Elizabeth+Bennet

**Elizabeth Bennet**

**Nicholas Wanner**
**Character Overview:** Elizabeth Bennet is the protagonist of //Pride and Prejudice// which is a novel that encompasses the obstacles she must overcome to achieve final happiness and romance, and one of the most well-known female characters in English literature. Elizabeth is the second daughter of five within the Bennet family and also the most intelligent and clever. With this intelligence comes the good and the bad. The good that comes from it is the lovely manner in which she converses within a novel of almost pure dialogue. She is very witty, virtuous, and straightforward with what she says and this helps her break the chain of bad behavior and ignorance that is bred within her society. This wit also gets her into trouble, though, as her sharp tongue and hasty decisions often lead her down the wrong path
 * Quotations: **

(Elizabeth in response to Sir William setting up a dance with Mr. Darcy)
 * “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.”** (Austen 24)

Explanation: Elizabeth’s rejection of Mr. Darcy is an example of her character. She is more level-headed then her sisters. She does not fall over with love on the whim of a man. She is smart, and is able to discern and analyze a situation. This quote shows her wit and her ability to make clever remarks. Her dialogue allows her to keep pace with the other characters in the novel. The quote also shows how Elizabeth makes hasty decisions with little thought.

**"I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine"** (Austen 19). (Elizabeth about Darcy)

Explanation: Elizabeth restores a great deal of pride herself and can be compared similar to Darcy in that sence. Elizabeth on the other hand is more humble and would not treat others in an inferior manner like the way in which Darcy has treated her. She has more humility and respect for others, and would like to be treated the same way. She strives to be treated as an equal and oftentimes shows just how strong minded she truly is.

Do you think Elizabeth’s tendency to judge, and be skeptical will ultimately hurt or help her?**
 * Discussion Questions:

**What could Elizabeth have possibly done to bring about Darcy's sudden conversion from viewing her as "not handsome enough to tempt him" to him doting upon her?**

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 * Why is there little description of Elizabeth in the novel, except information provided through dialogue? And why are her looks consistently praised by some and disparaged by others?**

**Donna Pinciotti**
 * Modern TV Character To Whom Elizabeth Bennet Relates... **

Donna Pinciotti is an independent, feminist character portrayed in, "That 70's Show". To the surprise of many, Donna always speaks her mind. She finds it completely ridiculous that women have less of a say in society than men do (remembering that the show is set in the 1970s) and is determined to protest this. Unlike other women of the time, she always wears jeans and will act tough if necessary. The quintessential woman of the times, Jackie Burkhart (who can be compared to Lady Catherine de Bourgh) constantly looks down upon Donna. Although they are friends, Jackie ridicules Donna all the time for not acting like a lady, calling her a lumberjack. In comparison to Jackie, Donna lacks artistic skills and a distinguished upbringing. This correlates with Elizabeth Bennet's upbringing without a governess, which lead to her inability to play an instrument or draw. Much like Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Donna's Parents, Bob and Midge Pinciotti, are not a fine example of good parenting. They sometimes disregard Donna's feelings as they are unable to connect with her. Furthermore, Donna goes through the same dilemma with men as Elizabeth does. Having shown himself to be a jerk, Donna breaks up Eric Forman (Darcy). She then dates a much older Casey Kelso who claims to have a clean track record and love her, but ends up being the bad guy (Mr. Wickham). Donna realizes the error in her ways and ultimately ends up with Eric, her true love.