How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"In nine cases out of ten a woman had better show more affection than she feels. Bingley likes your sister undoubtedly; but he may never do more than like her, if she does not help him on."
"But she does help him on, as much as her nature will allow. Remember, Charlotte—she is a warrior first, and a woman second." (6.2-3)
Jane may be a warrior, but Charlotte's advice isn't bad if we're talking about women. A guy isn't going to stick around long if a girl doesn't give off flirty vibes. Charlotte's statement turns out to be right when Mr. Bingley is convinced that Jane doesn't like him because she's so coy. Sure, the fighting skills are great, but some flirtation skills would have come in handy in this situation.
Quote #2
Muskets and Katana swords were a more effective means of protecting one's self, but they were considered unladylike; and, having no saddle in which to conceal them, the three sisters yielded to modesty.
Well, you wouldn't want to look unladylike when you're fighting a zombie, now would you?
Quote #3
"The word is applied," said Darcy, "to many a woman who deserves it no otherwise than by netting a purse or covering a screen. My sister Georgiana deserves the distinction, however, for she is not only master of the female arts, but the deadly as well. I cannot boast of knowing more than half a dozen, in the whole range of my acquaintance, that are thus accomplished."
"Nor I, I am sure," said Miss Bingley.
"Then, Mr. Darcy," observed Elizabeth, "you must comprehend a great deal in your idea of an accomplished woman."
"A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages; she must be well trained in the fighting styles of the Kyoto masters and the modern tactics and weaponry of Europe. And besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half-deserved. All this she must possess, and to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading."
"I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any."
"Are you so severe upon your own sex as to doubt the possibility of all this?"
"I never saw such a woman. In my experience, a woman is either highly trained or highly refined. One cannot afford the luxury of both in such times. As for my sisters and I, our dear father thought it best that we give less of our time to books and music, and more to protecting ourselves from the sorry stricken." (8.39-45)
Mr. Darcy thinks that Elizabeth is dissing her fellow women, but she's just being practical. How can a girl think about painting when the dead are rising from their graves and eating people's brains? It's survival of the fittest. Elizabeth doesn't have time to polish her ladylike attributes for high society.