Jane Austen

As a preface, to give credit where credit is due, this is not an original idea- just something I thought I'd try to get other people in on. As nerdy as it might be I am a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America (Baltimore District) and last summer, or fall, I went to one of the society's luncheons. There was a guest speaker who discussed, and asked the attendees for examples of, a topic similar to this.

1) Emma: When Mr. Knightley proposes to Emma, Emma voices her concerns about leaving her father alone when she gets married; Mr. Knightley offers to move into Heartfield. Obviously the norm for regency England was the woman moving in to the man's estate, but Mr. Knightley was willing to sacrifice living at his estate for the comfort of his wife and father-in-law.

2) Pride & Prejudice: Lizzy sacrifices the assured security and comfort of her mother and sisters that marrying Mr. Collins would bring. Since the estate of Longbourn is entailed to Mr. Collins upon Mr. Bennet's death the practical thing would be for one of the five Miss Bennets to marry Mr. Collins in order to keep the estate in the family and assure the other Bennet women (who may or may not marry) a place to live. The chore to marry Mr. Collins fell to Lizzy, since everyone thought an engagement between Jane and Mr. Bingley was eminent. Lizzy refused to marry without love!

Please feel free to discuss the two topic items I have mentioned or post your own examples of sacrifice for us to discuss. Thank you.