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'Elizabeth's cleverness and humour are not always an advantage to her - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 4
'Elizabeth's cleverness and humour are not always an advantage to her. How far do you agree with this view? Explore at least two moments from the novel to support y... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'Elizabeth's cleverness and humour are not always an advantage to her - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Evaluate Elizabeth's Cleverness: Moment 1
Answer
In Pride and Prejudice, one notable moment highlighting Elizabeth's cleverness occurs during her first encounter with Mr. Darcy at the Meryton ball. Darcy’s initial dismissal of her due to her social standing challenges Elizabeth. Instead of reacting with anger, she employs her wit to turn the situation humorous, jokingly labeling him as 'proud.' While this showcases her cleverness, it ultimately leads to misunderstandings and deepens Darcy's initial prejudice against her.
This cleverness does not serve her well here, as it obfuscates her true virtues and creates an adversarial relationship, indicating that her humor can sometimes alienate others instead of fostering connection.
Step 2
Consequence of Humour: Moment 2
Answer
Another instance occurs in her conversation with Lady Catherine de Bourgh, where Elizabeth's sharp wit is on full display. When Lady Catherine confronts her about her potential match with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth responds with confidence and humor, showcasing her refusal to be intimidated. However, this confrontation mostly serves to exacerbate tensions between them, drawing attention to Elizabeth's independent spirit but also leaving her isolated from social acceptance in Lady Catherine's circle.
This moment exemplifies that while her cleverness and humor build her character's strength, they also place her at odds with the expectations of her society, suggesting that such traits can indeed be double-edged swords.