Otra oportunidad

Another chance

Adapted from Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen.

Mientras Jane y Bingley encontraban una felicidad que otros habían retrasado, Lady Catherine quiso decidir el futuro de Elizabeth mediante una prohibición. Su exigencia de que renunciara a Darcy no consiguió la promesa esperada. Elizabeth defendió el derecho a juzgar por sí misma, sin confundir la posición social con el valor personal. Irónicamente, el relato de aquella negativa dio a Darcy motivos para creer que todavía podía ser correspondido.

Al declararse de nuevo, Darcy dejó claro que respetaría un rechazo. Elizabeth pudo responder desde una comprensión distinta, libre tanto de la ofensa inicial como de una gratitud obligatoria. Reconocieron el daño causado por sus respectivos juicios y eligieron una relación basada en el respeto. Las bodas no borraron todas las diferencias familiares. Sin embargo, el desenlace permitió que el amor coexistiera con la lucidez, la independencia y el humor de Elizabeth.

While Jane and Bingley found a happiness others had delayed, Lady Catherine tried to decide Elizabeth’s future through a prohibition. Her demand that Elizabeth give up Darcy did not obtain the expected promise. Elizabeth defended the right to judge for herself, without confusing social position with personal worth. Ironically, the account of that refusal gave Darcy reason to believe his love might still be returned.

Declaring his love again, Darcy made clear that he would respect a refusal. Elizabeth could respond from a different understanding, free both of the original insult and of any obligation to feel grateful. They acknowledged the harm caused by their respective judgments and chose a relationship based on respect. The weddings did not erase all the differences between their families. However, the ending allowed love to coexist with Elizabeth’s clear-sightedness, independence and humour.

Key Phrases

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de nuevo

again

Marks Darcy’s return to the question of marriage.

por sí misma

for herself

Emphasizes Elizabeth’s own choice, without another person deciding.

respeto

respect

Consideration for the other person’s dignity and wishes.

You’ve reached the end of this reader.

Original source and edition

Adapted from Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen.

A short, abridged Spanish retelling by Read Spanish Daily, adapted from the original English novel. Events and dialogue are simplified for each reading level; this is not the complete novel or a literal translation.

Pride and Prejudice — Project Gutenberg eBook 1342, English text. Project Gutenberg, 1998.

Original source and edition →