The future relationships seem to be headed in the right direction, perhaps making Mrs. Bennet a very happy mother. But as the reader recites the next few chapters, one by one, the Bennet sisters begin to see miscarriage in their happy futures. Due to series of unfortunate events, the audience is left with nothing but suspense and intrigue at the end of chapter 23.
The ball. Such an important event for these powerful ritzy people. Between the two eldest Bennet sisters, Jane was obviously having a better time than Elizabeth at the party. Spending most of the time with Bingley, things looked pretty good for her, each time feeling the relationship grow stronger. In the other hand, Elizabeth was having an awful night. The disaster began when Wickham was not able to attend, leaving it more than obvious that Darcy's presence at the ball made him uncomfortable. That only left Elizabeth with the other two men that were "competing" for her attention, Darcy and Mr. Collins. I personally understand her when she complains about the two sloppy dances with snobby Collins, because I too have shared dances with old aunts and they are NOT a positive moment for the over all satisfaction of the party. So after spending some time with Collins, it was Darcys turn to dance with Elizabeth, not that it would make her any happier. At attempting some small chat while dancing, Darcy obviously avoided speaking with her about Wickham leaving the readers with more certainty about their unknown rivalry. Also, we suspect that Wickham isn't really as nice and great person as he comes off as, because of all the hate and enmity there is between him and other men. In fact, not only do men tell Elizabeth not to trust Wickham, but also Ms Bingley dares talk to her about it and warn her about the military man. Yet wouldn't it be convenient for Ms Bingley to attempt to separate her "enemy" from happiness? I myself believe Ms Bingley has some honesty in her intention, yet hides some vile purposes. Perhaps just another question the author leaves us with to ponder upon.
Now, as it all starts coming down into which bachelor will propose first. Of course we are referring to times in history where an unwedded woman had barely any significance what so ever in society, creating a male-dominating culture. Having this said, maybe Mrs. Bennet's intentions weren't so immoral as we thought. She just desperately hopes the best for her daughters, crafting a bright future for them next to any socially relevant spouse. So back to what I was saying, the moment of truth in proposal was near, and the first one to attempt anything, unsurprisingly, was Mr. Collins. His infinite confidence only tributes to his gullible and self-devoting being, always making a fool out of himself in front of others. After proposing to Elizabeth, no wasn't a valid answer for him. Although she declined his offer in a very tender way, he only believed that soon she would change her mind. Here we see a complete "rebel", if you will, in Elizabeths personality; She knows her family isn't very rich, she knows a single woman gets no where in life, she knows many opportunities like that won't come very often, yet she decides to go for what she really wants, love and passion. Isn't that just the kind of fantasy and fiction the author wanted the readers to find? She creates a contrast between "responsibilities" as a woman, and her own personal desires. Then, to create even a greater effect on the audience, we find out that Mr. Collins, very shortly after proposing to Elizabeth, attempts his "charms" on Charlotte Lucas who shockingly accepts. Now, in one hand we have the rebel child who does things her way and hopes for the best, and in the other we have the typical yielding woman who would settle with any man with the optimism of not being left behind in society. Charlotte does confess though, that she is not looking for love or romance, just a man who can support her. In a way this does make sense, but will she really be happy? I would go the rebel way.
Jane Austen just kept the surprises coming. As Bingley and Darcy leave Neatherfield, Jane receives a letter from Miss Bingley in which she crudely implies that they are planning on staying in the city and, shockingly, affirms that Bingley is going to marry Darcy's sister Georgiana. No, this isn't right. From what we have read and understood from Bingley's personality, he is not highly concerned about Jane's social status, and is becoming very fond of her. Why would such a colossal news be sent to Jane from someone but not Bingley himself? I don't buy this letter at all, it is simply a plan from Darcy and Miss Bingley to try to separate Jane and Bingley, considering they both classify Jane unworthy for Bingley. Any how, the readers are left with doubts and questions to what will happen next in this soap-opera-like novel; Is there really a sad ending to this love story?
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