Recording-2025-02-21 rhetoric and poetic two notes 

Introduction

  • Begins with prayer and class management

  • Addressing attendance and the importance of honesty

  • Setup for quiz on previous class material

Quiz Instructions

  • All materials except writing instruments removed

  • Importance of focusing on own paper during the quiz

  • Students should approximate attendance time for partial credit

  • Quiz covers Mr. Collins and Mr. Wickham

Mr. Collins' Proposal

  • Initially proposes to Jane, then to Elizabeth

  • His profession is that of a clergyman

  • Context: Due to Mr. Bennett's failure to alter inheritance, Mr. Collins becomes next heir

  • Proposal highlights social status and expectations

  • Misunderstanding of relationships in the Bennett household

Mr. Wickham's Introduction

  • Introduced as charming and charismatic

  • First seen in town with Mr. Darcy

  • Observed Lizzie as witnessing nonverbal tensions between Wickham and Darcy

  • Wickham's backstory:

    • Claims familial connection to Darcy

    • Lost inheritance due to a change made by Darcy

Jane Austen's Narrative Style

  • Observational character analysis

  • Focus on small interpersonal interactions

  • Balancing plot and character development

  • Aristotle's view on plot as driving force versus character depth in narratives

Themes in "Pride and Prejudice"

  • Setting: Early 19th century England

  • Societal pressures on marriage and economic security

  • The importance of first impressions and social manners

  • Contrasts in marriages:

    • Mr. and Mrs. Bennett's rocky relationship vs. Jane and Bingley's emerging romance

Exploration of Characters

  • Jane: The optimist, contrasts with Elizabeth's witty and observant nature

  • Mr. Bingley: Represents bubbly optimism; mirrors Jane

  • Mr. Darcy: Complex character, desires authenticity over appearances

  • Analysis of societal norms and marriage expectations

Point of View

  • Third-person omniscient narrative with moments of limited perspective

  • Free indirect discourse allowing insight into multiple character viewpoints

Discussion of Accomplishments

  • Characters judged by their social status and accomplishments:

    • Examples of accomplishments in women's society

    • Darcy's critique of superficial definitions of accomplishment

  • Debate on importance of intelligence versus social constructs

Rhetorical Appeals

  • Discussion of Wickham’s use of rhetoric: pathos and ethos

    • Uses charm and relatability to engage Elizabeth

  • Mr. Collins' approach is devoid of audience awareness, relies on logos

    • Proposal illustrates lack of genuine connection to Elizabeth

Conclusion and Next Steps

  • Recap of character dynamics, class relationships, and societal judgments

  • Encouragement for future readings in volume two of the text

  • Emphasis on understanding how different social settings influence character interactions

Assignments

  • Read Volume 2 for next week

  • Prepare for deeper analysis of characters and themes in upcoming discussions.