Pride and Prejudice- Choosing Favorites
...ade “the commonest, dullest, most threadbare topic might be rendered interesting by the skill of the speaker.” Elizabeth becomes devastated when Mr. Collins requests the first few dances with her at the Netherfield ball, and even more disappointed when Mr. Wickham does not even attend the ball. Naturally, she chooses him for her ideal match and her favorite companion. A young girl such as Elizabeth, however sensible, finds herself prone to choosing the most convivial man with an attractive figure; Elizabeth falls victim to a fault common in all young girls. When she hears of Wickham’s supposed tragic tale, she forgets that there exist two sides to every story and chooses to build on her prejudices against Darcy by hearing only Wickham’s side of the tale, which utterly disgusts her. She chooses Wickham over Darcy without even giving Darcy a chance. Sisters, always wanting the best for their brother, choose a match for him. Mr. Bingley’s captivation of Jane elates the Bingley sisters, who truly begin to like Jane because of her beauty. Indeed, when inviting the Bennets to the Netherfield ball, they “delight to see their dear friend again,” and hardly speak at all to the other Bennets, particularly avoiding Mrs. Bennet. When they invite Jane to Netherfield and she ends up staying there, the Bingley sisters act more than gracious towards her. However, when Elizabeth comes, they behave coldly and haughtily in her direction. It becomes evident as to which sister was chosen as the favorite. Fathers, when surrounded by frivolous and simple women, tend to choose a favorite among their daughters. Mr. Bennet chooses Elizabeth as his favorite daughter because “Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters.” He expresses his favoritism when he tells Mrs. Bennet that he will “throw in a good word for [his] little Lizzy” when writing to Mr. Bingley. He also proves his compassion for Elizabeth when he tells her that she does not have to marry Mr. Collins; ...