Mr. Darcy
Extended Character Analysis
Fitzwilliam Darcy, or Mr. Darcy, is the shy, wealthy, and aristocratic landowner of Pemberley. He is a socially awkward character, which makes him initially come across as cold, haughty, and prideful. Mr. Darcy is judgmental towards those of a lower class than he is. When his good friend Mr. Bingley buys an estate in the countryside near Meryton, Mr. Darcy acts as though he can’t stand the local people; during a ball hosted by Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy claims “any savage can dance,” showing his contempt for the whole affair.
Mr. Darcy becomes attracted to Elizabeth Bennet in spite of her lower social position. He is repulsed by Elizabeth’s family and their ostentatious nature and tries to fight against his feelings for her. As a result, he behaves coldly and unkindly toward Elizabeth, which damages her opinion of him. Mr. Darcy convinces Mr. Bingley to leave the countryside and to stop courting Jane Bennet, as he feels it is a bad match. He also interprets Jane’s mild, reserved manner as a sign that she does not truly love Bingley. Mr. Darcy is also grateful to leave Netherfield, for he worries that spending any more time near Elizabeth would only cause him to like her more.
When Mr. Darcy sees Elizabeth again near Rosings, the estate of his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, he realizes he loves Elizabeth. He proposes marriage, but he does so in such a condescending manner—he insults her family and social status—that she instantly refuses. Elizabeth’s rejection stuns him; Mr. Darcy has not been challenged like this before, so he seeks to make amends and defend his character. He writes a letter to Elizabeth, hoping to convince her that most of his actions were valid. After several months, Mr. Darcy meets Elizabeth again while she is viewing the grounds of his estate, Pemberley, in Derbyshire. He makes an effort to be kinder to Elizabeth and her relatives, hoping to make up for his previous behavior. He also introduces Elizabeth to his beloved younger sister, Georgiana, showcasing a more considerate and good-natured side of his personality.
When Lydia Bennet and Mr. Wickham elope, Mr. Darcy feels partly responsible and straightens out the unfortunate affair. As a result, Elizabeth comes to understand his true character, and when he proposes to her again, she accepts. Mr. Darcy, although representative of flaws relating to pride and ill judgement, is able to overcome his flaws and find love and a successful partner in Elizabeth Bennet. The two showcase the positive outcome of a marriage founded on mutual respect and affection.
Expert Q&A
In Pride and Prejudice, what character aspects make Mr. Darcy fall for Elizabeth?
In Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy falls in love with Elizabeth Bennet because of her lively spirit and, in particular, because she stands up to him and refuses to flatter him. He also comes to find her attractive, especially her eyes, though at first he considered her not pretty enough to dance with. We can see this love beginning to emerge in chapter 6 and continuing in chapter 32, shortly before he proposes marriage.
When does Elizabeth start falling for Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice?
In Pride and Prejudice, the exact moment at which Elizabeth begins to fall in love with Mr. Darcy is somewhat difficult to pinpoint, although it is evident that a definite change in her feelings towards him begins to take shape during Elizabeth's visit to Pemberly, where Darcy's housekeeper speaks fondly of him, and the estate itself delights Lizzy, as it is without an "artificial appearance," reflecting another aspect of Darcy's character.
How did Mr. Darcy propose to Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice?
Mr. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth in an insulting and arrogant manner, telling her that he will marry her despite her embarrassing family. He is surprised when she reacts with utter fury and turns him down. Darcy later apologizes for his pride and arrogance, and when he proposes to Elizabeth a second time, he is accepted.
What is Mr. Darcy's greatest fault according to Pride and Prejudice?
Mr. Darcy's greatest fault in Pride and Prejudice is his "resentful temper," as he admits to Elizabeth. He acknowledges that he holds grudges and struggles with letting go of his resentment. This admission comes during a conversation where Elizabeth teases him about his behavior, highlighting the contrast between her extroverted nature and his more reserved demeanor.
How does Pemberley symbolize Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice?
Pemberley symbolizes Mr. Darcy by reflecting his wealth, taste, and social standing. The estate’s grandeur and beauty mirror Darcy’s own physical attractiveness and aristocratic nature. Pemberley's order, harmony, and hospitality represent Darcy's generosity and fairness. Additionally, its long-standing family legacy underscores Darcy’s high social rank and traditional values. Overall, Pemberley serves as a metonymy, showcasing Darcy's admirable qualities and enhancing Elizabeth's perception of him.
Why is Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice perceived as rude?
Mr. Darcy is rude primarily because his high social rank has left him with an overinflated sense of pride. This pride, combined with his naturally reserved personality and his social awkwardness, often makes him come across as arrogant and rude—particularly to those who don't know him well.
In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, what does Mr. Darcy's first proposal to Elizabeth reveal about his character?
Mr. Darcy's first proposal to Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice reveals his struggle with his feelings and his pride. He approaches Elizabeth in a hurried and agitated manner, indicating inner conflict. Darcy admits he loves her despite believing it beneath his dignity due to her family's social standing and lack of propriety. His proposal, though harsh and rude, is honest, expressing both his affection and his concerns about her family's behavior.
What motivates Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice?
Mr. Darcy is initially motivated by pride, holding a sense of superiority over others due to his social status. However, his motivation shifts as he falls in love with Elizabeth Bennet. Despite her family's lower status and peculiarities, Darcy's love for Elizabeth drives him to overcome his arrogance, clear her family's tarnished reputation, and ultimately win her affection.
How do the languages differ in Mr. Darcy's two proposals to Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice?
What are Mr. Darcy's feelings about Elizabeth's refusal of his first proposal?
Mr. Darcy is deeply shocked and offended by Elizabeth's refusal of his first proposal. Initially, he is incredulous that he has fallen for someone of lower social and financial standing. His proposal, awkwardly presented, assumes her acceptance due to the advantages she would gain. Elizabeth's rejection leaves him hurt and angry, challenging his self-perception and pride. Despite his vow to leave her alone, her spirited refusal motivates him to pursue her further.
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