Jane Austen develops a strong illustration of how challenging emotional circumstances can initiate a change in character, using Elizabeth Bennet as an effective demonstration in her work, Pride and Prejudice. Cases such as Mr. Darcy's proposal, Charlotte's marriage, and the discovery of Mr. Wickham's past are compelling support for Austen's idea that alterations to one's behaviour and actions can occur as a result of being placed in a strenuous emotional position. Self reflection and the reconsideration of a character's worldview allow Austen to highlight the importance of change in trying situations. Elizabeth's initially proud and judgemental nature is altered by the reflection upon and acceptance of her feelings for Mr. Darcy, sparked
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Despite Mr. Darcy having come from a dignified family with both status and wealth, Elizabeth's focus on her outward's impressions of Mr. Darcy defined her character through her refusal to give him a second chance, and denial that he could be a genuinely compassionate person. Stigmatized by the Elizabeth and the majority of her neighbourhood, Mr. Darcy was not given a chance by Miss Bennet, as a chance to prove he is not the man she believed him to be. Although Mr. Darcy's first proposal went terribly, Elizabeth's character could be seen changing immediately after Mr. Darcy proposed, crying about turning him down, instead of brushing it off like she did to Mr. Collins. The letter Mr. Darcy later sent to Elizabeth was a symbol of the change she had undergone, and was yet to see in herself. Without such an event happening as Mr. Darcy being the first to divulge he was in love, Elizabeth would have continued being judgemental to others who got swept away by the feelings of admiration for another person. By admitting she was not as …show more content…
Collins caused large amounts of distress to Elizabeth, leading her to realize that acceptance is often all one can do when placed in an unpleasant situation; this requirement of passiveness creates a stark contrast to Elizabeth's relentless and determined nature previously illustrated by Austen. Following the idea that Elizabeth believes her judgements of both friends and strangers to be near-perfect, the shock of being informed her best friend was marrying for money instead of love transforms Elizabeth's perceptions of her own pride and confidence. Early on in the story, it is made obvious that the age gap between Elizabeth and Charlotte, while large, is not an important factor in their relationship with each other or with the community around them. Marriage, for Elizabeth and Charlotte, was originally thought to happen in a similar fashion for them both, beginning with love and finishing with a happy ending. Mr. Collin's unexpected and sudden engagement to Charlotte, however, changes not only the circumstances in which the Lucases and the Bennets are put in, but also the personality and viewpoint of Elizabeth. Firmly set in her expectations of happiness for Charlotte, Elizabeth is angered by both her friend's failure abide by her past ideologies and her realization that a similar fate could await herself in the near future. Not marrying for love and emotion is a worrisome thought for Elizabeth, especially after turning down the very man that
Despite Mr. Darcy having come from a dignified family with both status and wealth, Elizabeth's focus on her outward's impressions of Mr. Darcy defined her character through her refusal to give him a second chance, and denial that he could be a genuinely compassionate person. Stigmatized by the Elizabeth and the majority of her neighbourhood, Mr. Darcy was not given a chance by Miss Bennet, as a chance to prove he is not the man she believed him to be. Although Mr. Darcy's first proposal went terribly, Elizabeth's character could be seen changing immediately after Mr. Darcy proposed, crying about turning him down, instead of brushing it off like she did to Mr. Collins. The letter Mr. Darcy later sent to Elizabeth was a symbol of the change she had undergone, and was yet to see in herself. Without such an event happening as Mr. Darcy being the first to divulge he was in love, Elizabeth would have continued being judgemental to others who got swept away by the feelings of admiration for another person. By admitting she was not as …show more content…
Collins caused large amounts of distress to Elizabeth, leading her to realize that acceptance is often all one can do when placed in an unpleasant situation; this requirement of passiveness creates a stark contrast to Elizabeth's relentless and determined nature previously illustrated by Austen. Following the idea that Elizabeth believes her judgements of both friends and strangers to be near-perfect, the shock of being informed her best friend was marrying for money instead of love transforms Elizabeth's perceptions of her own pride and confidence. Early on in the story, it is made obvious that the age gap between Elizabeth and Charlotte, while large, is not an important factor in their relationship with each other or with the community around them. Marriage, for Elizabeth and Charlotte, was originally thought to happen in a similar fashion for them both, beginning with love and finishing with a happy ending. Mr. Collin's unexpected and sudden engagement to Charlotte, however, changes not only the circumstances in which the Lucases and the Bennets are put in, but also the personality and viewpoint of Elizabeth. Firmly set in her expectations of happiness for Charlotte, Elizabeth is angered by both her friend's failure abide by her past ideologies and her realization that a similar fate could await herself in the near future. Not marrying for love and emotion is a worrisome thought for Elizabeth, especially after turning down the very man that