First introduced as an impressive
figure, someone who draws
attention and is of consequence –
with his “fine, tall person,
handsome features, noble mien”
and “ten thousand a year”
PRIDE
Yet the good impression is short-
lived: “He was looked at with great
admiration for about half the
evening, till his manners gave a
disgust”
The emphasis here is on the fact
that he appears to believe himself
to be superior. It is certainly true
that his attitude betrays some
unpleasant pride and disdain for
those around him. Darcy is difficult
to accept in a manner quite
different from her CARICATURES
While his failure to mix with those outside his established acquaintance could possibly
be put down to a natural reserve of character (“There is not another woman in the
room, whom It would not be a punishment to me to stand up with”)
This could hardly justify his haughty judgement of the appearance and his
dismissal of Lizzie as only “tolerable” and “not handsome enough to tempt me”
Darcy also states “such an assembly as this”, he is clearly referring to the fact
that it is a public hall with inferior and according to his standards, inelegant
people.
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
It is not too surprising that Lizzie’s first impression of him is that he is thoroughly
obnoxious
figure, someone who draws
attention and is of consequence –
with his “fine, tall person,
handsome features, noble mien”
and “ten thousand a year”
PRIDE
Yet the good impression is short-
lived: “He was looked at with great
admiration for about half the
evening, till his manners gave a
disgust”
The emphasis here is on the fact
that he appears to believe himself
to be superior. It is certainly true
that his attitude betrays some
unpleasant pride and disdain for
those around him. Darcy is difficult
to accept in a manner quite
different from her CARICATURES
While his failure to mix with those outside his established acquaintance could possibly
be put down to a natural reserve of character (“There is not another woman in the
room, whom It would not be a punishment to me to stand up with”)
This could hardly justify his haughty judgement of the appearance and his
dismissal of Lizzie as only “tolerable” and “not handsome enough to tempt me”
Darcy also states “such an assembly as this”, he is clearly referring to the fact
that it is a public hall with inferior and according to his standards, inelegant
people.
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
It is not too surprising that Lizzie’s first impression of him is that he is thoroughly
obnoxious
