Elizabeth's Refusals

Intro

Elizabeth is an interesting character because she was something of a feminist, not focused on marriage, unlike the stereotypical society lady of the time.

Verse

In chapter 19, Mr Collins proposes to Elizabeth. He is her father’s cousin, set to inherit their home, so this would be a fortunate match for Elizabeth financially, and Collins is very confident she’ll accept.

Chorus

She refuses, and when he doubts this, tells him, “I am perfectly serious in my refusal… I find you rather impertinent”.

Verse

The word choice of “perfectly serious” tells us that Elizabeth is as absolutely definite and clear in her mindset regarding his proposal. Her use of “impertinent” suggests she is running out of patience with his inability to understand she is refusing.

Chorus

This shows she is not waiting around to be married and values herself above merely accepting a man she doesn’t like to secure her future, despite the assumption she should.

Bridge

She refuses a second proposal in chapter 34, this time from Mr Darcy. His proposal is arrogant as he lists all the reasons against her as a match. She replies “your arrogance and conceit… made me realise that you were the last man in the world I could ever… marry”.

Outro

Her use of “last man” shows how strongly she is rejecting him. He is extremely wealthy... Turning him down compounds the fact that Elizabeth will not marry a man purely for financial gain. She values herself enough to want to love her husband... By turning down two financially advantageous proposals, Elizabeth demonstrates a complete lack of desire to marry to secure her future. This makes her something of a feminist for the time.