Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice is a book abundant in engaging characters. From comic to delicate it seems to have representatives from all fields of temperament. The perennial themes of wealth and social class pervade the novel at all levels.   And the reader can discern that it is often the mere appearance of wealth and high society - which on some occasions is entirely unfounded - therefore they believe themselves more important than they truly are.
Darcy is a fascinating, intriguing and fickle character. The readers’ first impression is one of great dislike and indignation on behalf of our heroine, Elizabeth. At this point in the novel he seems proud, arrogant, conceited and condescending. He uses the word “punishment” to describe his feelings on dancing with any woman in the room; this is unfair and highly prejudicial. The reader cannot help but feel angry and outraged by this completely shallow and arrogant remark. Then, adding insult to injury, he goes on to insult Elizabeth Bennet, by saying “she is tolerable; but not so handsome as to tempt me; and I am in no humour to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.”   He treats the ladies with great disdain, ostensibly, this could be because of his high place in society; or just maybe it’s his own personal insecurities. It is possible that at this early stage in the novel Austen in trying to prejudice the reader to Mr. Darcy, making his redemption so much more satisfying.
Darcy is in fact, at the moment he is seemingly rude and shallow, not at all a good and valiant hero. The contrast between himself and Mr. Bingley is very apparent to the reader, as though he is well read and clever, he is also “haughty, reserved and fastidious” hereby making him a lot less popular than his friend. His relationship with Mr. Bingley is an interesting one; they are in no way alike, yet they seem so close, despite of this. This is an example of opposites attract, something which is very obvious... [continues]

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