Miss Caroline Bingley provides a definition of a “lady of quality” in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. However, in trying to call attention to Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s lack of social graces (the young lady would rather read, than play cards. Heavens!) Miss Bingley miscalculates and misses her mark. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy sees past the thinly veiled attack and offers a rejoinder of his own.
All this she must possess,” added Darcy, “and to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.”
Pride and Prejudice~ Jane Austen
Without a doubt, Jane Austen was familiar with Proverbs 31. After all, she was the daughter of a Anglican rector. No doubt, she drew inspiration from the words that described a Woman of Valor. In fact, Austen’s own brother made certain to memorialize her using a quote from the same passage.
She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness”
Proverbs 31:26
Miss Elizabeth Bennet is known to be witty—a nicer way of saying sarcastic—and quick to judge. Certainly, the opposite of speaking with wisdom and kindness. Like any character worthy of notice, however, she goes through a series of events that spark introspection and change. Austen provides the arc for this character’s spiritual and emotional growth.
When Miss Bennet arrived at Netherfield, Mr. Darcy observed her skirts covered “six inches deep in mud…her hair, so untidy, so blowsy!” Instead of censuring her for her lack of grace as Miss Bingley was quick to do, Mr. Darcy saw a woman whose mission that day was to attend to her sister, Jane, who had taken ill. Clearly, the young lady had no improper pride; she was not there to exhibit or to lay claim to her many accomplishments. Later, when the party gathered in drawing room, he saw a young lady who would not be swayed by peer pressure. Elizabeth Bennet stood her ground against Miss Bingley and read a book, rather than play at cards.
In the 1995 version of Austen’s novel, Lizzy is asked to perform at the piano during a visit to Pemberley. She had no great talent, and often admitted her failure to practice. Lizzy does play, however, and the room is delighted. It is probably one of the most beloved scenes of the series. The admiration on Mr. Darcy’s face says it all. Throughout the novel, he was known to be a man who despises cunning and deception. He cannot, therefore, fail to notice Lizzy’s strength of character, her kindness, her vivacity, and grace.
It’s my belief that, in showing the character’s ability to reflect, to admit her own failings, and to seek to come up a bit higher, Austen created an Eishet Chayil —a Woman of Valor.
There are many in Austen’s fan base that have crafted devotionals inspired by the author’s work and personal life. I hope to add to the flavor, so to speak, by offering my own take on Women of Valor with this motivational journal.
With love,
Mirta Ines Trupp~ Author 