Narrowness of vision is
defined by Longman's Dictionary as a narrow idea or attitude in which
one's "way of looking at a situation is too limited and does not consider enough
possibilities." While short-sightedness is similar but
defined by Longman's as "not considering the possible effects in the
future of something that seems good
now."
Elizabeth believes
Charlotte too short-sighted when she accepts Collins proposal (in fact,
encourages his proposal). Elizabeth learns to have a different understanding once she
sees Charlotte in her new home, married and free from her father's protection.
Elizabeth sees a content Charlotte in Kent at Hunsford, yet
gets no glimmering that she may herself had narrowness of
vision.
readability="11">[Though] evidently regretting that her visitors
were to go, she did not seem to ask for compassion. Her home and her housekeeping, her
parish and her poultry, and all their dependent concerns, had not yet lost their
charms.Earlier,
Charlotte had warned Elizabeth against narrowness of vision
when she tried to prompt Elizabeth to be civil and courteous toward Darcy so as not to
offend a man of such great wealth and importance: why make an enemy of a powerful man?
Later, Darcy sees that he was
short-sighted about his reserve, pride and condescension when he hears in what terms and
for what reasons Elizabeth refuses his marriage
offer."You have said quite enough, madam. I
perfectly comprehend your feelings, and have now only to be ashamed of what my own have
been. Forgive me for having taken up so much of your time, and accept my best wishes for
your health and happiness."Austen's narrative
couldn't have been told if it weren't for Mr. Bennet's
narrowness of vision and short-sightedness in (1) expecting a male heir who would break
the entail and restore Longbourn and wealth back to the Bennet family; (2) in abandoning
the raising of his five daughters to their silly mother, since he has become
disheartened over his failure to produce an heir; (3) in his folly in abandoning Lydia
to the care of the (silly) Forsters in Brighton. Austen builds the whole story around
this character flaw in Mr Bennet.readability="9">"You may well warn me against such an evil. Human
nature is so prone to fall into it! No, Lizzy, let me once in my life feel how much I
have been to blame. I am not afraid of being overpowered by the impression. It will pass
away soon enough."
No comments:
Post a Comment