Austen August: A Pride and Prejudice Read-A-Long discussion

Lizzie finally tells Jane what happened between her and Darcy, and Jane- as predicted- is shocked.

Jane quickly gets over her shock and reasons that of course he loves her, because who wouldn't, and she is more grieved by the unhappiness which Lizzie's refusal must have given him. (awh Jane, she's so empathetic)

She continues to tell Jane the truth about Wickham-
“What a stroke this was for poor Jane! Who would willingly have gone through the world without believing that so much wickedness existed in the whole race of mankind, as here was collected in one individual” (okay, to be honest, I do find that Lizzie/Austen is playing on Jane's naivety or good nature a little too heavily here- I mean she hopes for the best in people, yes, but I doubt she is quite that “innocent”)

One commenting on the two gents, Lizzie says “One has all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it”. Lizzie tries to convince Jane that she is over the shock of the letter and proposal and has no further feelings on the subject- but Jane knows better.

Lizzie wants to know whether she should tell their acquaintances of Wickham's true character, but Jane tells her to hold back as it isn't their place, Lizzie agrees because it would mean telling about what happened to Darcy's sister.

Lizzie does not tell Jane what Darcy revealed about his part in separating Jane and Bingley. She also does not tell Jane that Bingley really did love her, because it looks like he may never come back and she doesn't wish more heartache on Jane.

Mrs Bennet and Lizzie discuss Bingley and Mrs Bennet says “I am sure Jane will die of a broken heart, and then he will be sorry for what he has done”...what a nice thing to say about your daughter.

I've never known anyone as sweet and naive as Jane. I think Austen spends much more time on the complexity of Elizabeth than any of her sisters. Maybe Jane's character is a commentary on the ideal woman of the age, very sweet and genteel and thus contrasting her character with Elizabeth's.