Character Analysis #1

Tim Rezendes
AP English 11
11/29/09
Character Analysis
Character Analysis: Jane
Throughout the book, Pride and Prejudice, we saw Jane as an optimist in every situation that comes her way.
Jane’s optimistic attitude was both a blessing and a curse. It was impossible for her to think ill of someone which helped her to avoid confrontation; on the other hand, her optimistic outlook on life caused her to be blind to people who were blatantly attempting to cause her harm. The situation that took place involving Mr. Wickham and Lydia is a perfect example of Jane’s eternal optimism that goes much too far in certain situations. When Mr. Wickham and Lydia return Jane makes light of the situation by saying, “We must endeavor to forget all that has passed on either side, I hope and trust they will yet be happy. His consenting to marry her is proof… that he has come to the right way of thinking” (Austen 231). Jane’s ability to so easily forgive and forget and return to her state of blissful optimism consistently leaves her vulnerable to adverse predicaments.
Jane is an autistic child; her optimism makes her easy to be liked by all while her naivety could cause others to take advantage of her. Jane is very susceptible to unpleasant situations with the wrong people because of her optimism as an autistic child is prone to do anything somebody tells them to do.
Jane is like Rachel Rzeznik; she is nice to everybody but this perpetual kindness leaves her blind to poor qualities in others that could affect her own well-being.