Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen

First impressions play a huge role in Pride and Prejudice. Characters form an instant liking or disliking to another based on first impressions. Characters establish their reputation by the first impressions they give of themselves. Furthermore, first impressions, once formed, are difficult to shake off. A variety of newcomers arrive at Hertfordshire, and Elizabeth forms impressions of each of them. While most of her impressions are accurate, some of her first impressions are dangerously wrong. The first impressions which Elizabeth and Darcy form of each other prevent their union.

Elizabeth’s first impressions of people often turn out to be correct. She perceives that Bingley is a cordial and affable young man from his “pleasant countenance, and easy, unaffected manners”. Bingley indeed is a delight. He became readily acquainted with all the main persons of Hertfordshire, converses in a lively manner, and dances every dance during the ball. He is very attentive to Jane. By contrast, Elizabeth finds Bingley’s sisters, Mrs. Hurst and Caroline Bingley, to be “proud and conceited”. Elizabeth’s opinions are confirmed when she stays at Netherfield to nurse Jane. Caroline Bingley’s description of the “accomplished lady” was given to slight Elizabeth. Caroline also takes opportunity to criticize Elizabeth to Darcy. Elizabeth also correctly recognizes Mr. Collins’ pride, even before he comes to Longbourn. Judging by his letter, Elizabeth believes him to be an “oddity” and wonders whether he can be “sensible”. She senses that “there is something very pompous in his style”. She finds Mr. Collins to be a “conceited, pompous, narrow-minded, silly man”. His heightened language, his incessant praise of Lady Catherine, and his misconception t...

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...e misjudges Elizabeth’s character. Elizabeth is not at all flattered by his offer; in fact, she is offended by it. Elizabeth reproaches him for his pride, conceit, and un-gentlemanlike behavior. This censure causes Darcy to see his faults and Elizabeth’s true merit. Furthermore, upon meeting the Gardiners, Darcy realizes that there are people in the middle class who are respectable, sensible, and intelligent. Darcy’s first impressions of Elizabeth and her family undergo a dramatic change.

Throughout Pride and Prejudice, impressions are formed and then confirmed or sometimes disproven. Incorrect first impressions are dangerous as they can cause one to form unjust prejudices against another. Both Elizabeth and Darcy suffer the consequences of judging character incorrectly. Their first impressions must be overcome in order to bring about peace, happiness, and unity.