Pride And Prejudice Deceit

Before the novel was Pride and Prejudice, it was actually titled First Impressions. Perhaps this is a more fitting title for the novel when it comes to the theme of deceit. First impressions are often deceiving, and the proverb rings true throughout this story. The audience is introduced to multiple characters who aren’t quite what they seem, but what are their motives for this deceit? In particular, George Wickham pulls the ultimate stunt of deception in hiding his past life involving money and relationships. His duplicity contributes to the theme of the novel as a whole as it is a major driving force in the plot. Characters throughout the novel use deceit as a way to hide their true selves and in turn heighten their social status in life. …show more content…
When Darcy first met Elizabeth Bennet, he found her “tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt [him]” and refused to dance with her. As the narrative progresses the audience sees Darcy fall more and more in love with Eliza. However, Darcy lies to Elizabeth and himself in denying his feelings for her. He “really believed, that were it not for the inferiority of her connections, he should be in some danger” of truly having a connection with her and falling in love (33). If Darcy had been honest with himself and his future wife about the affection he had for her, despite societal standings, then their relationship would have flourished. They wouldn’t have experienced the unreasonable prejudices they each did toward each other and could have had a meaningful relationship from the very …show more content…
When the audience is first introduced to Wickham, he is liked by everyone. Even Elizabeth thinks he is “handsomer than ever” (49). It is immediately evident that there is disdain between Wickham and Darcy after Elizabeth witnesses an awkward exchange. Later, in talking with Wickham, Elizabeth learns that the two are “not on friendly terms” (48). Wickham spins a story that he was supposed to become a clergyman and that the elder Mr. Darcy promised him the “next presentation of the best living in his gift” (49). However, the younger Mr. Darcy did not give this to him for reasons unknown. While Wickham was supposed to become a priest, it was not Darcy who ruined this plan. Wickham actually had foolishly lost all the money that Darcy gave him. He “was declared to be in debt to every tradesman in the place” and had was looking to marry rich (169). Wickham attempted to deceive everyone so that he could find a wife with a large fortune. If he could marry into a family with a great sum of money, then his high ranking social status would be