Lady Catherine And Elizabeth Comparison Essay

The Same but Different

In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Lady Catherine and Elizabeth Bennet reveal their personalities in their conversation in the copse; Lady Catherine through her mordant commentary paints herself as a reputable and resolute woman, whereas Elizabeth, despite her lower status, exhibits her cunning and headstrong attitude. [2] The two ladies both use precise diction and artfully crafted sentences to convey their characters. Lady Catherine arrives at the Bennet estate with preconceived notions of how she will conduct the conversation, but once they begin talking, Elizabeth crushes her expectations, and rises above the condescending Lady Catherine. Lady Catherine, having heard of the rumor that Darcy intends to propose

to Elizabeth, at once addresses the issue, intending to force Elizabeth into submission. Lady Catherine first mentions the rumor, then elaborates upon her daughter’s planned elopement with Mr. Darcy, and finally commands Elizabeth to refuse his proposal. While the two converse, there is a very evident bitter and hostile feeling in the room, as Lady Catherine continues to be riled by Elizabeth’s insubordination, and Elizabeth revels in being able to do so.

Lady Catherine, determined to come out on top, uses precise language and diction that insist attention.

Unforgivingly stating to Elizabeth, “I am not to be trifled with,” Lady Catherine demonstrates her overbearing nature, impressing upon Elizabeth that she demands respect (255). Furthermore, Lady Catherine uses litotes to make her point very clear, and her angry countenance accentuates the serious attention Lady Catherine calls for. When Lady Catherine staunchly proclaims, “I shall not go away till you have given me the assurance I require,” she establishes the persistence with which she approaches the conversation with Elizabeth, refusing to concede until she attains her wish (258). However, Lady Catherine is not only obstinate in her opinions, but she also places a high worth on rank, especially because she is so well-off and respected. Defending her demand to Elizabeth to refuse Darcy’s proposal, “Because honour, decorum, prudence—nay, interest, forbid it,” Lady Catherine adds the final details to her portrait, focusing specifically on the value she places on status (256). By using the verb to forbid, Lady Catherine further exemplifies her stubborn demeanor, suggesting that Elizabeth’s refusal is quite simply, impossible. Zooming out from the finer details, Lady Catherine attempts to shut down Elizabeth and her argument, all the while being sure to emphasize the importance of social

classes.

Despite her lower rank, Elizabeth manages to attain dominance, in part because Lady Catherine must condescend to ask her to refuse Darcy’s proposal, but also because of her astute replies. Elizabeth, in combatting Lady Catherine, is also very headstrong as she continues to defy and question Lady Catherine. When Elizabeth slyly responds, “Your ladyship has declared it to be impossible,” Elizabeth demonstrates her own witty humor, which resembles that of Mr. Bennet when he mocks his wife, but she also exemplifies her conclusive attitude by using the definite adjective “impossible” (256). Coolly answering Lady Catherine, “Your coming to Longbourn…will be rather a confirmation of [Darcy’s rumored proposal]; if, indeed, such a report is in existence,” she demonstrates her keen interpretation and knowledge of the situation, making Lady Catherine uncomfortable with this fact and thus gaining the higher ground (255). Throughout their conversation, Elizabeth remains very composed, and although she contests Lady Catherine, she maintains her poise, whereas Lady Catherine becomes distressed. Noting Lady Catherine’s insignificance and irrelevance, “If your nephew does not object to them, they can be nothing to you,” Elizabeth again shows her spite for Lady Catherine’s involvement in the matter, claiming that it concerns solely Mr. Darcy and herself (257). Elizabeth refrains from complicating the sentence, and keeps her message to Lady Catherine limited to 19 words, perhaps because the boundary of the sentence represents the extent of Lady Catherine’s immersion. This trend continues throughout Elizabeth’s replies, Elizabeth favoring short and succinct sentences as opposed to Lady Catherine’s verbiage.

Discourteously avowing, “I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. I send no compliments to your mother. You deserve no such attention. I am seriously displeased,” Lady Catherine again displays her aggravation with Elizabeth, especially in being to the point and curt (259). Though Lady Catherine and Elizabeth have very evident differences in opinion, they stem in part from their shared quality of being persistent. Interestingly enough, Lady Catherine’s obstinacy comes across as childish, as she harps on the matter and reiterates her demands. However, Elizabeth, in her stubbornness paints herself as intelligent, as she fights against Lady Catherine’s oppression. These varying interpretations of a shared quality add to the inimical tone established during their conversation, and highlights Lady Catherine’s propriety and Elizabeth’s wit.