P&P #14

"Lady Catherine had been rendered so exceedingly angry by the contents of her nephew's letter, that Charlotte, really rejoicing in the match, was anxious to get away till the storm was blown over" (294)

I chose this quote because it shows how Lady Catherine is the only person who is truly outraged by the marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth. She feels the need to uphold the societal boundaries, and by one of her relatives getting married to someone of a lower class, her own reputation is lowered. People like Mr. Collins and Caroline would often criticize the Bennet family, but they were quick to reconcile with them once Darcy and Elizabeth were married.

"How earnestly did she then wish that her former opinions had been more reasonable, her expressions more moderate! It would have spared her from explanations and professions which it was exceddingly awkward to give" (288)

I chose this quote because it plays into the theme of first impressions. By making such a harsh judgement towards Mr. Darcy, Lizzy was forced to back up her words. After learning the truth about Darcy's character, she regrets everything she said about him. She backed herself up against a wall and continually made it harder to justify her actions to those closest to her.