The 23rd of July 1813.
Dearest Jane Austin,
Halfway through your work called Pride and Prejudice, I was left to wonder endlessly about the life led during the times of Elizabeth Benett. I admire,that during those times, the love and importance of reading and gaining knowledge, of the respect and courtesy men and women had between each other, and the love for literature, were so very important. I admire, Eliza Benett, if I may call her by her nickname, in her being so determined to express her opinion and ensure and reinforce her rights as a young woman in the 18th century.
I am constantly infuriated with Mrs Benett’s complains and cries on how Jane and Elizabeth were about to get married to two quite *reasonable* men but they couldn’t. If I were in the place of Elizabeth I would have probably screamed in rage and cried in frustration of living with Mrs Benett. What I found most offensive, was Mrs Benett calling Eliza rather foolish, when I found Elizabeth and Jane the most understanding and mature of the lot. Kitty and Lydia remind me of the young girls in our world today gossiping about boys and men and being unable to resist their urge to be with someone.
I would like to also summarize my understanding of the times you lived in. Men would work, while women would stay at home and do what they did best when it came to household chores, and modesty and respect was often observed between men and women. I’ve also learnt that perhaps class and money were of the most important to have a status in society. Although Mr Collin’s money and property did not give him much attention, since according to me he was rather foolish and praised himself irresistabily. Thus, what I admire, is the importance of knowledge and intelligence during those times, which I greatly respect. Learning the eagerness of the younger Benetts to get married should not have come as a surprise to me, considering that some girls in families still consider marriage as the main goal in their life in my world today.
However I wonder, how women would spend their lives every single day other than reading,studying, and walking in the park. It intrigues me, to think about the interesting lives they must have led. I am not at all considering household women to live boring and depressing lives, but I am quite curious to learn how they lived their lives with contentment. Moreover, however materialistic their lives may be, compared to our modern world, there is something that defines the description of their lives in one word, simplicity. The simplicity of the life of Elizabeth Benett, although understanding her mind was so not very simple. She was content, respected her cultural beliefs but also allowed her own opinions to voice in and thus knew, how to live a content life. I truly admire Elizabeth Benett, her class, her intelligence, her humility and her grace.
I’ve also learnt, the difference between formality and respect, and the importance in being respectful towards yourself and to your society.
Although I have watched the enactment of your story, it inspired me to read and understand the story through the original piece of literature and through the interesting mind of Elizabeth Benett which did not fail to increase my curiosity after every chapter.
And that I greatly admire, the way you presented your society, and conveyed such a beautiful message.