Darcy and Elizabeth's Letters Uncovered

Wouldn't that make a great National Geographic headline? For fans of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, there are countless conversations, debates, writings, and even websites now devoted to the elegant Mr. Darcy. How can a 200-year-old fictional character remain a part of today's society? What makes a character like Mr. Darcy leap off the pages of a book, onto the screen, and into our hearts? Matthew Macfadyen's portrayal of the tall, dark, handsome, rich, stoic, quiet, mysterious, and loyal Fitzwilliam Darcy is any woman's dream. Jane Austen captured the romance and heartbreak and Matthew displayed it better than any to date.

To celebrate Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett's unseen feelings, I can only imagine what went through their hearts and minds. After all, you can only get so much from a two-hour movie. I've created three short letters between the two. Tell me what you think. How would their correspondence continue? Would it? What if there was no fairy tale outcome? Would love to hear your feedback. What if we could uncover their letters? What would they say? Maybe something like this...

My Dearest Miss Bennett,
Your last letter has put me in a state of great trepidation. While I wander all hours of the night and day at your heart's mysteries, I perceive these vexings to be unsettling. Forgive the manner and length of this letter, I pray you. Bingley and I have business of the most urgent manner, so I must close. Please corresponde as you see fit. 

For your words do not fall on deaf ears.

Darcy
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Mr. Darcy

I pray this letter finds you well. As Jane obsesses over one Mr. Bingley, I shall confess my reservations toward you sir. Money does not make one wise, Mr. Darcy, and although I lack your fortune I am certainly no fool. However, your efforts have not escaped my notice. As you shall most certainly come to know, I express what is on my heart surely not in the most refined manner I am aware. For this, I pray your forgiveness.

As much as I would most assuredly enjoy Pemberly, I must decline your offer. Our worlds are very much different. On a huge estate I do not belong; no more than you belong in a house trampled through by swine.

I shall write no more. I pray you understand.

Miss Elizabeth Bennett

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Miss Elizabeth Bennett

After studying your letter, my feelings are thus. Who are you to tell me where I belong and where I do not? While it is true we come from opposite worlds - we are very the same internally. It seems your prejudice against wealth has blinded you.

For that, I am most truly saddened and shall bother you no more.

Darcy

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Does Darcy write again?

Does Elizabeth ever respond?

How would you have these two characters behave? 

Photos courtesy of Matthew Macfadyen News on Facebook and used with permission. Thank you again MM News!

Copperhead Quiz

Copper's second season begins Sunday, June 23rd, on the BBC America channel. I challenge you to take the Copperhead Quiz below to measure your level of fandom. Beware, you may find yourself too Morehoused to play the game, or that you are an obsessed viewer like myself. So, get something to write with and some paper. Don't argue - just do it. You can play, or you can pray.

Disclaimer: This is all in good fun. Don't go tellin' Kevin, Maguire, O'Brien, Doc Freeman, Cpt Sullivan, Eva, Robert, or Elizabeth that I'm talkin' about them behind their backs. In all seriousness, this is my personal blog and is not endorsed by the BBC America, Cineflix, or the cast/crew of Copper. All photos from www.facebook.com/CopperTV.

There are 40 questions below. Have fun!

Who is Whom?

1. Who is the Southerner who attempts to befriend Robert Morehouse, then blackmail's Robert's father?

A) Teddy Roosevelt 

B) Robert Kennedy

C) Ford Lincoln Mercury

D) John D. Rockefeller III

2. What is the name of the abortion doctor?

A) Madame Tussaud

B) Dr. Freeman

C) Dr. Grimes

D) Madame Grindle

3. Detective O'Brien's wife is named?

A) Sybil

B) Molly

C) Annie

D) Elizabeth

4. Who was Francis' first fiance?

A) Mary

B) Maggie

C) Molly

D) Margaret

5. What is the name of Elizabeth Haverford's butler?

A) Alistar

B) Alvin

C) Kennedy

D) Julius

6. What is the name of the Morehouse coachman who is always retrieving Kevin?

A) Julius

B) Jasper

C) McLain

D) Sim

7. What is the name of Annie's sister?

A) Kitty

B) Kate

C) Kiara

D) Kelly

Who Said What?

8. According to Corcoran, "When people confess, their eyes ______."

A) blink

B) relax

C) look away

D) fill with tears 

9. Who said this to whom, "We've all committed our share of sins. Some of them part of the job, some of them part of us."?

A) Kevin to Francis

B) Francis to Robert

C) Eva to Elizabeth

D) Molly to Maguire

10. Who said, "No matter what I do, I end up killing the things I love."?

A) Norbert Morehouse

B) Kevin Corcoran

C) Francis Maguire

D) Andrew O'Brien

11. The line, "Poor is tragedy," is uttered by someone we assume has no idea. Which one?

A) Eva

B) Mary

C) Elizabeth

D) Annie

12. Who said, "I'm a whore, not a nurse maid."?

A) Eva

B) Molly

C) Elizabeth

D) Mary

13. Dr. Freeman said, "I'm gonna find your mama." To whom was he speaking?

A) a patient

B) Sara

C) Annie

D) Elizabeth

 

14. "A man's name is all he has." Who said this?

A) Eva Heissen

B) Norbert Morehouse

C) Robert Morehouse

D) Kevin Corcoran

What Did They Do?

15. What did Francis give Molly for their engagement?

A) a new ring 

B) a new bracelet

C) his mother's ring

D) his mother's bracelet

16. What outfit broke Corcoran's leg?

A) The Irish Mafia

B) An Italian Gang

C) The Pinkertons

D) Rouge cops

17. In the opening scenes of Episode 1, what does Kevin give Annie?

A) flowers

B) a kiss

C) attitude

D) an egg

 Who Killed Whom?

18. Who killed John Reilly?

A) Eva

B) O'Brien

C) Francis

D) Annie

19. Who killed Francis' second fiance?

A) Kennedy

B) Francis

C) Corcoran

D) McLain

20. Who does Francis kill?

A) Molly and Mary

B) Grindle and McLain

C) Grindle, Ellen, and Molly

D) Grindle, Mary, and McLain

Location, Location, Location

21. When Doc Freeman and Sara leave Five Points, where do they move?

A) Hoboken

B) Winchester

C) Brooklyn

D) Carmansville

22. Where does Kevin find Ellen?

A) Central Park

B) The cemetery

C) The Earle House

D) The Morehouse Mansion

23. In Episode 2, Eva takes a trip where?

A) San Francisco

B) New Orleans

C) Philadelphia

D) Washington D.C.

24. Where does Norbert Morehouse get exhiled to help in "the relocating and assisting in the recovery of ________ as a small-business entrepreneur."?

A) Appomatox

B) Richmond

C) New Orleans

D) Atlanta

25. Before he is banished, Norbert Morehouse plans to buy all of Five Points. It consists of how many city blocks?

A) 15

B) 20

C) 25

D) 30

Relationships

26. Who was John Reilly to Annie?

A) her friend

B) her father

C) her uncle

D) her husband

27. Who doesn't Norbert Morehouse want invited to the fundraising ball?

A) William Astor

B) John D. Rockefeller

C) The Kennedys

D) The Booths

28. Which three served together in the Civil War?

A) Corcoran, O'Brien, Maguire

B) Corcoran, Freeman, Morehouse

C) Morehouse, O'Brien, Maguire

D) Freeman, Corcoran, Maguire

29. What happened to Sara's brothers?

A) They were hanged.

B) They were arrested.

C) They moved away.

D) They became boxers.

Since Louisiana is referenced a few times, here is a gumbo of questions:

30. The headline of the newspaper Elizabeth shows Robert toward the end of the last episode reads:

A) A Devilish Plot Foiled

B) The Show Goes On

C) A Fast and Fiendish Plot

D) Booths Sizzle in Shakespeare

31. How many episodes are in Season 1?

A) 13

B) 12

C) 11

D) 10

32. At what age could girls marry in New York in 1864?

A) 10

B) 12

C) 13

D) 14

33. In the tombs, Corcoran consistenly questions prisoners about what?

A) a locket

B) a murder

C) a murder weapon

D) a witness

34. What profession does Eva practice?

A) a teacher

B) a banker

C) a baker

D) a madame

35. How many times does Corcoran use his brass knuckles in the entire season?

A) once

B) four

C) twice

D) none

36. What drug does Doc Freeman give Kevin to ease the pain of a broken leg?

A) marijuana

B) morphine

C) heroin

D) cocaine

37. Where does Corcoran hide his knuckle busters?

A) in an extra pistol holder

B) in his right shirt pocket

C) in his hat

D) in his left shirt pocket

38. Both Robert Morehouse and Kevin Corcoran have a bum leg. Which leg is affected on each?

A) Robert's right leg and Kevin's left leg.

B) Robert's left leg and Kevin's left leg.

C) Robert's right leg and Kevin's right leg.

D) Robert's left leg and Kevin's right leg.

39. Arcenic was used as a murder weapon in what?

A) a pie

B) a cake

C) a tart

D) a drink

40. On the night the Booths performed Shakespeare, it was William Shakespear's ____th birthday.

A) 100

B) 400

C) 200

D) 300

 ANSWERS

(NO ARGUING!)

1. B          11. C          21. D          31. D

2. D          12. A          22. C          32. A

3. A          13. B          23. B          33. A

4. C          14. C          24. D          34. D

5. A          15. D          25. B          35. C

6. A          16. C          26. D          36. B

7. B          17. D          27. A          37. C

8. B          18. D          28. B          38. A

9. A          19. B          29. A          39. B

10. C        20. D          30. C          40. D

WHAT KIND OF COPPERHEAD ARE YOU?

     If you correctly answered                                               Consider Yourself 

20 or less          (50% or below)                            

Really? You are obviously Morehoused and in no shape to play a game. Report to the Morehouse Mansion where Robert will greet you with a smile, great company, and great whiskey. At least you tried. Major Morehouse appreciates a good attempt.

21 - 27              (52.5% - 67.5%)                                 

You have spent too much time body hopping at Eva's Paradise. You're on Copperhead Probation. Report to Cpt Sullivan and explain your shortcomings. You have been replaced by Little Burns on the force.

28 - 31              (70% - 77.5%)
You have watched some episodes, but you're only half a fan. You are a Copperhead-in-Training. Watch all episodes again. Report to Det. O'Brien, he will train you in the art of physical intimidation, and how to be hen-pecked.

32 - 35              (80% - 87.5%)
Way to go. You are a Copperhead Corporal. Report to Det. Maguire. He will train you in the art of deception and secrecy, and probably share his whiskey. Beware if you're a female. If Francis falls in love with you, you may end up dead.

36 - 39              (90% - 97%)
Wow, you are a Copperhead Apprentice since it seems you're too scare of Sybil O'Brien to miss a single episode. Report to Det. Corcoran. He will keep you safe from Sybil and continue your training. Ladies, he may also end up in your bed if you're not careful. Woo - Hoo!

40                     (100%)
Outstanding! Go buy yourself a hat. You are a full-on obsessed Copperhead. Report to Cpt Sullivan. He will give you a badge and a gun - nothing gets by you. You've been assigned to work with Corcoran and O'Brien while Francis recovers.


***Hope you had fun and thanks for playing. Tune in to Copper next month on the BBCA to see what happens to our friends in Five Points.

Feel free to leave comments. Feedback is always welcome.

When Writers Write

One way to slow down your hands to keep up with your brain is to write long hand. That's right, with pencil and paper.

"You mean people do that?"

"Why, sure."

I've notice these last few months now that I have  time to write, and now have no computer, I'm slowing my hands and brain down and actually enjoy the movement of the pencil in my hand. And would you believe the number of pieces I've been able to come up with? It's cool.

Go figure.

Anyway, when you want a break from typing, and maybe your Carpel Tunnel's Syndrome is extra syndromy - try writing.

Oh, and don't forget you'll have to actually erase because you can't backspace on the paper.

My Apologies - And Hello Again

My previous blog is now gone.

Since I couldn't remember the different combinations of letters and numbers, and couldn't find where I wrote it down, and moved in the process - my previous password is gone.

So...I've been forced to create another blog from scratch. 

And here it is.

I've titled it Copperhead 1864 since I'm the biggest Copper fan on the planet. IF you're not familiar with that show, it's on the BBC America channel. Season 2 begins in June.

Don't worry, I'll try to refrain from posting stuff from the show because of copyright laws and such and will remember the reason for this blog - because I'm a writer.

As such, I hope my friends find me again and we can pick up where we left off.

By the way, now that I've led you down the road to Copper, check this out:
www.bbcamerica.com/copper/

We'll talk later...