P&P #12

"'I mention it, because it is the living which I ought to have had... It would have suited me in every respect'" (250)

I chose this quote because it shows how Mr. Wickham regrets refusing the position as a preacher offered to him by Darcy's father. He recognizes that his irresponsible lifestyle has caught up with him, and he would like nothing more than to have a steady life. Since he missed his opportunity for success, he is forced to carry his problems to whomever will accept him. This unfortunately means that it is highly unlikely that Lydia and Wickham will be happy because the marriage was not based on love in the first place.

"Darcy had walked away to another part of the room. She followed him with her eyes, envied every one to whom he spoke, had scarcely patience enough to help anybody to coffee; and then was enraged against herself for being so silly!" (Austen 260)

I chose this quote because it is another great example of the regret Lizzy holds for rejecting Darcy's proposal so unjustly. Every time Lizzy sees Darcy she cannot help but wonder what could have been. Lizzy now knows what Darcy felt like before his proposal when he could not tell Lizzy he loved her. Now, they are both in opposite situations. Lizzy's dreams of drawing another proposal from Darcy have not been realized and Lizzy cannot stand to conceal her emotions any longer.