- "But, Lizzy, you look as if you did not enjoy it. You are not going to be Missish, I hope, and pretend to be affronted at an idle report." (p. 245)
Missish -- Like a miss; prim; affected; sentimental. After Mr. Bennet reads aloud Mr. Collins' letter to Elizabeth, she is shocked at it's content. Mr. Collins warns Mr. Bennet that there might be a future engagement between his daughter and Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth, being unaware of the situation and caught of guard, is somewhat speechless. Jane Austen's use of the unfamiliar word 'Missish' enhances readers understanding of Elizabeth's reaction. Her feelings are completely jumbled and she cannot grasp knowing she might be in love with Mr. Darcy -- 'fear that perhaps, instead of his seeing too little, she might have fancied too much.' (p. 245) Elizabeth's sentimental response indicates the turning point in the novel where her negative views of Darcy's character turn into deep affection.
Work Cited:
The Free Dictionary. Web. 13 Mar. 2010. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Missish.
Photo Credit:
Julie Andrews. Photograph.
Solar Navigator. Web. 13 Mar. 2010. http://www.solarnavigator.net/films_movies_actors/film_images/Julie_Andrews_sound_of_music_worried_about_children.jpg.
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