We’re studying British literature in our 10th grade Challenge II Class and already have these wonderful books under our belt so far: Beowulf, Canterbury Tales, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Paradise Lost, Pilgrim’s Progress and Gulliver’s Travels. This week we’re on to Pride and Prejudice. I’m almost ashamed to admit that I’ve never actually read the book ~ have only seen two versions of the movie.
I checked two copies out from the library yesterday, so that Kory and I could begin our reading. After reading the book, the students are to write a character sketch of 500 words or more on a character of their choosing. They are to take notes on each of the main characters as they read through the novel. Today, after reading the first 14 chapters, Kory came to a couple of conclusions which he vocalized to our little schoolhouse of 6 pupils and a teacher.
I was sitting at the dining room table helping 5 of the pupils do their various math assignments for the day. Kory was reading in his usual reclined position in a living room chair. Finishing up the day’s reading quota, he declared…
Kory: “Pride and Prejudice is a really great book, Mom. Mrs. Bennet is so silly.”
Me: “I’m glad you like it. Mrs. Bennet is a funny character.”
Kory: “And I think Mr. Darcy and I are actually a lot alike.”
Me: “Really? Why do you say that?”
Kory: “He’s prideful. And he’s boring.”
5 kids at table and me: (lots of snickering)
Kory: “And he has more money than everyone else.”
5 kids at table and me: (More laughter) “Well, THAT’s true!” (Kory does seem to be the only one in the family with a disposable income.)
Kory: “And he’s more handsome than all the other men.”
5 kids at table and me: (ROARING LAUGHTER)
Kory: (lots of “gotcha” laughing and grinning)
The gentlemen pronounced him to be a fine figure of a man, the ladies declared he was much handsomer than Mr. Bingley, and he was looked at with great admiration for about half the evening, till his manners gave a disgust which tuned the tide of his popularity; for he was discovered to be proud, to be above his company, and above being pleased; and not all his large estate in Derbyshire could then save him from having a most forbidding, disagreeable countenance, and being unworthy to be compared with his friend.
Reaction to Mr. Darcy ~ Chapter 3
This mama thinks there just may be some similarities between her oldest child and the infamous Mr. Darcy. Serious, mature, lots going on inside, and lots of compassion and generosity that might just be hidden behind a tough and put-together exterior. Many folks might not see this right away ~ but wait and see how he surprises you with it when you least expect it! And very handsome too, of course!
(Oh, and a hopeless romantic, but don’t tell him I told you that.)