PRIDE AND PREJUDICE PART B: Explain how Mr Darcy is presented throughout the rest of the novel
Introduction Darcy is an interesting and developed character who throughout the novel grows from a proud, aloof aristocrat to a generous and loving gentleman. His
fixation on societal approval reflects his relationship with Elizabeth and her severe criticism of his disposition, serves to catalyse a character arc. Austen
manipulates Darcy to showcase that true love is sometimes troubled but ultimately leads to the development and betterment of both partners.i
Key point Quotations Explanation
Proud She is tolerable; but Darcy is seen to be immensely prideful and although this could be seen as a positive sense of self-worth and respect it is
not handsome enough ultimately negatively portrayed as a sense of entitlement and security. This idea is fully explored through the event when Mr
to tempt me'. Darcy refuses to dance with Eliza Bennet and others outside of his own social class and outrightly objectifies Elizabeth saying ‘...’.
In the regency era balls were one of the ways to assert one’s social standing, good breeding and individual wealth. Darcy thus
acts in a coded, restrained manner in line with the ‘sensible fashion’ of usual ettiquette,however he appears as sullen and aloof.
With his excessive awareness of his elevated social status, this means he disdains others and exhibits ungentlemanlike behaviour
‘a stream of some as he allows his pride and superior position in life to act as an excuse for his exertion.
natural importance
(that) was swelled into However, readers may see Darcy’s pride as a façade and defence mechanism against being an enduring object of female desire.
One can draw on the fact that Pemberly is a clear representation of Darcy and although there is a ‘...’. Pride in the regency era
a greater (it was)
without any artificial was only held by those that have a stable financial standard and the reader finds it understandable that Darcy should be prideful
due to his wealth and social position. However, the description of Pemberley and the parallels between Darcy's natural
experience’
characteristics, allows the reader to see past his prideful façade and social ineptness to uncover Darcy's innate characteristics.
The idea that the stream is ‘...’ displays that Darcy is of basic honesty, authenticity and has a sincere genteel foundation if you
‘Without any artificial
experience overlook the other ostentatious entities that have been accrued by his family over time (‘standing well on rising ground'). By the
end of the novel Darcy has conquered some of his excessive awareness of his own elevated social status and his liberation to
express vulnerability and pain means he is rewarded with a fulfilling marriage.
concerned Could you expect me Darcy is presented as initially very concerned with reputation and societal standards; however, he eventually comes to disregard
with societal to rejoice in the them, and this is evidently highlighted through Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship. After he is rejected by Elizabeth, he belittles
approval inferiority of your her family and exclaims ‘...’. This highlights how Darcy was torn between his love for Elizabeth and the reputation of her family
connections? that for a prolonged time he was willing to set aside his feelings for Elizabeth, simply due to her reputation. However, by the end
of the novel, Darcy has liberated himself from the cage of prejudice stopping his emotionally fulfilling marriage and although he
Dearest, loveliest understands that he and Elizabeth are separated due to class and wealth he proposes to her once more. His admiration and
Elizabeth direct address to '...’ depicts his lack of concern about reputation and social barriers highlights how love catalysed his character
arc and he has overcome and outgrown his flaws. Austen thus portrays love as something that builds over time through the
dynamic relationship of Darcy and Elizabeth and presents it as an entity that overcomes all and conquers all barriers.
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