This quote really speaks to me. Standards of a quality life have changed from the past to present. In current times, men with money do not always want to settle down. This goes for old or young. There are also a lot of women who are not looking to be a wife.
EXACTLY - that is the joke, Nina. People didn't even "universally" want those things then. Austen's satire is spot on there for precisely this reason. How do you think this satire plays out as the novel progresses?
ReplyDeleteI love this quote so much; it really sets the 'painfully self-aware' comical tone of this novel. The fact that she is so declarative with this statement is even funnier as we read along and realize that it is actually so much more in depth than that. I love this opening sentence because the meaning of it changes as we read and Austen really displays her talent in writing through doing so
ReplyDeleteI think there couldn't have been a better first line for this novel--it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the story. We so many things in the novel that are stated as fact, but are in reality satirical as Austen's true opinion shines through. For example, Mr. Collins' pragmatic view of marriage as being more of a transaction than for love. This is obviously not something that Austen believes in, and as such reflects her true opinion!
ReplyDeleteI thought the same way as Abby in relation to this quote. It was comical to see this comparison of Mr. Collins and his desire to find a suitable wife juxtaposed with that of the regency player, Mr. Wickham. I do not believe that Mr. Darcy was necessarily looking for a wife, but was stunned by Elizabeth. This quote could be turned into, every young lady is in want of a husband with a good fortune and social standing.
ReplyDeleteI love this quote as well, I think it was an amazing way for Austen to kick off her novel. It is how Austen intended it and by saying this she created the feeling she wanted readers to feel going into the novel.
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