Age

Does age really mature us? I would argue experience and intelligence is the true key. As seen in Pride and Prejudice, character’s such as Elizabeth are more conscious of their surroundings and the society they live in than other characters such as Lady Catherine de Bourgh. In chapter 29, Lady Catherine criticizes Elizabeth for being so frank with what she feels: “‘Upon my word,’ said her ladyship, “you give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person. Pray, what is your age?” (Austen, 124) Lady Catherine appears as a childlike figure in the movie, not so solemn and experienced as I imagined her. Catherine seems to act based on her whims and not on logic. I truly hate when older people dismiss younger individuals’ perceptions and ideas based solely on their age. I believe that if one is truly brilliant one will listen to what others have to say, regardless of age. Lady Catherine’s questioning deflects what Elizabeth was pointing at, trying to dismiss the possibility that she wasn’t right.