Hi, my name is Emily Lazo. I am a senior double majoring in English and Communications and Media with a concentration in Interpersonal. Weirdly enough, my favorite genre of books falls within the “young adult” category (I say weird because I am almost 21 years old already and I feel like as an English major, there are certain expectations on my selection of books). My favorite author is probably Rick Yancey; I find his style of writing really different and a bit more sophisticated for the typical YA genre.

I want to start off first by pointing out how ironic it is that a man should be commenting on the behavior of women. His tone speaks of a self-importance that is reminiscent of Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice, especially when Mr. Collins picks a sermon book to read to the Bennett women instead of a novel.

Fordyce’s sermon starts off by describing the responsibility women have to their families, and most importantly their parents. He states, “We can prognosticate nothing virtuous, nothing happy, concerning those wretched creatures that do not feel the satisfaction, ease, or honor of their parents” (394). He then goes on to discuss how women have all the power over men and should therefore never abuse that power. His idea of a perfect woman is an “accomplished woman, in whom purity and meekness, intelligence and modesty, mingle their charms” (400). The idea of a witty female, on the other hand, is disastrous because men should never have to “suffer this restraint at home” (400).

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice makes fun of Fordyce’s sermons in every way. Each of the Bennett daughters plays on the rules that Fordyce lists but for now we will focus on Lizzy, one of the main protagonists. Lizzy is that very witty female that Fordyce so fears. She not only speaks her mind but she also rejects a marriage proposal not only once, but three times. On the last time Lizzy tells Mr. Collins, “Can I speak plainer? Do not consider me now as an elegant female intending to plague you, but as a rational creature speaking the truth from her heart” (Austen 140). Lizzy obviously does not care that her mother’s sole purpose in life is marrying off her five eligible daughters; she chooses her own happiness instead. Lizzy’s father, instead of forcing her to accept Mr. Collins’ proposal tells Lizzy, “From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.” (Austen 142). Lizzy, being Mr. Bennett’s favorite, knew that her father was giving her a very clear signal that it was entirely up to her whether or not she agreed to marry.