Ophelia in Act I scene ii

Although Ophelia is curious to know why her brother and father do not approve of Hamlet, she remains submissive. However, Ophelia does defend her love with Hamlet. She asserts that their love and affection for one another is real. She finds Laertes' words shocking, but she promises her brother to remember his words and abide to his guidance. Moreover, Ophelia is an obedient daughter. She accepts her father's interference with her love life because she knows he is just looking for her best interest. Although Ophelia does acknowledge and accept her father's "guide to life", I believe she is a strong young woman who will follow her heart to stay with Hamlet. Although I think she is a bit naive, I believe she stays true to herself and remains loyal to love.

Hamlet Act 1

Act 1 Scene 3 

"And these few precepts in thy memory

Look thou character. Give thy thoughts no tongue,

Nor any unproportioned thought his act.

Be thou familiar but by no means vulgar.

Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,

Grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel,

But do not dull thy palm with entertainment

Of each new-hatched, unfledged comrade. Beware

Of entrance to a quarrel, but being in,

Bear ’t that th' opposèd may beware of thee.

Give every man thy ear but few thy voice.

Take each man’s censure but reserve thy judgment.

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,

But not expressed in fancy—rich, not gaudy,

For the apparel oft proclaims the man,

And they in France of the best rank and station

Are of a most select and generous chief in that.

Neither a borrower nor a lender be,

For loan oft loses both itself and friend,

And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.

This above all: to thine own self be true,

And it must follow, as the night the day,

Thou canst not then be false to any man."

Throughout Act I, there are several passages that define life's meaning and how one should live life to its fullest. For example, Polonius declares this passage to his son Laertes before he leaves for France. Polonius' words truly resemble my outlook on life and I think this could potentially be a theme throughout the play. 

Socratic Discussion

I really enjoyed the discussion today! I appreciate that everyone participated and it was interesting to hear all the different opinions about mate selection. Being the only female in the room, I had the opportunity to voice my opinion a lot. The boys were intrigued to hear my counterargument and I enjoyed listening to how they think girls think nowadays. 

Once religion was introduced, the discussion became heated. However, we all remained very mature. I was impressed to see all the boys willing to hear each other's opinions and not get upset if someone's opinion differed from their own. It was interesting for me to see which topics the entire class agreed on. For example, the male should be taller than the female, the male should be older or the same age as the female, and both partners should be intellectual. As a class, we agree that although appearance is what attracts one mate to start conversation, this should not be the primary focus in mate selection, being with someone with "some brains" is just as important, if not more.

I found it very enjoyable to freely speak with my peers in the classroom. There was definitely a period of time where I forgot Dr. Forman was in the room! Student-led discussions in high school are extremely beneficial because they prepare us for college and for the "real world". Once there is a teacher involved in a discussion, I believe the conversation is not as open as it would be if it were just among classmates... for obvious reasons! I was pleased that there were not any awkward moments, and that we all supportive of each other's opinions. We worked cooperatively together and civilly asked intellectual questions. 

Works Cited page

Works Cited

Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. New York: Tom Doherty, 1994. Ebook.

Body paragraph #3 & conclusion

The society of early 19^th century England exemplifies that a woman’s reputation is of utmost importance. Elizabeth evidently defies herself as a rather distinctive figure in her society. Although her intentions are positive and good-spirited, she steps outside the social medium making herself vulnerable to exclusion and banishment. She sees through the pretensions of overbearing and insolent people through her self-assurance and audacious language. Moreover, the only individual who dares to stand up to the egotistical Lady Catherine is Elizabeth: “Lady Catherine seemed quite astonished at not receiving a direct answer; and Elizabeth suspected herself to be the first creature who had ever dared to trifle with so much dignified impertinence” (114). Elizabeth is unaffected by Lady Catherine’s rank or disposition and instead demonstrates her ability to defend herself and her family to the woman. Her admirable courage conveys her loyalty and pride to her family and their name. Lady Catherine’s stupidity and narrow-mindedness amuses Elizabeth and reassures her that when she protects her family and their middle-class conditions, she can overcome the autocratic society: “The last born has as good a right to be the pleasures of youth, as the first. And to be kept back on such a motive! I think it would not be very likely to promote sisterly affection or delicacy of mind” (114). Elizabeth’s ability to clearly articulate her beliefs bestows her the capability to withstand others’ wills.  She demonstrates the enduring tenacity of her ordain and self-respect. Moreover, towards the end of the novel, Elizabeth experiences a self-revelation: her love for Darcy. Her maturation and the risk of accepting Darcy’s proposal in marriage jeopardizes her future, Darcy’s future, and the well being of her family. However, her rich and bold character leads her to remain true to her romanticized vision for love. Once again, Elizabeth protects her family from Lady Catherine and then asserts her independence from the antagonizing domination of the upper-class: “I am resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me” (239). Elizabeth constantly explores the discrepancy between herself and the average woman of early 19^th century England. Unlike most women of the time period, she prioritizes her happiness first even if it will threaten her hopes of living a prosperous life. She acknowledges social wealth and hierarchy but does endure the strict and ludicrous regulations society expects her to live by.

Protagonist Elizabeth Bennet’s commendable qualities reflect how she perceives herself as a young woman grappling with the traditional values and regulations society has enforced upon her. Although she begins the novel displaying a prejudiced and restrictive view of others, she comes to discover the extent of her own folly and blossoms into an individual who has learned from her previous judgments and misconceptions. Moreover, Elizabeth's acknowledgement of social wealth and hierarchy overcomes the rigid standards and protocol of 19th century English society.

Body paragraph #1 (and #2?)

This is still a work in progress... Originally, I was going to split this into two body paragraphs since I address two characters here - Collins & Charlotte - but they both fall under the category of marriage & courtship, so I thought it would make sense to combine the two. Hopefully this isn't too long... 

Austin defines early 19^th century courtship in England as one of the many ways to abuse love as a means for social promotion to eventually reach the ultimate goal: marriage.  However, Elizabeth understands the authentic meaning of marriage and separates the force of love from the distorting effects of hierarchical society. Throughout Mr. Collins’ proposal, he refuses to accept Elizabeth’s rejection and accuses her of playing the usual game young ladies play: “rejecting the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept,” (76). However, Elizabeth advanced mindset distinguishes the difference between marrying for a social upgrade and marrying for love. She intellectually recognizes her avant-garde perspective of courtship and affirms the type of woman she is with conviction: “I do assure you that I am not one of those young ladies who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the chance of being asked a second time… Nay, were your friend Lady Catherine to know me, I am persuaded she would find me in every respect ill qualified for the situation” (77). Her lively wit and sarcastic tone reflects how she never discredits her morals and integrity. She acknowledges the absurdity in woman who will risk their own happiness for a marriage that only promises wealth and social prosperity. Elizabeth preferably abides to a marriage fulfilled by romantic prosperity. Despite Elizabeth possessing a sharp tongue that tends to make judgmental remarks, her honest and clever response to Mr. Collins’ proposal also provides courtesy. Although society regards Elizabeth’s virtue as idealistic and corrupt, she whole-heartedly discovers herself to be a candid, rational young woman, rising above the folly and misdemeanor of society: “I thank you again and again for the honour you have done me in your proposals, but to accept them is absolutely impossible. My feelings in every respect forbid it. Do not consider me now as an elegant female intending to plague you, but as a rational creature speaking the truth from the heart” (78). Elizabeth is independent and mature and desires to be looked upon as so. Mr. Collins’ misconception of Elizabeth being a naïve, desperate woman brain-washed by the expectations of society, motivates him even more to regard his proposal as only a business transaction. His self-pride and boastful indiscretion conflict with Elizabeth’s desire to marry for love, unlike her friend Charlotte who chooses to solely marry for convenience. Elizabeth cannot comprehend the concept of Charlotte being happy in a marriage based on security. Elizabeth views herself more prudent than Charlotte, whereas Charlotte accepts that she must take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself in order to refrain from the societal disdain that accompanies old maiden status. Elizabeth’s shock and disappointment in Charlotte reveals how stubborn Elizabeth is to fathom that there may be an opinion different from her own: “She had always felt that Charlotte’s opinion of matrimony was not exactly like her own, but she could not have supposed it possible that when called into action, she would have sacrificed every better feeling to worldly advantage” (90). 

Intro paragraph

Throughout Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennett's confidence and sharp, critical mind is expressed through her quick banter. Her admirable poise and wit leads her to distinguish the difference between the wise and the foolish. The dialogue she exchanges with Mr. Collins, Charlotte, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh evidently connotes how she perceives herself as a young woman ahead of her time. Elizabeth's intuition to defend herself, her family, and her morals enables her to surmount the ridicule and misbehavior that permeates throughout her demanding society revolved around social status and wealth.