Pride and Prejudice, written by Jane Austen, is a love story that provides insight into the social manners of two people and follows them as they gradually change into better individuals. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet live in a society in which social status plays a large role in relationships, and before they can experience love together, Darcy and Elizabeth must investigate their own flaws and overcome the pride and prejudice instilled in them. Their relationship and marriage is an attestation that people can change, and that despite the obstacles of society, it is possible for sincere love to endure. To better understand the factors that impacted Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship, it is necessary to examine the society in which
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While both are intelligent and complex people, Darcy and Elizabeth have some serious character flaws when they first meet. Elizabeth has a lively and quick-witted personality, but she makes hasty decisions and judgements. In several instances, this trait has its consequences. For example, from the moment Darcy refuses Elizabeth as a dance partner at the Meryton Ball, Elizabeth holds this against Darcy and harbors prejudice towards him for the rest of the novel. If it weren’t for Elizabeth’s impulsiveness, she likely would have fallen in love with Darcy far sooner than she did. But instead, Elizabeth’s prejudice drives her away from Darcy, and leads her to believe that Darcy is a bad person. Laura L Guggenheim explains that nothing Darcy does can change Elizabeth’s perceptions of him, that his “compliments, attentions, and even his professions of love - none of it helps her [Elizabeth] to see that her prejudice is misplaced”. Like Elizabeth, Darcy is a very intelligent person, but Darcy is very proud and condescending. At Darcy’s first appearance in the novel at the Meryton Ball, he doesn’t socialize with many of the guests, and rudely rejects Elizabeth. Elizabeth overhears Darcy saying to his friend, Mr. Bingley, that, “She [Elizabeth] is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men” (Austen 12). When he doesn’t think anyone is listening, Darcy’s true colors are shown, revealing that he is extremely prideful and arrogant. His behavior offends Elizabeth, and damages his chances with her for much of the novel. Before falling in love, it is clear that Elizabeth and Darcy have much room for social improvement, especially with regards to their unwarranted judgements towards
While both are intelligent and complex people, Darcy and Elizabeth have some serious character flaws when they first meet. Elizabeth has a lively and quick-witted personality, but she makes hasty decisions and judgements. In several instances, this trait has its consequences. For example, from the moment Darcy refuses Elizabeth as a dance partner at the Meryton Ball, Elizabeth holds this against Darcy and harbors prejudice towards him for the rest of the novel. If it weren’t for Elizabeth’s impulsiveness, she likely would have fallen in love with Darcy far sooner than she did. But instead, Elizabeth’s prejudice drives her away from Darcy, and leads her to believe that Darcy is a bad person. Laura L Guggenheim explains that nothing Darcy does can change Elizabeth’s perceptions of him, that his “compliments, attentions, and even his professions of love - none of it helps her [Elizabeth] to see that her prejudice is misplaced”. Like Elizabeth, Darcy is a very intelligent person, but Darcy is very proud and condescending. At Darcy’s first appearance in the novel at the Meryton Ball, he doesn’t socialize with many of the guests, and rudely rejects Elizabeth. Elizabeth overhears Darcy saying to his friend, Mr. Bingley, that, “She [Elizabeth] is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men” (Austen 12). When he doesn’t think anyone is listening, Darcy’s true colors are shown, revealing that he is extremely prideful and arrogant. His behavior offends Elizabeth, and damages his chances with her for much of the novel. Before falling in love, it is clear that Elizabeth and Darcy have much room for social improvement, especially with regards to their unwarranted judgements towards