Olivia French, Shannon Nicholls, and Liz Hardiman discuss Mr. Collins's proposal to Elizabeth, leading to tension and rejection. Caroline Bingley expresses concerns and intentions, while characters await Mr. Bingley's return with contempt, hope, and excitement.
Elizabeth firmly declines Mr. Collins' marriage proposal due to incompatibility.
Mrs. Bennet pressures Elizabeth to accept Mr. Collins' proposal to secure future prospects.
Deep dives
Mr. Collins' Proposal to Elizabeth Bennet
Mr. Collins, determined to propose to Elizabeth with the intention of marrying, sought a private audience. Despite Elizabeth's reluctance and her mother's enthusiasm, she firmly declined his offer, citing their incompatibility and her lack of affection. Mr. Collins, convinced of his own suitability, disregarded her refusal and expressed confidence in ultimately leading her to accept.
Mr. Collins' Understanding of Elizabeth's Refusal
Following Elizabeth's rejection, Mr. Collins interpreted her answer as an expected challenge, as he believed young ladies often initially decline offers they secretly hope to accept later. Despite Elizabeth's clear disinterest and sincerity, Mr. Collins persisted in believing she would eventually reconsider, reflecting on the common practice of repeated refusals before acceptance.
Mrs. Bennet's Attempts to Influence Elizabeth's Decision
Mrs. Bennet, dismayed by Elizabeth's rejection of Mr. Collins, viewed it as a headstrong decision and sought to assert her authority by pressuring Elizabeth to accept the proposal. She enlisted Mr. Bennet's intervention, insisting that Elizabeth comply, highlighting her belief that a refusal would reflect poorly on the family and jeopardize future prospects.
The Departure of the Bingley Family
Jane's distress over the Bingleys' sudden departure was compounded by the revelation that they were leaving Netherfield without intent to return, signaling a disruption to the burgeoning relationship between Jane and Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth, skeptical of Caroline Bingley's motives and influence, attempted to reassure Jane while highlighting the potential insincerity and ulterior motives behind Caroline's actions.
The morning after the tumultuous Netherfield Ball, Mr Collins makes an offer to Elizabeth and is somewhat surprised at her response. Jane receives a distressing letter from Caroline Bingley. Chapter 19-21
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This episode features the voices of Olivia French as Elizabeth Bennet, Shannon Nicholls as Mr Collins, Liz Hardiman as Mrs Bennet, Amelia Pawsey as Kitty Bennet, Chris Hiscock as Mr Bennet, Daisy Kennington as Lydia Bennet, Elliott Gale as Mr Wickham, Emma Wood as Mrs Hill, Liana Emmerson as Jane Bennet and Marli van der Bijl as Caroline Bingley.
This production was directed by Liana Emmerson, narrated by Olivia French and adapted for audio by Elizabeth Bradford, Olivia French and Liana Emmerson. The production team would like to thank Jacqueline Cleverly for her help with dialect advice.
This podcast was produced by Ballarat National Theatre on the lands of our traditional custodians, the Wadawurrung people. Cast recordings were made in the lands of the Wadawurrung, Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Boonwurrung people.
Ballarat National Theatre acknowledges and pays respect to our traditional custodians and to their past, present and emerging leaders.
Support our community theatre company and help us create future stories by becoming a member or follow Ballarat National Theatre on Instagram and Facebook.
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