What kind of character is Lady Catherine de Bourgh
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Answer
What kind of character is Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and how does Elizabeth reject her proposal? [NU: 2018, 21]
Lady Catherine de Bourgh is a rich and proud lady in “Pride and Prejudice” (1813) by Jane Austen (1775-1817). She is very strict and thinks she is better than others. She wants to control people’s lives, especially about marriage. When she hears about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, she tries to stop their marriage. But Elizabeth is honest, confident, and does not obey her.
Lady Catherine is proud and controlling: Lady Catherine believes she is the most important person. She often talks in an arrogant way. She believes she can instruct others due to her social standing. She tells Elizabeth,
“I am almost the nearest relation he has in the world…”
She expects Elizabeth to obey her because she is rich and noble.
Lady Catherine wants Elizabeth to refuse Darcy: When Lady Catherine visits Elizabeth, she gives her strict orders not to marry Mr. Darcy. She warns Elizabeth that Darcy will never marry her. She tells her to promise not to accept him if he proposes. This shows Lady Catherine’s arrogance and her desire to keep her family’s power.
Elizabeth boldly refuses Lady Catherine: Elizabeth does not fear Lady Catherine. She stands brave and bold. She speaks honestly. She replies,
“He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman’s daughter; so far we are equal.”
Elizabeth says she will marry Darcy if he asks, no matter Lady Catherine’s wishes. She respects herself. She follows her own heart. This shows Elizabeth’s courage and strong character.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh is a proud and controlling character. She tries to stop Elizabeth and Darcy’s marriage. But Elizabeth bravely refuses to obey her. Her honesty and confidence show her true strength. This moment shows how Elizabeth fights for her own happiness.