Elizabeth shows her independence by openly speaking her mind and freely criticizing Darcy. Mr. Darcy tells her that he has noticed that she takes a liking to stating ideas that might not be hers. laughing at this, Elizabeth replies by saying to Fitzwilliam, “…and give me leave to say, very impolitic too-for it is provoking me to retaliate, and such things may come out as will shock your relations to hear” (Austen 31). Elizabeth starts to openly criticize Darcy in front of his cousin, justifying it as revenge for him criticizing her. Other women in her situation would be wary of saying anything negative or harsh about Darcy, but Elizabeth proceeds without any hesitation and Fitzwilliam’s interest as her encouragement to continue. She speaks
