DARCY
In the character of Mr. Darcy, Austen shows that those who learn through experience + reflection evolve from
excessive pride become more rounded human beings in the end with a potential for greater happiness
Initially, Mr Darcy is aware of his elevated status so much so he disdains others + exhibits un-gentleman like rudeness
“SHE IS TOLERABLE; BUT NOT HANDSOME ENOUGH TO TEMPT ME ”
Darcy’s language here shows unnecessary aloof scorn that is very hurtful for Elizabeth:
Use of the ADJECTIVE ‘tolerable’ OBJECTIFIES Lizzie, in terms of her appearance, suggesting that is a quality that is
acceptable but certainly not good “enough” for him
The suggestion that he needs to be tempted to act implies a distastefully smug view of his own value +
worth
He later on says that he is “in no humour present” to take seriously “young ladies who are slighted by other men”.
To be slighted [ignored] by all the men present would be devastating to a young woman in the Regency
Period as this was something they would look out for so Darcy is showing that he believes he outranks
everyone else in the room
Whomever he dances with is therefore given a degree of prestige or 'consequence'
At the ball the book says Lizzie was “obliged to sit out” for 2 dances. Darcy therefore feels it beneath
him to dance with someone who doesn't seem to be in demand by others
Thus, It is a great surprise to Lizzie but perhaps not to the reader, when Darcy proposes marriage to her
“HIS SENSE OF HER INFERIORITY OF IT BEING A DEGRADATION”
Darcy’s first proposal to Lizzie presents him being torn between his pride, sense of worth and his feelings for Lizzie.
Austen switches to INDIRECT SPEECH to summarise these conflicting feelings
Use of ANAPHORA + REPETITION of “of” at the beginning of SUCCESIVE CLAUSES presents his criticism of the
woman he professes to love
The Narrator observes that such blunt expressions of his pride will significantly be likely to reduce his
chances of his proposal being accepted
Mr. Darcy now recognizes value of human decency over excessive pride + is endeavouring to become a less proud
human being
“MY BEHAVIOUR TO YOU AT THE TIME, HAD MERITED THE SEVEREST REPROOF. IT WAS UNPARDONABLE”
In the character of Mr. Darcy, Austen shows that those who learn through experience + reflection evolve from
excessive pride become more rounded human beings in the end with a potential for greater happiness
Initially, Mr Darcy is aware of his elevated status so much so he disdains others + exhibits un-gentleman like rudeness
“SHE IS TOLERABLE; BUT NOT HANDSOME ENOUGH TO TEMPT ME ”
Darcy’s language here shows unnecessary aloof scorn that is very hurtful for Elizabeth:
Use of the ADJECTIVE ‘tolerable’ OBJECTIFIES Lizzie, in terms of her appearance, suggesting that is a quality that is
acceptable but certainly not good “enough” for him
The suggestion that he needs to be tempted to act implies a distastefully smug view of his own value +
worth
He later on says that he is “in no humour present” to take seriously “young ladies who are slighted by other men”.
To be slighted [ignored] by all the men present would be devastating to a young woman in the Regency
Period as this was something they would look out for so Darcy is showing that he believes he outranks
everyone else in the room
Whomever he dances with is therefore given a degree of prestige or 'consequence'
At the ball the book says Lizzie was “obliged to sit out” for 2 dances. Darcy therefore feels it beneath
him to dance with someone who doesn't seem to be in demand by others
Thus, It is a great surprise to Lizzie but perhaps not to the reader, when Darcy proposes marriage to her
“HIS SENSE OF HER INFERIORITY OF IT BEING A DEGRADATION”
Darcy’s first proposal to Lizzie presents him being torn between his pride, sense of worth and his feelings for Lizzie.
Austen switches to INDIRECT SPEECH to summarise these conflicting feelings
Use of ANAPHORA + REPETITION of “of” at the beginning of SUCCESIVE CLAUSES presents his criticism of the
woman he professes to love
The Narrator observes that such blunt expressions of his pride will significantly be likely to reduce his
chances of his proposal being accepted
Mr. Darcy now recognizes value of human decency over excessive pride + is endeavouring to become a less proud
human being
“MY BEHAVIOUR TO YOU AT THE TIME, HAD MERITED THE SEVEREST REPROOF. IT WAS UNPARDONABLE”
