends in Hertfordshire before he left the country.

Hope was over, entirely over; and when Jane could attend to the rest of the letter, she found little, except the professed affection of the writer, that could give her any comfort. Miss Darcy's praise occupied the chief of it. Her many attractions were again dwelt on, and Caroline boasted joyfully of their increasing intimacy, and ventured to predict the accomplishment of the wishes which had been unfolded in her former letter. She wrote also with great pleasure of her brother's being an inmate of Mr. Darcy's house, and mentioned with raptures some plans of the latter with regard to new furniture.

This is a gently caress-you-I-win letter if there ever was one.

quote:

Elizabeth, to whom Jane very soon communicated the chief of all this, heard it in silent indignation. Her heart was divided between concern for her sister and resentment against all the others. To Caroline's assertion of her brother's being partial to Miss Darcy she paid no credit. That he was really fond of Jane, she doubted no more than she had ever done; and much as she had always been disposed to like him, she could not think without anger, hardly without contempt, on that easiness of temper, that want of proper resolution, which now made him the slave of his designing friends, and led him to sacrifice his own happiness to the caprice of their inclinations. Had his own happiness, however, been the only sacrifice, he might have been allowed to sport with it in what ever manner he thought best; but her sister's was involved in it, as she thought he must be sensible himself. It was a subject, in short, on which reflection would be long indulged, and must be unavailing. She could think of nothing else; and yet, whether Bingley's regard had really died away, or were suppressed by his friends' interference; whether he had been aware of Jane's attachment, or whether it had escaped his observation; whichever were the case, though her opinion of him must be materially affected by the difference, her sister's situation remained the same, her peace equally wounded.

Elizabeth is mad because she thinks Bingley's very amiability is making him hurt her sister (Jane). On the upside, he's a nice, easy to get along with guy, and just like Jane everyone likes him; on the downside he's being a pushover.

Jane reacts to it all as positively as only Jane can:

quote:

"Oh that my dear mother had more command over herself! she can have no idea of the pain she gives me by her continual reflections on him. But I will not repine. It cannot last long. He will be forgot, and we shall all be as we were before."

Elizabeth looked at her sister with incredulous solicitude, but said nothing.

"You doubt me," cried Jane, slightly colouring; "indeed you have no reason. He may live in my memory as the most amiable man of my acquaintance, but that is all. I have nothing either to hope or fear, and nothing to reproach him with. Thank God! I have not that pain. A little time therefore -- I shall certainly try to get the better."

With a stronger voice she soon added, "I have this comfort immediately, that it has not been more than an error of fancy on my side, and that it has done no harm to any one but myself."

"My dear Jane!" exclaimed Elizabeth, "you are too good. Your sweetness and disinterestedness are really angelic; I do not know what to say to you. I feel as if I had never done you justice, or loved you as you deserve."

By "nothing to reproach him with" she means that he never made any promises (such as an overt promise of marriage) or did anything untoward. She's saying she can't fault him for crossing any boundaries or toying with her emotions unfairly.

quote:

Miss Bennet eagerly disclaimed all extraordinary merit, and threw back the praise on her sister's warm affection.

"Nay," said Elizabeth, "this is not fair. You wish to think all the world respectable, and are hurt if I speak ill of anybody. I only want to think you perfect, and you set yourself against it. Do not be afraid of my running into any excess, of my encroaching on your privilege of universal goodwill. You need not. There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of either merit or sense. I have met with two instances lately: one I will not mention, the other is Charlotte's marriage. It is unaccountable! in every view it is unaccountable!"

The "one I will not mention" is (I think?) Bingley's conduct, which she doesn't want to upset her sister with. Of course both of these are perfectly understandable. Bingley's being a pushover is something we've known about all along, and all the clues were there to see Charlotte's plan too -- every time Elizabeth pushed Collins away Charlotte stepped into the breach. Elizabeth just didn't want to see them coming.

Anyway, Elizabeth and Jane finish their conversation, and with it (sad face !) their discussion of Mr. Bingley.

quote:

"My dear Lizzy, do not give way to such feelings as these. They will ruin your happiness. You do not make allowance enough for difference of situation and temper. Consider Mr. Collins's respectability, and Charlotte's prudent, steady character. Remember that she is one of a large family; that as to fortune it is a most eligible match; and be ready to believe, for everybody's sake, that she may feel something like regard and esteem for our cousin."

"To oblige you, I would try to believe almost anything, but no one else could be benefited by such a belief as this; for were I persuaded that Charlotte had any regard for him, I should only think worse of her understanding than I now do of her heart. My dear Jane, Mr. Collins is a conceited, pompous, narrow-minded, silly man: you know he is, as well as I do; and you must feel, as well as I do, that the woman who marries him cannot have a proper way of thinking. You shall not defend her, though it is Charlotte Lucas. You shall not, for the sake of one individual, change the meaning of principle and integrity, nor endeavour to persuade yourself or me that selfishness is prudence, and insensibility of danger security for happiness."

"I must think your language too strong in speaking of both," replied Jane; "and I hope you will be convinced of it by seeing them happy together. But enough of this. You alluded to something else. You mentioned two instances. I cannot misunderstand you, but I intreat you, dear Lizzy, not to pain me by thinking that person to blame, and saying your opinion of him is sunk. We must not be so ready to fancy ourselves intentionally injured. We must not expect a lively young man to be always so guarded and circumspect. It is very often nothing but our own vanity that deceives us. Woman fancy admiration means more than it does."

"And men take care that they should."

"If it is designedly done, they cannot be justified; but I have no idea of there being so much design in the world as some persons imagine."

"I am far from attributing any part of Mr. Bingley's conduct to design," said Elizabeth; "but without scheming to do wrong, or to make others unhappy, there may be error, and there may be misery. Thoughtlessness, want of attention to other people's feelings, and want of resolution, will do the business."

"And do you impute it to either of those?'

"Yes; to the last. But if I go on, I shall displease you by saying what I think of persons you esteem. Stop me whilst you can."

"You persist, then, in supposing his sisters influence him."

"Yes, in conjunction with his friend."

"I cannot believe it. Why should they try to influence him? They can only wish his happiness; and if he is attached to me, no other woman can secure it."

"Your first position is false. They may wish many things besides his happiness; they may wish his increase of wealth and consequence; they may wish him to marry a girl who has all the importance of money, great connexions, and pride."

"Beyond a doubt they do wish him to chuse Miss Darcy," replied Jane; "but this may be from better feelings than you are supposing. They have known her much longer than they have known me: no wonder if they love her better. But, whatever may be their own wishes, it is very unlikely they should have opposed their brother's. What sister would think herself at liberty to do it, unless there were something very objectionable? If they believed him attached to me, they would not try to part us; if he were so, they could not succeed. By supposing such an affection, you make everybody acting unnaturally and wrong, and me most unhappy. Do not distress me by the idea. I am not ashamed of having been mistaken -- or, at least, it is slight, it is nothing in comparison of what I should feel in thinking ill of him or his sisters. Let me take it in the best light, in the light in which it may be understood."

Elizabeth could not oppose such a wish; and from this time Mr. Bingley's name was scarcely ever mentioned between them.

There's a lot to talk about in this passage; it some ways it's one of the philosophical centerpieces of the novel. Just to touch on one angle, it's easy for a reader to look at Jane's attitude here and think "what the gently caress? Is she a human being or a teddy bear?" but on this re-read I'm more tempted to give Jane some credit. Her attitude might just be the best, healthiest way to approach a situation like this. It reminded me of this article on conflict resolution, which points out that the best way to resolve a conflict with someone is to assume they are merely ignorant (rather than arrogant, hostile, etc.). We've just seen that Elizabeth isn't as smart as she thinks she is; Jane isn't claiming that she's smart, or even that she's right, just that she's happiest thinking of things in their best light. Is that Pollyanaish or Panglossian, or simply practical? I honestly don't know! This seems like a good question to have characters in a novel argue over, because it's worth thinking about and I'm not sure there is a clear answer.

quote:

Mrs. Bennet still continued to wonder and repine at his returning no more, and though a day seldom passed in which Elizabeth did not account for it clearly, there seemed little chance of her ever considering it with less perplexity. Her daughter endeavoured to convince her of what she did not believe herself, that his attentions to Jane had been merely the effect of a common and transient liking, which ceased when he saw her no more; but though the probability of the statement was admitted at the time, she had the same story to repeat every day. Mrs. Bennet's best comfort was that Mr. Bingley must be down again in the summer.

Mr. Bennet treated the matter differently. "So, Lizzy," said he one day, "your sister is crossed in love, I find. I congratulate her. Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed in love a little now and then. It is something to think of, and gives her a sort of distinction among her companions. When is your turn to come? You will hardly bear to be long outdone by Jane. Now is your time. Here are officers enough at Meryton to disappoint all the young ladies in the country. Let Wickham be your man. He is a pleasant fellow, and would jilt you creditably."

"Thank you, sir, but a less agreeable man would satisfy me. We must not all expect Jane's good fortune."

"True," said Mr. Bennet, "but it is a comfort to think that whatever of that kind may befall you, you have an affectionate mother who will always make the most of it."

Mr. Wickham's society was of material service in dispelling the gloom which the late perverse occurrences had thrown on many of the Longbourn family. They saw him often, and to his other recommendations was now added that of general unreserve. The whole of what Elizabeth had already heard, his claims on Mr. Darcy, and all that he had suffered from him, was now openly acknowledged and publicly canvassed; and everybody was pleased to think how much they had always disliked Mr. Darcy before they had known anything of the matter.

Miss Bennet was the only creature who could suppose there might be any extenuating circumstances in the case, unknown to the society of Hertfordshire; her mild and steady candour always pleaded for allowances, and urged the possibility of mistakes -- but by everybody else Mr. Darcy was condemned as the worst of men.

Mr. Bennett comes across as a little cold here, but is he trying to warn Elizabeth about Wickham? Note that despite Wickham's earlier promises that he wouldn't talk about Darcy's alleged ill-treatment of him, he's instead obviously telling everybody.

Hieronymous Alloy fucked around with this message at 05:32 on Sep 21, 2014

# ? Sep 21, 2014 04:46

V. Illych L.: Apr 11, 2008; ASK ME ABOUT LUMBER

I really enjoy the development of Elizabeth and Wickham - especially Elizabeth, being the narrative focus. They act against their words and thoughts - Wickham, especially, is a magnificent hypocrite. Elizabeth is the very typically "smartest person I know" - she gets this role by people, and she genuinely is very clever. The problem is, being smarter than everyone else in your narrow circle of acquaintance means that you're designated "smart person", and so it's easy to get stuck in your prejudices. I'm sure we've all seen this in our circles' "smart persons", and it's a very interesting observation to make of a hero(ine), I think.

It also works well with both titular motifs - other people's prejudices feed into Elizabeth's own pride, and gives her her greatest character flaw.

# ? Sep 21, 2014 20:35

Hieronymous Alloy: Jan 30, 2009; Why! Why!! Why must you refuse to accept that Dr. Hieronymous Alloy's Genetically Enhanced Cream Corn Is Superior to the Leading Brand on the Market!?!; Morbid Hound

Vol II, Chapter II (Chapter 25)

quote:

After a week spent in professions of love and schemes of felicity, Mr. Collins was called from his amiable Charlotte by the arrival of Saturday. The pain of separation, however, might be alleviated on his side, by preparations for the reception of his bride; as he had reason to hope that, shortly after his next return into Hertfordshire, the day would be fixed that was to make him the happiest of men. He took leave of his relations at Longbourn with as much solemnity as before; wished his fair cousins health and happiness again, and promised their father another letter of thanks.

On the following Monday Mrs. Bennet had the pleasure of receiving her brother and his wife, who came as usual to spend the Christmas at Longbourn. Mr. Gardiner was a sensible, gentlemanlike man, greatly superior to his sister, as well by nature as education. The Netherfield ladies would have had difficulty in believing that a man who lived by trade, and within view of his own warehouses, could have been so well-bred and agreeable. Mrs. Gardiner, who was several years younger than Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Philips, was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, and a great favourite with all her Longbourn nieces. Between the two eldest and herself especially there subsisted a very particular regard. They had frequently been staying with her in town.

The first part of Mrs. Gardiner's business on her arrival was to distribute her presents and describe the newest fashions. When this was done she had a less active part to play. It became her turn to listen. Mrs. Bennet had many grievances to relate, and much to complain of. They had all been very ill-used since she last saw her sister. Two of her girls had been on the point of marriage, and after all there was nothing in it.

That first line isn't as bad a dig as it seems -- Collins has to return on Saturday so he can preach on Sunday.

This section is also important because it introduces the Gardiners. Austen was sortof slamming people "in trade" with the way she drew Mrs. Bennett's other relatives, the Phillips family; now we get a more positive portrayal. They're from London and they live in the commercial district -- i.e., not the fashionable district, which is the point of that "within view of his own warehouses" bit. Still, though, they're well-liked and mannerly and sufficiently well-to-do to know what the most current London fashions are.

quote:

"I do not blame Jane," she continued, "for Jane would have got Mr. Bingley if she could. But Lizzy! oh, sister! it is very hard to think that she might have been Mr. Collins's wife by this time, had not it been for her own perverseness. He made her an offer in this very room, and she refused him. The consequence of it is, that Lady Lucas will have a daughter married before I have, and that Longbourn estate is just as much entailed as ever. The Lucases are very artful people indeed, sister. They are all for what they can get. I am sorry to say it of them, but so it is. It makes me very nervous and poorly to be thwarted so in my own family, and to have neighbours who think of themselves before anybody else. However, your coming just at this time is the greatest of comforts, and I am very glad to hear what you tell us of long sleeves."

Mrs. Gardiner, to whom the chief of this news had been given before, in the course of Jane and Elizabeth's correspondence with her, made her sister a slight answer, and, in compassion to her nieces, turned the conversation.

I love how Mrs. Bennett shifts from talking about what are apparently serious long-term family issues to hear about long sleeves.(Since people in this era were generally going to be buying fabric, not ready-made clothes, so if you knew what the latest fashions were, you could have something stitched together yourself.). Clearly Mrs. Bennett has her priorities in order.

quote:

Mrs. Gardiner, to whom the chief of this news had been given before, in the course of Jane and Elizabeth's correspondence with her, made her sister a slight answer, and, in compassion to her nieces, turned the conversation.

When alone with Elizabeth afterwards, she spoke more on the subject. "It seems likely to have been a desirable match for Jane," said she. "I am sorry it went off. But these things happen so often! A young man, such as you describe Mr. Bingley, so easily falls in love with a pretty girl for a few weeks, and when accident separates them, so easily forgets her, that these sort of inconstancies are very frequent."

"An excellent consolation in its way," said Elizabeth, "but it will not do for us. We do not suffer by accident. It does not often happen that the interference of friends will persuade a young man of independent fortune to think no more of a girl whom he was violently in love with only a few days before."

"But that expression of 'violently in love' is so hackneyed, so doubtful, so indefinite, that it gives me very little idea. It is as often applied to feelings which arise from an half-hour's acquaintance, as to a real, strong attachment. Pray, how violent was Mr. Bingley's love?"

"I never saw a more promising inclination; He was growing quite inattentive to other people, and wholly engrossed by her. Every time they met it was more decided and remarkable. At his own ball he offended two or three young ladies by not asking them to dance; and I spoke to him twice myself without receiving an answer. Could there be finer symptoms? Is not general incivility the very essence of love?

We like Mrs. Gardiner already for handling Mrs. Bennett. We've seen Mr. Collins use that phrase "violently in love" several times before -- it was a contemporary cliche -- so it's interesting that when Mrs. Gardiner hears Elizabeth utter the cliche she calls her out for it. Jane Austen's positive characters don't tolerate that kind of sloppy verbiage.

quote:

"Oh, yes! -- of that kind of love which I suppose him to have felt. Poor Jane! I am sorry for her, because, with her disposition, she may not get over it immediately. It had better have happened to you, Lizzy; you would have laughed yourself out of it sooner. But do you think she would be prevailed on to go back with us? Change of scene might be of service -- and perhaps a little relief from home, may be as useful as anything."

Elizabeth was exceedingly pleased with this proposal, and felt persuaded of her sister's ready acquiescence.

"I hope," added Mrs. Gardiner, "that no consideration with regard to this young man will influence her. We live in so different a part of town, all our connexions are so different, and, as you well know, we go out so little, that it is very improbable they should meet at all, unless he really comes to see her."

"And that is quite impossible; for he is now in the custody of his friend, and Mr. Darcy would no more suffer him to call on Jane in such a part of London! My dear aunt, how could you think of it? Mr. Darcy may, perhaps, have heard of such a place as Gracechurch Street, but he would hardly think a month's ablution enough to cleanse him from its impurities, were he once to enter it; and, depend upon it, Mr. Bingley never stirs without him."

"So much the better. I hope they will not meet at all. But does not Jane correspond with the sister? She will not be able to help calling."

"She will drop the acquaintance entirely."

But in spite of the certainty in which Elizabeth affected to place this point, as well as the still more interesting one of Bingley's being withheld from seeing Jane, she felt a solicitude on the subject which convinced her, on examination, that she did not consider it entirely hopeless. It was possible, and sometimes she thought it probable, that his affection might be reanimated, and the influence of his friends successfully combated by the more natural influence of Jane's attractions.

Miss Bennet accepted her aunt's invitation with pleasure; and the Bingleys were no otherwise in her thoughts at the time than as she hoped that, by Caroline's not living in the same house with her brother, she might occasionally spend a morning with her, without any danger of seeing him.

A ray of hope! Jane's going to go live in London with the Gardiners for a month or so. That's not an unusual length of stay for a "visit" in this era. When it takes a long time to travel, and the servants are taking care of the housework anyway, might as well make it a long trip.

quote:

The Gardiners staid a week at Longbourn; and what with the Philipses, the Lucases, and the officers, there was not a day without its engagement. Mrs. Bennet had so carefully provided for the entertainment of her brother and sister that they did not once sit down to a family dinner. When the engagement was for home, some of the officers always made part of it -- of which officers Mr. Wickham was sure to be one; and on these occasions Mrs. Gardiner, rendered suspicious by Elizabeth's warm commendation of him, narrowly observed them both. Without supposing them, from what she saw, to be very seriously in love, their preference of each other was plain enough to make her a little uneasy; and she resolved to speak to Elizabeth on the subject before she left Hertfordshire, and represent to her the imprudence of encouraging such an attachment.

To Mrs. Gardiner, Wickham had one means of affording pleasure, unconnected with his general powers. About ten or a dozen years ago, before her marriage, she had spent a considerable time in that very part of Derbyshire to which he belonged. They had, therefore, many acquaintance in common; and though Wickham had been little there since the death of Darcy's father, five years before, it was yet in his power to give her fresher intelligence of her former friends than she had been in the way of procuring.

Mrs. Gardiner had seen Pemberley, and known the late Mr. Darcy by character perfectly well. Here consequently was an inexhaustible subject of discourse. In comparing her recollection of Pemberley with the minute description which Wickham could give, and in bestowing her tribute of praise on the character of its late possessor, she was delighting both him and herself. On being made acquainted with the present Mr. Darcy's treatment of him, she tried to remember something of that gentleman's reputed disposition when quite a lad which might agree with it, and was confident at last that she recollected having heard Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy formerly spoken of as a very proud, ill-natured boy.

Hrrrrrmmmmmm.

# ? Sep 22, 2014 02:29

Hieronymous Alloy: Jan 30, 2009; Why! Why!! Why must you refuse to accept that Dr. Hieronymous Alloy's Genetically Enhanced Cream Corn Is Superior to the Leading Brand on the Market!?!; Morbid Hound

Vol II, Chapter 3 (Chapter 26)

quote:

Mrs. Gardiner's caution to Elizabeth was punctually and kindly given on the first favourable opportunity of speaking to her alone: after honestly telling her what she thought, she thus went on --
"You are too sensible a girl, Lizzy, to fall in love merely because you are warned against it; and therefore I am not afraid of speaking openly. Seriously, I would have you be on your guard. Do not involve yourself or endeavour to involve him in an affection which the want of fortune would make so very imprudent. I have nothing to say against him; he is a most interesting young man; and if he had the fortune he ought to have, I should think you could not do better. But as it is, you must not let your fancy run away with you. You have sense, and we all expect you to use it. Your father would depend on your resolution and good conduct, I am sure. You must not disappoint your father."

Apparently a common romantic convention in novels of the time was for parental opposition to create a romance. In one of Austen's juvenilia parodies, Love and Friendship, characters say things like " Lady Dorothea is lovely and Engaging; I prefer no woman to her; but know Sir, that I scorn to marry her in compliance with your Wishes. No! Never shall it be said that I obliged my Father.". So Mrs. Gardiner is mocking that trope here.

She's also got a point, though. Both Wickham and Elizabeth are (by the standards of this novel) penniless; they'd be an incredibly unwise match. The Annotated indicates that there's reason to believe Austen herself refused an engagement on similar financial grounds.

quote:

"My dear aunt, this is being serious indeed."

"Yes, and I hope to engage you to be serious likewise."

"Well, then, you need not be under any alarm. I will take care of myself, and of Mr. Wickham too. He shall not be in love with me, if I can prevent it."

"Elizabeth, you are not serious now."

"I beg your pardon, I will try again. At present I am not in love with Mr. Wickham; no, I certainly am not. But he is, beyond all comparison, the most agreeable man I ever saw -- and if he becomes really attached to me -- I believe it will be better that he should not. I see the imprudence of it. -- Oh! that abominable Mr. Darcy! -- My father's opinion of me does me the greatest honor, and I should be miserable to forfeit it. My father, however, is partial to Mr. Wickham. In short, my dear aunt, I should be very sorry to be the means of making any of you unhappy; but since we see every day that where there is affection, young people are seldom withheld by immediate want of fortune from entering into engagements with each other, how can I promise to be wiser than so many of my fellow-creatures if I am tempted, or how am I even to know that it would be wisdom to resist? All that I can promise you, therefore, is not to be in a hurry. I will not be in a hurry to believe myself his first object. When I am in company with him, I will not be wishing. In short, I will do my best."

The interjection about Darcy is because she blames Darcy for Wickham's lack of fortune. The Annotated points out that we haven't seen any indications that Mr. Bennett likes Wickham -- rather the reverse -- so Elizabeth may be imputing her own preferences to her father. All in all Elizabeth is being fairly insightful about herself here though, admitting that she'll do the best she can.

Meanwhile,

quote:

Mr. Collins returned into Hertfordshire soon after it had been quitted by the Gardiners and Jane; but as he took up his abode with the Lucases, his arrival was no great inconvenience to Mrs. Bennet. His marriage was now fast approaching, and she was at length so far resigned as to think it inevitable, and even repeatedly to say, in an ill-natured tone, that she "wished they might be happy." Thursday was to be the wedding day, and on Wednesday Miss Lucas paid her farewell visit; and when she rose to take leave, Elizabeth, ashamed of her mother's ungracious and reluctant good wishes, and sincerely affected herself, accompanied her out of the room. As they went downstairs together, Charlotte said --

"I shall depend on hearing from you very often, Eliza."

"That you certainly shall."

"And I have another favour to ask. Will you come and see me?"

"We shall often meet, I hope, in Hertfordshire."

"I am not likely to leave Kent for some time. Promise me, therefore, to come to Hunsford."

Elizabeth could not refuse, though she foresaw little pleasure in the visit.

"My father and Maria are to come to me in March," added Charlotte, "and I hope you will consent to be of the party. Indeed, Eliza, you will be as welcome to me as either of them."

The wedding took place: the bride and bridegroom set off for Kent from the church door, and everybody had as much to say, or to hear, on the subject as usual. Elizabeth soon heard from her friend; and their correspondence was as regular and frequent as it had ever been; that it should be equally unreserved was impossible. Elizabeth could never address her without feeling that all the comfort of intimacy was over; and though determined not to slacken as a correspondent, it was for the sake of what had been rather than what was. Charlotte's first letters were received with a good deal of eagerness; there could not but be curiosity to know how she would speak of her new home, how she would like Lady Catherine, and how happy she would dare pronounce herself to be; though, when the letters were read, Elizabeth felt that Charlotte expressed herself on every point exactly as she might have foreseen. She wrote cheerfully, seemed surrounded with comforts, and mentioned nothing which she could not praise. The house, furniture, neighbourhood, and roads, were all to her taste, and Lady Catherine's behaviour was most friendly and obliging. It was Mr. Collins's picture of Hunsford and Rosings rationally softened; and Elizabeth perceived that she must wait for her own visit there, to know the rest.

More notes from The Annotated: the "affected" is important because the convention would be that Elizabeth is moved by her friend's future happiness, but maybe here it's the reverse. Similarly, all the mentions of how eagerly and quickly Charlotte wants Elizabeth to write and visit show that Charlotte realizes exactly how painful living all alone with Mr. Collins is going to be.

While that's going on, Jane is in London:

quote:

Jane had already written a few lines to her sister to announce their safe arrival in London; and when she wrote again, Elizabeth hoped it would be in her power to say something of the Bingleys.

Her impatience for this second letter was as well rewarded as impatience generally is. Jane had been a week in town without either seeing or hearing from Caroline. She accounted for it, however, by supposing that her last letter to her friend from Longbourn had, by some accident, been lost.

"My aunt," she continued, "is going to-morrow into that part of the town, and I shall take the opportunity of calling in Grosvenor Street."

She wrote again when the visit was paid, and she had seen Miss Bingley. "I did not think Caroline in spirits," were her words; "but she was very glad to see me, and reproached me for giving her no notice of my coming to London. I was right, therefore; my last letter had never reached her. I inquired after their brother, of course. He was well, but so much engaged with Mr. Darcy that they scarcely ever saw him. I found that Miss Darcy was expected to dinner. I wish I could see her. My visit was not long, as Caroline and Mrs. Hurst were going out. I dare say I shall soon see them here."

Elizabeth shook her head over this letter. It convinced her, that accident only could discover to Mr. Bingley her sister's being in town.

Four weeks passed away, and Jane saw nothing of him. She endeavoured to persuade herself that she did not regret it; but she could no longer be blind to Miss Bingley's inattention. After waiting at home every morning for a fortnight, and inventing every evening a fresh excuse for her, the visitor did at last appear; but the shortness of her stay, and yet more, the alteration of her manner, would allow Jane to deceive herself no longer. The letter which she wrote on this occasion to her sister will prove what she felt.

quote:
"My dearest Lizzy will, I am sure, be incapable of triumphing in her better judgment, at my expense, when I confess myself to have been entirely deceived in Miss Bingley's regard for me. But, my dear sister, though the event has proved you right, do not think me obstinate if I still assert that, considering what her behaviour was, my confidence was as natural as your suspicion. I do not at all comprehend her reason for wishing to be intimate with me; but if the same circumstances were to happen again, I am sure I should be deceived again. Caroline did not return my visit till yesterday; and not a note, not a line, did I receive in the mean time. When she did come, it was very evident that she had no pleasure in it; she made a slight, formal apology for not calling before, said not a word of wishing to see me again, and was in every respect so altered a creature, that when she went away, I was perfectly resolved to continue the acquaintance no longer. I pity, though I cannot help blaming her. She was very wrong in singling me out as she did; I can safely say that every advance to intimacy began on her side. But I pity her, because she must feel that she has been acting wrong, and because I am very sure that anxiety for her brother is the cause of it. I need not explain myself farther; and though we know this anxiety to be quite needless, yet if she feels it, it will easily account for her behaviour to me; and so deservedly dear as he is to his sister, whatever anxiety she may feel on his behalf is natural and amiable. I cannot but wonder, however, at her having any such fears now, because, if he had at all cared about me, we must have met long, long ago. He knows of my being in town, I am certain, from something she said herself; and yet it would seem, by her manner of talking, as if she wanted to persuade herself that he is really partial to Miss Darcy. I cannot understand it. If I were not afraid of judging harshly, I should be almost tempted to say that there is a strong appearance of duplicity in all this. But I will endeavour to banish every painful thought, and think only of what will make me happy -- your affection, and the invariable kindness of my dear uncle and aunt. Let me hear from you very soon. Miss Bingley said something of his never returning to Netherfield again, of giving up the house, but not with any certainty. We had better not mention it. I am extremely glad that you have such pleasant accounts from our friends at Hunsford. Pray go to see them, with Sir William and Maria. I am sure you will be very comfortable there. -- Your's, etc."

This letter gave Elizabeth some pain; but her spirits returned as she considered that Jane would no longer be duped by the sister at least. All expectation from the brother was now absolutely over. She would not even wish for any renewal of his attentions. His character sunk on every review of it; and as a punishment for him, as well as a possible advantage to Jane, she seriously hoped he might really soon marry Mr. Darcy's sister, as by Wickham's account, she would make him abundantly regret what he had thrown away.

Poor Jane. The Wimmin Bingley are pretty clearly deliberately avoiding Jane and deliberately keeping her away from their brother. From The Annotated "Standard etiquette dictated that visits, such as Jane has already made on Miss Bingley in London, be returned within a reasonably short time. Miss Bingley's violation of these norms indicates her wish to break off her acquaintance with Jane."

Basically Miss Bingley's phone was on silent for four weeks.

quote:

Mrs. Gardiner about this time reminded Elizabeth of her promise concerning that gentleman, and required information; and Elizabeth had such to send as might rather give contentment to her aunt than to herself. His apparent partiality had subsided, his attentions were over, he was the admirer of some one else. Elizabeth was watchful enough to see it all, but she could see it and write of it without material pain. Her heart had been but slightly touched, and her vanity was satisfied with believing that she would have been his only choice, had fortune permitted it. The sudden acquisition of ten thousand pounds was the most remarkable charm of the young lady to whom he was now rendering himself agreeable; but Elizabeth, less clear-sighted perhaps in his case than in Charlotte's, did not quarrel with him for his wish of independence. Nothing, on the contrary, could be more natural; and while able to suppose that it cost him a few struggles to relinquish her, she was ready to allow it a wise and desirable measure for both, and could very sincerely wish him happy.

All this was acknowledged to Mrs. Gardiner; and after relating the circumstances, she thus went on: -- "I am now convinced, my dear aunt, that I have never been much in love; for had I really experienced that pure and elevating passion, I should at present detest his very name, and wish him all manner of evil. But my feelings are not only cordial towards him; they are even impartial towards Miss King. I cannot find out that I hate her at all, or that I am in the least unwilling to think her a very good sort of girl. There can be no love in all this. My watchfulness has been effectual; and though I should certainly be a more interesting object to all my acquaintance were I distractedly in love with him, I cannot say that I regret my comparative insignificance. Importance may sometimes be purchased too dearly. Kitty and Lydia take his defection much more to heart than I do. They are young in the ways of the world, and not yet open to the mortifying conviction that handsome young men must have something to live on as well as the plain."

And it ain't working out between Elizabeth and Wickham either, but she's not too broken up about it. Maybe she just liked flirting with Wickham because it gave her a reason to be so aanngry at Darcy. The bit about "importance may sometimes be purchased too dearly" is saying she doesn't want to be the Romantic Jilted Drama Queen because the price of it is actually going through the drama and she's happier being peaceful.

Hieronymous Alloy fucked around with this message at 03:11 on Sep 23, 2014

# ? Sep 23, 2014 03:04

Chamberk: Jan 11, 2004; when there is nothing left to burn you have to set yourself on fire

I finished this book a few days ago. I started off slow - following along with the posts in the thread as I went - and then I shotgunned the other two-thirds of the book over the weekend. Great, great book.

I love Austen's dry, sardonic wit about people like Miss Bingley and Mrs. Bennet. Mrs. Bennet, especially, since the way that Austen wrote her she has no clue that anything she does is objectionable or excessive in any way. It's been a while since I read Emma but I recall her father being just as hilarious as Mrs. Bennet.

I know this is a completely out-of-nowhere recommendation, but one of the books that came to my mind while reading this again was Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy. It's also about marriages, in a way - the plot is about an Indian matriarch trying to find a suitable match for her daughter. Mrs. Rupa Mehta, the mother, reminds me a great deal of Mrs. Bennet in her marriage-mania - and the upper class in India was about as strict and regimented about marriage as that of Austen's characters. Granted, it's about 5 times the length of P&P - my copy clocks in at 1400 pages - but it's also about the independence of India, countless families with their own dramas and history - it seems like Jane Austen done in widescreen in 1947 India.

In any case, derail over. Utterly brilliant book, and now I'm inspired to go on and read Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey - the two Austens I've yet to touch.

# ? Sep 26, 2014 04:25

Hogge Wild: Aug 21, 2012; by FactsAreUseless; Pillbug

I'm on the chapter 17 on the audiobook. Thanks for the explanations Hieronymous Alloy. I've read the Aubrey and Maturin series, some of the Hornblower series and the Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrel, so the late Georgian and Regency era isn't completely strange territory, but I still found your explanations really helpful, and they made me realize some stuff that I had missed.

This book is better than I was expecting. But then again I'm something of a fan of tv shows set in British mansions. And listening to snooty people being catty is quite relaxing when I'm walking or doing chores. But would it have hurt Austen to put even one single-ship action in the book?

# ? Sep 27, 2014 17:21

Benny the Snake: Apr 11, 2012; GUM CHEWING INTENSIFIES

So is it cool to nominate a book for October here now that September is winding down? Ifso, I nominate "American Gods" by Neil Gaimian

# ? Sep 28, 2014 22:33

Hieronymous Alloy: Jan 30, 2009; Why! Why!! Why must you refuse to accept that Dr. Hieronymous Alloy's Genetically Enhanced Cream Corn Is Superior to the Leading Brand on the Market!?!; Morbid Hound

Chamberk posted:

I finished this book a few days ago. I started off slow - following along with the posts in the thread as I went - and then I shotgunned the other two-thirds of the book over the weekend. Great, great book.

Heh, the same thing happened to me (which is part of why I've fallen behind on updates -- after I finished P&P I went over and did a re-read of Aubrey/Maturin, etc.) I will keep this project rolling but at a slower pace. If people want to just talk the book generally that's fine too.

Benny the Snake posted:

So is it cool to nominate a book for October here now that September is winding down? Ifso, I nominate "American Gods" by Neil Gaimian

I'm going to be abusing my mod powers and simply appointing Roger Zelazny's A Night in the Lonesome October as next month's book, because I can, it's October-themed, it's a fun pastiche novel, and after this past month I figure we all deserve a break. We'll return to regularly-scheduled polling next month.

Hieronymous Alloy fucked around with this message at 15:57 on Sep 30, 2014

# ? Sep 30, 2014 15:54

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# ? May 7, 2024 13:48

Molybdenum: Jun 25, 2007; Melting Point ~2622C

Is there a P&P or jane Austen coloring book?

# ? Dec 5, 2014 21:24

The Something Awful Forums > The Finer Arts > The Book Barn > TBB BotM: September: Let's Read: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice!

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