"'Why, my dear...to take possession before Michaelmas...end of next week'"(1).
"Michaelmas" is also known as the Feast of St. Michael, who is a famous archangel. St. Michael was called upon by the "popes as the special protector of the church whenever great evils threatened God's people" (Perrotta). Jane Austen may have included the reference to St. Michael to portray Mr. Bingley as a person who had the potential to save the family's appearance and money issues. He possessed a lot of money and if he fell for one of the Bennet ladies, they would no longer have to worry about how their daughters will make it out in the world after their parents have passed away. Also, by having Mr. Bingley use Michaelmas as a reference of time, it allows the reader to know what season it is in the book and it also gives the reader the feeling that Mr. Bingley is a religious man. Most people assume that when a person is religious, they are good and righteous, so right away it sheds a light onto Mr. Bingley's persona.
Perrotta, Andrew. "The Feast of St. Michael's." 13 March 2010. 2006.
Photo Credit:
Kenward, Bob. "Archive for November 2009." Prepare for Mass. 13 March 2010. 30 November 2009.
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