P&P #7: 2.16-end of book 2

                Toward the end of book two, Elizabeth shows concern for her sister, Lydia. When Lydia is invited to go visit with Mrs. Forester, Elizabeth opposes the idea and tells her father, “Our importance, our respectability in the world, must be affected by the wild volatility, the assurance and disdain of all restraint which mark Lydia’s character” (Austen 195). On the surface, Elizabeth’s concern for Lydia’s disposition appears to stem from the negative reputation Lydia gives the Bennett family. However, Elizabeth’s concern for reputation cannot precipitate from such reservations. Although Elizabeth does partake in balls and courting which dominate society, she participates in a very unconventional manner. Lizzy Bennett does not desperately search for a husband, for she turns down proposals from more than one man. Moreover, Elizabeth cannot be too troubled by her family’s reputation because she is aware of her family’s lower societal class. Even though Lizzy feels affronted when Mr. Darcy talks down about her family, she later confesses that she knows there is truth in his accusations. Thus, Elizabeth’s concern for Lydia cannot originate from the affect Lydia has on the family’s reputation. Elizabeth is simply acting as a concerned older sister who does not want her little sister going out and flirting with all the men in the town. As a sister, Elizabeth’s fears are reasonable even if her father cannot see the true meaning behind Lizzy’s words.