You—Miss Elizabeth, you are not properly attired to be…
““You—Miss Elizabeth, you are not properly attired to be addressing a gentleman in the dark of the night!” She cocked an eyebrow, letting her frame fall carelessly against the door. “So you say, but you are still here. By this I accept your admission that you must not be a gentleman, Mr Collins. Am I to report, sir, that you would harass young ladies in their own bedrooms, in their own homes, in the middle of the night? Terribly shocking, Mr Collins. Lady Catherine would be most seriously displeased!” He gulped, his fingers spasmodically moving to cover his eyes one moment and afford him a better view the next. He knew he ought to turn and flee to his room, but he could not tear himself away. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I shall speak to your mother about your serious lack of modesty!” “Oh, do, please.” A sardonic smile tugged her lips. “I am quite certain she and all her friends will enjoy hearing how the clergyman of Hunsford came by such knowledge.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A humorous scene highlights social propriety, gender expectations, and the absurdity of secret nocturnal encounters.
In simple terms: Social norms clash with secret night visits.
Key Takeaway
Question expectations, expose absurdity.
Themes
humor
social norms
gender roles
Mood
witty
satirical
Type
literary
comedic
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- literary analysis
- dating culture
- personal boundaries
Key Concepts
etiquette
privacy
comedy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this scene reveal about Victorian gender expectations?
- How might modern audiences interpret the humor?