Elizabeth Bennet Upholding a Harmful Concept: The Significant Role Prejudice Plays in Pride and Prejudice “Preconceived notions are the locks on the door to wisdom” (Merry Browne). Prejudices restrain people from knowing the truth. One who has prejudice is blinded with their own bias which keeps them from knowing others true character. In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen is able to look past the prejudices and understand why having these initial thoughts are harmful. Elizabeth Bennet’s first impression of Mr. Darcy, is his prideful demeanor; of George Wickham is his charming personality; and of Mr. Bingley is his thoughtless care for Jane. New thesis: (Please explain what the negative effects are (in what way do they impede Elizabeth?)
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Upon first meeting him, she states that Wickham’s “appearance was greatly in his favour; he had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address” (64). George Wickham’s appearance and friendly manner makes him very likeable and causes others to trust him. She believes him to be a “very agreeable” (64) man, and after having a dinner together she “went away with her head full of him. She could think of nothing but of Mr. Wickham, and of what he had told her, all the way home” (75). The false information Wickham shares with Elizabeth at dinner about Mr. Darcy only supports Elizabeth’s prejudice of Mr. Darcy. This information is completely incorrect and as time progresses, Darcy’s revelation about Wickham’s disreputable character draws her closer to Darcy. Wickham’s impeccable first impression on Elizabeth is misleading as she finally finds out that he is a very deceitful and greedy man. Through Wickham’s cunning lies involving Lydia, Elizabeth realizes her mistake in trusting someone based on a charming first impression. Lydia’s marriage to Wickham would tarnish the family name because his “character had been so misunderstood” (282). When Wickham obliges the Bennets to pay his debts, Elizabeth feels extremely foolish to ever believe Wickham was a good person. Elizabeth’s misjudgement in Mr. Wickham’s character caused not only the Bennets but Mr. Darcy to take a huge loss in reputation and
Upon first meeting him, she states that Wickham’s “appearance was greatly in his favour; he had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address” (64). George Wickham’s appearance and friendly manner makes him very likeable and causes others to trust him. She believes him to be a “very agreeable” (64) man, and after having a dinner together she “went away with her head full of him. She could think of nothing but of Mr. Wickham, and of what he had told her, all the way home” (75). The false information Wickham shares with Elizabeth at dinner about Mr. Darcy only supports Elizabeth’s prejudice of Mr. Darcy. This information is completely incorrect and as time progresses, Darcy’s revelation about Wickham’s disreputable character draws her closer to Darcy. Wickham’s impeccable first impression on Elizabeth is misleading as she finally finds out that he is a very deceitful and greedy man. Through Wickham’s cunning lies involving Lydia, Elizabeth realizes her mistake in trusting someone based on a charming first impression. Lydia’s marriage to Wickham would tarnish the family name because his “character had been so misunderstood” (282). When Wickham obliges the Bennets to pay his debts, Elizabeth feels extremely foolish to ever believe Wickham was a good person. Elizabeth’s misjudgement in Mr. Wickham’s character caused not only the Bennets but Mr. Darcy to take a huge loss in reputation and