P&P Episode 3

In episode 3 of the 1995 edition of Pride and Prejudice, at the beginning of the episode, two of the sisters come running into the house to tell Elizabeth the news that Mr. Collins has made a proposal of marriage to Charlotte Lucas, and that she has accepted. It seems, as she is often found, Lizzy is taken aback and is producing, in her close up shot, to have a look of disdain. Lizzy seems perplexed, this will continue on to the next scene when Lizzy and Charlotte are by the fireplace, and troubled by the news of her friends impending marriage.

Sitting by the fireplace Elizabeth is exsaterbaded by the idea of Charlotte Lucas marrying Lizzy’s cousin, Mr. Collins. Maybe she is regretting her refusal to his proposal or pondering that her friend can do better or perhaps just thinking how idiotic it is to get married for the economic reasons Charlotte lays out  instead of for love. This response by Charlotte to Lizzys reaction after making the her feelings clear by the look of disgust on her face. Charlotte says, “Why are you surprised my dear Lizzy, do think that he is not good enough to procure my hand”. Or some such thing. Old english is sometimes, while exceedingly elegant, hard to follow. What is interesting about this scene is Lizzy seems to react poorly after being called out by Charlotte, she acts with contempt rolling her head as to indicate she has little time for this conversation and then simple tries to make her ‘friend’ feel better by offering a weak supportive statement.

Also I found it interesting that Mr. collins was in the room during this conversation. I thought this was an great example of how the scene really adds to the conversations intimate nature by having a fireplace, the volume of the crackling was clearly amplified for affect.

• Is Lizzy’s reaction to the news of her friends marriage at all telling of a greater issue with the Elizabeth Bennett characters persona of ever caring and friendly.
• Does this scene support or contradict Jane Austen's stance on marriage when we see Lizzy’s reaction to Charlotte’s telling that she is happy with the Collins proposal because he is economically fit and she as as much of a chance at happyness as anyone who enters marriage for love.