Work Text:
The man finished reading the final page and closed the book. He then went to his writing desk, opened a drawer, and took out a small notebook.
Sitting down once again, he drew the inkwell closer, dipped his pen, and began to write:
"Subject: My impressions regarding the new English novel titled Pride and Prejudice, by an anonymous author, translated to the French language.
- Unlike other entries in this notebook concerning works of fiction, I felt that courtesy demanded I begin with some measure of praise, despite my preference for direct speech: in a world where reading is a necessity for those who wish to distinguish themselves from the mob, the anonymous author of this novel makes a considerable effort to render the task of reading as pleasant as possible.
- Here my praise ends, chiefly due to the regrettable tendency of the novel to argue against the necessary social separation between classes.
- The greatest weakness of the characters in this novel lies in their sentimentality; the author has committed a grave moral and social error in portraying emotional indulgence as a virtue, and self-mastery as a chain imposed by figures of authority. Rather than governing their nature and disposition, recognizing that no legitimate bond can exist between them, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy allow themselves the freedom to defy the wishes of their elders and superiors. They violate every custom and social rule for the fleeting enjoyment of one another’s company. Therefore, their marriage is devoid of honor, endangering the fabric of society in exchange for a moment of experienced pleasure.
- It is my conviction that the truly heroic figure of this narrative is no other than the honorable Lady Catherine de Bourgh. When the guardians of social order, such as Mr. Darcy, mingle with those beneath them and neglect their sacred duty to enforce boundaries, respectable ladies are forced to assume that responsibility themselves. Ultimately, the narrative of the novel compels this courageous woman to accept Miss Bennet into her family and to treat her as an equal, a notion I find shameful and regrettable to no end. Lady Catherine de Bourgh's downfall, which seals the story, is presented humorously as an integral part of the so-called happy ending.
- It appears to me, though I may be in error, that the author adopts a faintly mocking tone toward the respectable clergyman Mr. Collins. One must ask whether such insolence toward the clergy was truly intended, as it is inconceivable to portray a member of the Church as little more than a figure of ridicule.
- The work presents an accurate, if troubling, caricature of English society and all its defects: the young do not respect their elders; those of lower station do not respect the authority of their superiors. The intolerable rebelliousness of the younger generation, even among the respectable classes, is evidence of the moral decay of the kingdom across the Channel.
- One reservation that must be addressed in this harsh critique of the novel: It is quite possible that something has been lost in translation. In this matter, as in others, and that we might be exposed to the opinions of the female translator, rather than those of the most likely male author. There are those who believe that the act of writing amd translating ought to be left exclusively to men, as women are inferior to men in matters of sound judgment. My own view on the matter considers both men and women equally capable of unspeakable foolishness; that neither sex holds a monopoly on human stupidity.
- In conclusion: it is no surprise that the author chose to remain anonymous, having exposed their country in such a shameful manner.
- I would recommend keeping such books away from impressionable young readers. The streets of the city already suffer from an excessive bustle of unruly and rebellious youth, and this matter demands our close attention.
- The soldier, Mr. Wickham, is a disgrace to any army and ought to have been publicly flogged, or rather killed in a duel."
The man sitting at his writing desk dipped the pen into the inkwell one final time, then signed:
"Inspector Javert,
May 15, 1832"