Weekly Response 8

Thesis:
In his article, "The One vs. The Many" Alex Woloch discusses the importance of flat characters in Jane Austen novels, namely Pride and Prejudice. Instead of merely taking up space in the novel, each flat character serves a greater purpose. When we take into account the five Bennet sisters, we find that Elizabeth is the only sister that has any substance to her character; the others seem flat in comparison, forcing many to ask why they are even in the novel. Each of Elizabeth's sisters contain one characteristic that is highlighted throughout the novel -- Jane has her beauty, Mary her studies, Lydia is careless, while Kitty is a follower. In Elizabeth, we find a well-balanced version of each characteristic. The reason for the four other Bennet sisters in Pride and Prejudice is to account for Elizabeth's character.

Paragraph One: Establish Elizabeth's Characteristics (?)
"To be a character in Austen is to get continually contrasted, juxtaposed, related to others, and, as such, to help build the thematic architecture that critics then discern." (Woloch, 43)
"'I desire you will do no such thing. Lizzy is not a bit better than the others; and I am sure she is not half so handsome as Jane, nor half so good humoured as Lydia. But you are always giving her the preference.'

'They have none of them much to recommend them,' replied he; 'they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters.'" (PP, 45).

Paragraph Two: Jane -- Beauty
"Oh! she is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld! But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behidn you, who is very pretty, and I dare say, very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you." (PP, 50)
"Oh! my dear Mr. Bennet" as she entered the room, "we have had a most delightful evening, a most excellent ball. I wish you had been there. Jane was so admired, nothing could be like it. Every body said how well she looked; and Mr. Bingley thought her quite beautiful and danced with her twice." (PP, 50)

Paragraph Three:
"Mary had heard herself mentioned to Miss Bingley as the most accomplished girl in the neighbourhood." (PP, 50)
"They found Mary, as usual, deep in the study of thorough bass and human nature

Paragraph Four:
"...but Lydia, with perfect indifference, continued to express her admiration of Captain Carter, and her hope of seeing him in the course of the day, as he was going the next morning to London." (PP, 67).

"'We will go as far as Meryton with you,' said Catherine and Lydia. ---- Elizabeth accepted their company, and the three young ladies set off together" (PP, 70).

Paragraph Five:
"Wholly inattentive to her sister's feelings, Lydia flew about the house in restless ecstacy, calling for every one's congratulations,, and laughing and talking with more violence than ever; whilst the luckless Kitty continued in the parlour repining at her fate in terms as unreasonable as her accent was peevish." (PP, 244).

"'I cannot see why Mrs. Forster should not ask me as well as Lydia,' said she, 'though I am not her particular friend. I have just as much right to be asked as she has, and more too, for I am two years older.'" (PP, 245).