The Relationship Dance

1086 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: What is a metamorphosis in literature

Handsome, judgmental, wealthy, haughty—Fitzwilliam Darcy during the first half of Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice, exhibits the classic, snobbish English aristocrat qualities. Through the narrators voice and Darcy’s dialogue, readers detest Darcy’s character; indeed, the reader, who instantaneously sides with the narrator in his or her love for the main character Elizabeth Bennet, shares Lizzy’s cordial-less feelings towards Darcy after he calls her, “tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me” (9). Darcy’s negative first impressions of Elizabeth cause him to physically and emotionally act in an ungentlemanly sort of manner towards her. Although Darcy is offensive, extremely conscious of class and proud, he has a strong sense of virtue and honor. Because Elizabeth is prejudiced towards Darcy and not afraid to point out to him his own flaws, Darcy’s opinion of Elizabeth softens and the self-knowledge acquired from Lizzy causes his character to morph. By realizing and accepting his vulnerability, Darcy is able to shred his pride and prejudice as seen through the contrast of his physical and emotional dance towards Lizzy.
Before Darcy’s character undergoes a type of metamorphosis, his so called physical "dance" or actions towards Elizabeth were insolent, causing Elizabeth’s prejudice for him to increase. At Netherfield, the home of Darcy’s intimate friend, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy’s rigid physical behavior and banter-like words towards Lizzy are apparent. By spending time with Lizzy during her stay at Netherfield, Darcy realizes that he is developing some kind of feeling he cannot understand or name towards her. In his thoughts he admits that he “had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her” (35). However,...

... middle of paper ...

...’s show the reader how his vulnerability has allowed him to eventually develop a mutual connection between himself and Elizabeth.
From the portrayal and development of Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship, the reader can observe the metamorphosis that occurs in Darcy’s mannerisms towards Lizzy. In spite of Darcy’s initial indifference to Lizzy, Darcy falls in love with her. However, in order to accept and label his feelings as “love” towards Lizzy, Darcy is forced to change his character and actions. He learns to accept his vulnerability and thus is able to shed his pride and prejudice. The reader can draw from Darcy’s transformation that relationships, whether they are sexual or not, are more about oneself and fixing oneself than they are about the actual relationship or even the other person. Relationships are more about one’s personal readiness to be vulnerable.

Show More
Related

  • Prudence vs. Inclinations in Pride and Prejudice

    1412 Words  | 3 Pages

    Elizabeth's and Darcy's relationship is filled with trials and tribulations, misjudgments and prejudice, eventually culminating in a blissful union of two complementary souls. Their relationship begins at an inauspicious starting point when they first meet at the Meryton assembly, with both receiving unfavorable first impressions. Elizabeth thinks Darcy a proud, cold man as a result of his reserve and his slighting her ("tolerable, not handsome enough to tempt me"), and this "remained with no very cordial feelings towards him." Her assessment of his character, given her limited exposure to him, in those unfortunate circumstances is most natural and understandable.

    Read More

  • Pride and Prejudice and All These Great Expectaions.

    876 Words  | 2 Pages

    “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife” (2). It is clear that Jane Austen was very much ahead of her time. Pride and Prejudice (1813) is a prime example of this. Based off her own life and experiences, Austen wrote directly from her heart. In this comedy of manners, she almost mocks her era’s view of courtship and marriage. In Longbourn, England during the late 1700’s, a woman’s sole purpose in life was to marry a fortunate man. For the two eldest Bennet girls, Elizabeth and Jane, they need not only a fortunate man, but to be in love with this man. Jane quickly falls for Mr. Bingley. His close and much respected friend, Mr. Darcy often butts heads with Elizabeth. A few complications arise when Mr. Darcy’s reputation is put to shame. Mr. Wickham, a good-looking militia officer, spreads ill rumors of his and Mr. Darcy’s acquaintance. On top of that, Mr. Darcy tricks his friend into leaving Jane Bennet and adds disgust to Elizabeth’s already very negative opinion of him. Throughout the journeys of the novel, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy meet often, only to Elizabeth’s dismay.

    Read More

  • Pride Overcoming Love In Much Ado About Nothing And Pride And Prejudice

    863 Words  | 2 Pages

    Thinking that he truly has lost Elizabeth brings out a more sensitive and sympathetic side of Darcy, and he proposes a second time. This proposal however, marks the real release of his prideful ways, and as Austin put it “was as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do"(Austin 157). This proposal marks Darcy giving up his pride about social class, and Elizabeth being hurt by him and his judgments. She accepts, and they finally allow themselves to be happy.

    Read More

  • Literary Analysis Of Fay Weldon's Pride And Prejudice

    1039 Words  | 3 Pages

    This universal principle, relevant throughout time, is portrayed through the characterization of Darcy in ‘Pride’. The difference in class, landed gentry compared to middle class, remained a vital factor in Darcy’s behaviour and way of living. The use of verbal irony when Wickham comments, “He (Darcy) was to be above all company, in having been unworthy to be compared” and Mrs. Lucas implying that “With family, fortune, everything he has the right to be proud”, demonstrates the separation created through the class barriers. Austen challenges these social class barriers through satirically implementing the unorthodox unions of Darcy and Elizabeth in her novel, in defiance of the ironic social dichotomy (CHANGE) “Your alliance will be a disgrace, YOU(R) name will never be mentioned by any of us”. The characterization of Darcy also emphasises the importance (Over the top/ruling) of stratification, being at utmost importance and over ruling other positive assets in life such as love, relationships, freedom and being ‘happy’ – “Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections… whose condition in life is so decidedly beneath my own?” showing the importance aspect of Regency England and its relevance to the modern world.

    Read More

  • Essay On Mr Darcy Character Development

    1037 Words  | 3 Pages

    Each of Jane Austen’s characters in her novel, Pride and Prejudice, experiences a significant character development. Whether the change occurs by self-realization or through the assistance of another character varies from each individual character. For Austen’s leading man, Mr. Darcy, his character improvement is documented through his two marriage proposals to Elizabeth Bennet and her subsequent first rejection of his proposal. His first proposal demonstrates his extreme arrogance, elitism, and blindness to his many flaws. While his latter proposal shows not only the recognition of his deficiencies, but the overall improvement in his mentality. Mr. Darcy’s two proposals, though having the same intended end result, are completely different

    Read More

  • Elizabeth Bennett Pride And Prejudice Analysis

    934 Words  | 2 Pages

    Pride and Prejudice Essay Throughout Jane Austen’s, Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennett faces many challenges to realize that she was in the wrong and her prejudice against Mr. Darcy was misguided. Austen emphasizes the importance of wisdom through Elizabeth, who faces the challenge of overcoming her prejudiced judgement to reach maturity and recognize the man she loves. At the beginning of the novel, Elizabeth Bennett’s first meeting with Mr. Darcy was marred by Mr. Darcy’s pride to which, “Elizabeth remained with no very cordial feelings towards him.” At the end of the novel, after Elizabeth learns the truth and unravels her prejudice against Darcy, she begins to realize that she does have feelings for him.

    Read More

  • Truth And Idealism In Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice

    1084 Words  | 3 Pages

    This novel is mainly focused on Elizabeth Bennet as she struggles to overcome her prejudices about Darcy, a rich and handsome suitor who has taken a liking to her, while the tales of the other Bennet sisters as they grapple with their own prejudices and search for the truth unfolds concurrently. Jane Austen suggests through events in the novel that structuring the truth to fit one’s personal idealism and prejudices can unfairly color one’s opinion of another and inhibit one from finding self-fulfillment. The interplay between truth and idealism will be explored in this essay by analyzing how idealism influences truth, the difference between the idealistic interpretation and reality in Pride and Prejudice, and the effect of using idealism to construe the

    Read More

  • Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Characters and Social Expectations

    1861 Words  | 4 Pages

    England, under James 1st rule was a vastly altered period compared to our now modern society. So many of the values held during this time, have now been discarded and forgotten. Jane Austen grew up in the Romantic period and experienced a world which was divided, whether through education, class, status, fashion, abilities, gender and etiquette. Her novel, Pride and Prejudice is counted as one of the great classics of English Literature. Austen engrosses readers to live in her world for a time and experience a society filled with matchmaking, romance, marriage and gossip. Every one of her characters is so distinctive and has a clearly outlined caricature. Each of their diverse values conveys a different thinking of the time. Pride and Prejudice is preoccupied with the gentry and most of the social aspects which consumed these people’s lives. There were so many expectations of how you would behave in public, but of course not all of these were upheld. Elizabeth Bennet, Mr Darcy, Mrs Bennet and Charlotte Lucas are four characters which keep such strong beliefs about the social norms. These characters are expressed so descriptively and through their personalities readers can learn just how the numerous social standards were received.

    Read More

  • Character Analysis of Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice

    1033 Words  | 3 Pages

    Introduced to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice as a tall, handsome, self-absorbed aristocrat, Darcy experiences a change in personality and character. In order to dispose of his existent views on money and marriage, Darcy needed to feel something, to fall in love. Although he was well mannered, he did not know how to treat women with respect, especially those of a lesser economic status. The love of Elizabeth Bennet, however, changed his behavior.

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Mr Wickham And Darcy

    1961 Words  | 4 Pages

    Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice has emphases on how characters are perceived by the world they live in. Mr. Darcy is an unpopular and misunderstood character who is the symbol of pride throughout the novel. Mr. Wickham is a charismatic soldier who is perceptive of those around him and capitalizes on his knowledge. Throughout the novel similarities and differences between characters are highlighted. Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy grew up together, yet Mr. Darcy is known for having a disagreeable countenance and a large sense of pride and Mr. Wickham is more charming, charismatic, and socially well-versed. In the fourth chapter of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth says “It does not necessarily

    Read More

  • Theme Of Love In Pride And Prejudice

    1317 Words  | 3 Pages

    Darcy’s feelings towards Lizzie begin to change at the second ball, and again when she visits Jane at Netherfield. It is almost as if the hatred has sparked an interest, one that turns to love. Due to social norms, Darcy believes he cannot be with Elizabeth. He refers to it as a “handicap,” she does not belong to the aristocratic class of society and wealth as to which Darcy belongs. This social pressure puts a strain on the possible relationship. Despite this obstacle, the two continue to get to know one another. Darcy admits to avoiding weakness, which includes vanity but no pride. This is another problem in the relationship, Darcy is a prideful man and sees nothing wrong with it. They continue to feel drawn to each other, no matter the differences in

    Read More

  • Pride And Prejudice Dialogue Analysis

    1698 Words  | 4 Pages

    In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy both go through dramatic changes in their attitude towards each other. Darcy is devoted to Elizabeth, but denies it because of her family and her lower status. Elizabeth believes Darcy to be arrogant and interfering. Through conversations these characters have, their true regard for each other is discovered. Austen effectively uses dialogue to develop the change in the principal characters’ moral temperament, and also to advance significant concerns in the novel such as marriage and wealth-based status.

    Read More

  • The Relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice

    923 Words  | 2 Pages

    Austen's view of true love is clearly evident in the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. Elizabeth Bennet is an unfailingly attractive character, but what everybody notices about her is her spirited wit and good sense. She has a keen, critical mind when expressing her opinions and is unwilling to believe only the best of everyone. It is this intelligence that brings Mr. Darcy's admiration of her and her sense that she can rely on both mind and heart. Darcy carries the persona of a snobbish, arrogant, and self-assured man who assumes that he can get everything he wants. He explains his attitude by stating, " I was spoiled by my parents, who though good themselves … allowed, encouraged, almost taught me to be selfish and overbearing." However, his arrogance is challenged when he is faced to deal with the fact that ...

    Read More

  • First Impressions in "Pride and Prejudice"

    708 Words  | 2 Pages

    The work focuses its attention on the pride and prejudices the character Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth’s assessment of other characters dispositions are fairly correct but her track record is still about fifty-fifty. Even though Elizabeth is correct about Lady Catherine de Bourgh and how self-righteous and condescending she is, furthermore Mr. Collins and how ridiculously self-centered he is, her first impressions of Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy prove to be inaccurate. To start with Mr. Wickham is seen to be a gentle...

    Read More

  • Class Distinction in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

    996 Words  | 2 Pages

    Jane Austen is very clear in her writing about class distinction and she uses the novel to look beyond the widely stratified community divided by social classes experienced in the 18th century in England. This distinction shows that class snootiness is simply but an illusion rather than a real obstruction to marriage, given that Elizabeth, though socially inferior to Darcy, she is not in any way academically inferior to him. In this sense, Darcy realizes that his class pretentiousness is mislaid toward Elizabeth, since she also finds out that her prejudice towards Darcy’s snobbish and superior manner is misplaced when he rescues Elizabeth’s family from a scandal and disgrace. In this context, the writer uses Darcy and Elizabeth to show that class distinction does not guarantee one’s happiness in life, neither does it allow him or her to own every good thing desired. For instance, Darcy is brought out as a haughty character, who initially fails to think that Elizabeth is worth him for she originates from an unrecognized family; a middle class girl not so beautiful enough to suit him. However, as the...

    Read More

More about The Relationship Dance

Open Document