“Her heart had been but slightly touched, and her vanity was satisfied with believing that she would have been his only choice, had fortune permitted it” (144).
This is Elizabeth’s reflection upon Mr. Wickham’s change of feelings for her. After inheriting a sum of wealth, Miss King becomes the object of Mr. Wickham’s attention. Elizabeth has no ill feelings towards him. She says that she was not in love with him because she did not “detest his very name, and wish him all manner of evil” (144). For if Elizabeth truly cared for him, she would now be unspeakably jealous of Miss King. Elizabeth also enjoys the thought that she would have been his first choice if it were not for mercenary motives of Mr. Wickham. This pleases her, and shows her that all of her other qualities are agreeable. The only disadvantage for a man of this time in marrying her is her lower place in society, and her lack of wealth.
Elizabeth’s aunt later inquires her opinion on the matter during her trip to London. Elizabeth responds by noting that she cannot distinguish the difference “between the mercenary and the prudent motive” (147). Elizabeth makes it clear that she does not mind if a man bases his priorities on the wealth of a woman. She is not surprised that Wickham would chose Miss King simply because of money, and finds him no less agreeable for it. Elizabeth, in this instance, seems to agree with what society dictates should be the goal in a marriage.
Elizabeth’s feelings for Wickham have shifted from:
A. Love to hate
B. Attraction to indifference
C. Infatuation to contempt
D. Curiosity to jealousy
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