J A N E
Jane is a charming person (who probably embodies those aspects of Jane
Austen's own sister Cassandra which are not shown in Elizabeth herself).
She is less self-reliant than Elizabeth but equally firm when she takes
up a position which she feels to be right. She is reluctant to think ill
of anyone. Even when she realizes that she and Mr. Bingley have be parted
through the machinations of her lover’s sisters and of Mr.Bingley she delicately
refrains from any expressions of ill-will.
As for Jane her anxiety under this suspense was of course more painful
than Elizabeth, but whatever she felt she was desirous of concealing, and
between herself and Elizabeth, therefore, the subject was never alluded
do.
She is very pretty and, in fact, no one is surprised at Darcy thinking
her the prettiest girl in the room. No one is jealous of Jane; even the
Bingley sisters cultivate her acquaintance until they find that their brother
is taking too great an interest in her.
She tries to make the best of everything that happens. When Mr.Collins
marries Charlotte Lucas she is less censorious than the rest of the family.
"Jane confessed herself a little surprised at the match but she says less
of her astonishment than of her earnest desire for the happiness". Even
after Lydia's elopement Jane's sympathetic nature finds some redeeming
features in the situation. She expresses great sympathy for Colonel Forster,
"I am so grieved for him. His behavior was attractive and kind to the utmost".
She remarks on Lady Lucas's kindness in playing frequent visits at this
time, not realizing that many of these were due to curiosity.
She bears that brunt of ill-fortune and tries not to worry others.
"Mary and Kitty have been very kind and would have shared in every fatigue
I am sure but I did not think it right either of them. Kitty is delicate,
and Mary studies so much that her hours of repose should not be broken
in on. “
Even the erring Wickham has a word of praise from her upon the arrival
of the news of his proposed marriage with Lydia-- "Wickham is not so undeserving
then as we have thought him"”.
When her own great happiness finally comes to her she shows mingled gratitude
and humility as well as pleasure in the joy it will give to others.
"I don't deserve it. Oh, why is not everyone as happy...? Oh, Lizzy to
know that what I have to relate will give such pleasure to all my dear
family. How shall I bear so much happiness?
Back