1. What values does this scene show?
A woman is expected to behave in certain ways. Stepping outside the social norms makes her vulnerable to ostracism. This scene illustrates the highly restrictive and conservative society in which reputation is of utmost importance. People were bound by the necessity of explicit rules, conventions for introductions, repression of high feeling and moderation of action. This is overtly illustrated as Elizabeth attempts to maintain her formal composure with Darcy, even though there is conflict among the two. “I have every reason to think ill of you, do you think any consideration would tempt me to accept the man who’s been the means of ruining the happiness of a most beloved sister”. There exists partial respect in the execution of expression between characters of class and wealth; this scene is demonstrative of the constraint of proper conduct. Darcy continually rants about the difference in status, power and family connections which defined the value of happiness during that time. This is because Darcy, coming from the upper gentry, cannot see the censure in his words. The audience is aware that his condescension is multi-faceted, and it can be said that the fortunate are accustomed to such decorum.
2. What visual and aural techniques are used to convey these values?
The back and forth movement of Darcy flaunts the representation of his uneasiness. Elizabeth, however, is blind to his affection as she is to his goodness. The dramatic irony in this generates a mood of intensity and passion as we can see that Darcy is truly moved by this matter, when generally he is adamant under all circumstances. His gesture, body language and facial expression is also accumulated up till his proposal, as he constantly looks at Elizabeth with agitation and discomfort. The positioning and camera angles of both characters are additional features which add to the effect of values. When Darcy leans against the structure, there is an implication that he is in need of support, as his feelings have been stirred to a point of outburst. However, the tone of both characters discounts the norms of social obligation. It establishes the surrounding for a sense of power in the relationship, yet it was out of the ordinary for men to express their feelings as such.
3. Upon reading LTA, how has it shaped your understanding of the scene?’Words are not simple things: they take unto themselves, as they have through time, power and meaning: they did so then, they do so now”. The language of characters is stylistically crafted for aural resonance and structural beauty. Weldon and Austen both use irony to inform readers on their own personal opinions about public matters. Their work, often satirical, has a purpose to expose or discredit vice or folly. In ridiculing public opinion, both authors attempt to expand the mental horizons of humankind. The novels have a similar function so as to illustrate moral and spiritual truths in order to reflect on the condition of our own lives. The focus on universal issues is to seek remedy to our faults. These texts are intended for enlightenment and to be morally instructive on our own sense of human nature.
In Letters to Alice, Aunt Fay tries to dismiss parochial views and claims that readers need and seek moral guidance. She also makes the point that Austen’s works offer moral instruction to lead us out of barbarity into civilization. This didacticism encourages readers to think of the power of words and the weight attached to them. We must understand that meaning is shaped and reshaped through its relationships and connections with other texts. Pride and Prejudice acts as a critique and an instructive tool to develop one’s moral consciousness and values. This perspective can also be read in Letters to Alice as it sounds out the value for quality novels to provide guidance. This demonstrates that certain values are transcendental such as the liberation of self. The critiques also explain different values and ethical systems which were present during those eras, subsequently compelling us to appreciate the 21st century’s codes and conventions. The contrast in value systems assists our understanding of the choices made by each of the characters and allows us to better understand the reasons which were behind them.
Upon reading Letters to Alice, understanding is concocted via the interaction of time and expectation. Through the integration of understanding the substantial context and motives, we gain a more complete closure of the scene’s magnitude.
