The Change in Darcy's Character From Chapter 3 through to Chapter 45

The Change in Darcy's Character From Chapter 3 through to Chapter 45

Darcy is from one of the wealthiest aristocratic families in England.

He is the sole son and heir to a huge fortune and a magnificent estate

at Pemberley. Throughout the course of the novel Darcy's character

changes dramatically.

The character of Darcy is introduced to the reader in chapter 3. He is

established as a friend of Charles Bingley. At the beginning of the

novel Darcy's character is in many respects repulsive. His theatrical

arrogance, even insolent rudeness at beginning suits his theatrically

dazzling wealth and good looks, "his fine, tall person, handsome

features, noble mien". He is at first only represented by his exterior

and not his internal content, although this just further justifies his

arrogant actions. He is both a representation of pride and of

prejudice at the beginning of the novel. " She is not handsome enough

to tempt me".Darcy's pride in his position in society leads him

initially to scorn anyone outside of his own social circle. "Private

balls are much pleasanter than public ones. But now we may be silent".

Elizabeth's pride makes her misjudge Darcy on the basis of a poor

first impression, while Darcy's prejudice against Elizabeth's poor

social standing blinds him, for a time, to her many virtues. Darcy's

clear prejudice towards Elizabeth at the beginning of the novel gives

the reader reason to dislike him, this feeling is intensified due to

the narrative technique used by Austen to represent and expose

Elizabeth's thoughts.

Elizabeth is disgusted by the attitude shown by Darcy towards the rest

of the social class. It is this very...

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...en allows us to see Darcy as a

man of sense. "It was a union that must have been to the advantage of

both; by her ease and liveliness, his mind might have been softened,

his manners improved, and from his judgement, information, and

knowledge of the world, she must have received benefit of greater

importance". We see their relationship along with Darcy's character

move towards a distant positive.

The character of Darcy goes through a broad change through the novel.

He is first seen as a dark, arrogant character of little real feeling,

but transforms into a character of sense and love. However it is

mostly controlled by Austen's allowance of Elizabeth to overcome her

prejudice and see the real man. Darcy's character on the whole is seen

through a set of biased eyes that never really accept his true

representation.