Booking Through Thursday
Who is your favorite female lead character? And why? (And yes, of course, you can name more than one . . . I always have trouble narrowing down these things to one name, why should I force you to?)
There is only one: Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bennet. She is feisty, funny, serious, sympathetic, won't-be-downtrodden, thinks intelligently and feels passionately. She is also stubborn, prejudiced, arch and (temporarily) short-sighted. Her recognition of her failings, particularly of her prejudices, is heartwarming and her confrontation with Lady Catherine de Bourgh should inspire anyone faced with a bully disguised as a member of the great-and-good. But the chief thing about Lizzie is that she's so human that men and women fall in love with her.
It's no wonder that Mr Bennet says, when she turns down the obsequious Mr Collins's offer for her hand in marriage (a marriage that would keep the Bennet house in the family):
'Well, Lizzie, from this day henceforth it seems you must be a stranger to one of your parents.' He looks at her while she nervously awaits his decision. He keeps her waiting ... then he says: 'Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins ... and I will never see you again if you do.'
Mr Bennet's deep love for his favourite daughter, and my favourite female lead character, lights up this scene.
11 comments:
Oh yes, it's Elizabeth for me too, but I was surprised because when I thought about it I realised I have other favourites as well.
Somehow thare are others who score over her for me.
Here is my BTT post
I do like and admire her a lot, but I had other favorites. :-)
Yes, yes, yes! I'll do this BTT tonight, but I anticipate something in common with you... I do have one or two others up my sleeve, as well. I imagine our Lizzie will prove the most popular choice all round.
Simon
I must admit, although I am familiar with her of course, I have never read that book! Hummm, guess I need to pull it off of my shelves and dig into it as she has been mentioned more than once!
Oh, Lizzie, of course! I love her, too.
I love Elizabeth as well, but she hasn't really influenced the way I live my life, whereas the women I finally chose, definitely have.
I think Lizzie's going to get the most votes, and I found it hard to leave her out (well, I didn't entirely). Reading your answer made me smile because she is so wonderful.
lol! I love Lizzie too.
Lizzie is one of the best characters ever. After watching Becoming Jane, I keep wondering how much of Jane Austen is in Lizzie - based on the movie, they were almost the same, based on personality.
Clearly, I need to read this one. I've always avoided it 'cause it's a classic and I don't generally like classics, but with a recommendation like this?
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