Jim G.M Wrote:
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>
> But surely, there would be no pressure on anyone
> by Bingley in his simply returning to Meryton,
> just to see what developed? He knew he would be
> welcomed with open arms by matchmaker in chief Mrs
> Bennet and, he would surely know from her how Jane
> felt. I would think he'd absolutely insist on
> doing so. He needn't mention romance, engagements
> or promises at all until he was sure of his
> ground. Instead, he just takes the word of his
> friend backed up by his sisters and keeps away
> from a woman he supposedly loves for eight months?
> .Wasn't it Darcy who, during the course of a
> friendly argument, insisted on outlining the pros
> and cons of the situation before deciding on
> action? Smacks a little of double standards does
> it not?
1. I think Bingley had raised expectations by his behavior towards Jane (he was considered as her suitor), so that the whole neighbourhood expected a proposal before he left and Jane was considered jilted. Therefore, he couldn't just return and observe without consequences.
2. You can't seriously mean that Mrs. Bennet was suited to give Bingley a true hint regarding Jane's feelings. She didn't know what they were, she didn't consider them relevant, and she had decided that Bingley should marry Jane before they even met him and advertised the match to the neighbourhood. She's the person who causes the most of the pressure on Jane.
3. Bingley meant to stay away from Jane permanently because he thought it was best for Jane. We may disagree whether this is love but he considered Jane's (wrongly perceived) interest before his own.
4. What do you mean by double standards? Bingley did consider the pros and cons of the situation, only he thought the cons presented by Darcy had more weight than the pros of his feelings>Jane Bennet, sweet
> to the point of total naivety, would actually need
> a husband who didn't swear when he clouted his
> thumb with a hammer, but again, that's how Jane
> Austen wanted her, so Bingley was created wimpish
> by design. As a male, I have to hope he might have
> acted a little differently in reality. (-:
This is not the only possible interpretation of Jane and what she needs. It's discussed in the thread below extensively.