Page 8 of The Devil's Hunt

"Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is considered one of the most iconic works of English literature and was first published in 1813. Since it was published, and for many years to follow, it was considered to be well ahead of its time. To some, it was a satire of the social norms and customs at the time, exploring controversial themes of love, marriage, class, and reputation. The female lead, Elizabeth Bennet, is witty and sarcastic, and she explores her personal views on social status, her ability to make a good match in marriage, and her love story with Mr. Darcy. After reading this timeless classic, I want to hear your thoughts and interpretation of the story. What do you feel Jane Austen was trying to articulate in this work? What are the conflicts presented?" Professor Hazel asked, peering through the crowd and looking for someone to answer.

Professor Hazel was my English and American Literature professor. Today was the start of our focus on English literature. His thick, black-framed glasses glinted with a certain intensity as he settled on me. He was middle-aged, with brown hair and blue eyes, and commanded the room. He exuded a self-assured air that made him seem older, wiser, and more powerful. I hung onto hisevery word as he spoke about societal norms and conformity throughout history in literature. His class was one of my favorites, and though I would never admit it, I had a crush on him. He was easily ten years my senior, but there was just something about his passion for literature and the ease with which he carried himself. There was this effortlessness and intelligence that I found endearing and sexy.

He loomed at the front of the auditorium, his sharp gaze scanning over every student. My heart raced as I raised my hand like a mouse caught in a hawk's sight.

He gave me a warm smile. "Yes, Mila."

I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my stomach at the deep timbre of his voice when he said my name.

Despite the palpable silence in the air, I spoke up timidly, "The story follows the protagonist, Elizabeth Bennett, and the conflict surrounding her struggle to find a compatible husband despite the obstacles presented by her social conventions and her lack of self-awareness. Throughout the book, she encounters multiple characters who play the role of antagonist by creating obstacles between her and the marriage that she desires."

"And who did you identify as the antagonists? And why?" Professor Hazel moved to the front of his desk and sat on the edge, his arms crossed, his blue eyes penetrating me.

"I think the first antagonist was her father, Mr. Bennett, who thought that Elizabeth should’ve lowered her standards. I don't believe he understood why Elizabeth required those standards to be met by her future husband. The second was Mr. Collins, who tried to convince her that she should have accepted his marriage proposal, a marriage that would never have satisfied her."

"That's a good analysis. Did you identify any more antagonists?"

"I believe that Elizabeth functions as her own antagonist."

"That's an interesting perspective. Why do you believe that?"

"Her stubbornness and inability to understand that Mr. Darcy would meet her standards and be a good match for her, so she moves away from being happy, instead of toward it."

"Good job, Miss Grey. I appreciate your perspective. Does anyone else have anything to add?"

Professor Hazel nodded approvingly before glancing up into the top row of the auditorium. "Yes, Mr. King?"

"I think that Jane Austen's writing is archaic and dry."

My stomach dropped as I recognized the voice. I slowly turned around, and my eyes scanned the rows until I found the source.

Archer.

Since when was he in my lit class? I couldn’t recall seeing him in there before. How could I have missed him? There was no ignoring his presence. He was all-consuming in every room.

The air seemed to stand still as his eyes shifted toward me, meeting my shocked and confused gaze.

"Care to elaborate on why?" Professor Hazel challenged.

"How can you look past her pointless ramblings? She took three pages to describe familial relations and matters of estate." His words were careless, his tone patronizing.

"Hm. Does anyone share Mr. King's sentiment?"

"I think Mr. King's perspective is sexist and lacks maturity," I spat out, not intending to say it as aggressively as I did, but once the words left my mouth, my face burned in embarrassment. I wanted to sink into my chair and disappear into the floor. I forced my gaze away from Archer's beautiful face, noting the amusement that lingered there.

"Care to explain?" Professor Hazel inquired.

I paused, inhaling a deep breath before continuing. “If Mr. King were able to adapt to a less superficial perspective on Austen's literary works, he would see that there is deep character development, gorgeous prose, and humorous remarks. I find Austen's balance of omniscient perspective exemplary. She created smooth transitions from character to character while filling the story with wit, sarcasm, and dark British humor."

"Ha. Humor and wit." Archer's laugh echoed through the room, beautiful and melodic.

Exactly what I imagined it to be.

It sent shivers down my spine and spurred a sudden ache between my legs—one which I attempted to quell by pressing them together tightly, but that only made it worse.

I refused to back down.

"Mrs. Bennett says, ‘You have no compassion for my poor nerves.’ Then Mr. Bennett, in response, says, ‘You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these last twenty years at least.’" My voice grew louder with every word of my argument, slamming against the walls like a gavel.

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