Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice (Sprache & Litteratur).

Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice (Sprache & Litteratur). Die englische Schriftstellerin Jane Austen gilt als Autorin der ersten modernen Romane. Die Krönung ihrer ersten Schaffensphase bildete ihr Roman Pride and Prejudice, in dem Stolz und Vorurteil zentrale Themen sind. Wie auch in anderen Romanen erzählte Austen auch hier das Schicksal eines jungen Mädchens bis zur Heirat. Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice Elizabeth Bennet had been obliged, by the scarcity if gentlemen, to sit down for two dances; and during part of that time, Mr. Darcy had been standing near enough for her to overhear a conversation between him and Mr. Bingley, who came from the dance for a few minutes, to press his friend to join it. ,,Come, Darcy," said he, ,,I must have you dance. I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You had much better dance." ,,I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it, unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner. At such an assembly as this it would be insupportable. Your sisters are engaged, and there is not another woman in the room whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with." ,,I would not be so fastidious as you are," cried Bingley, ,,for a kingdom! Upon my honor, I never met with so many pleasant girls in my life as I have this evening; and there are several of them you see uncommonly pretty." ,,You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room," said Mr. Darcy, looking at the eldest Miss Bennet. ,,Oh! she is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld! But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you." ,,Which do you mean?" and turning round he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and coldly said, ,,She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me." Mr. Bingley followed his advice. Mr. Darcy walked off; and Elizabeth remained with no very cordial feelings towards him. She told the story, however, with great spirit among her friends; for she had a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in anything ridiculous. Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice. New York 1940, S. 9f. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.