Nothing better to do

caughtinawell:

For example: “‘He is handsome,’ replied Elizabeth, ‘which a young man ought likewise to be if he possibly can.’” The simpler way to put this would be to say “He is handsome, which is preferable.” The end. Microsoft Word would piss itself with grammatical corrections for “wordiness.”

It would be simpler, but it doesn’t mean the same thing. A young man doesn’t chose to be handsome at all; that’s why it’s funny when she says he “ought … to be if he possibly can.”

Austen’s definitely not for everyone, though, and you’re certainly entitled to your preferences! :)