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Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice
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The central action of the novel revolves around the increasing perception and self-realisation of Darcy and Elizabeth. Both characters are guilty of harbouring illusions about the other, and it is when these misguided notions are replaced, that they gain a clear understanding of each other. In the cottage at Hunsford both characters perceptions of each other, and indeed themselves, change. Elizabeth after having attacked Darcy for his faults becomes ?absolutely ashamed of herself? and admits to being ?blind, partial, prejudiced, absurd? (Chapter 36) as a result of her attraction to George Wickham. She realises that preconceptions and ?ignorance? have ?driven reason away?(Chapter 36). Elizabeth acknowledges that ?Till this moment, I never knew myself?(Chapter 36). Darcy too is awoken to his prejudice and conceit when his confidence in gaining a positive reply to his proposal to Elizabeth is shattered. Her accusations shock him greatly and he appreciates that he must shed all his former prejudice against Elizabeth?s family, and their lowly connections, if he is to win her respect. In his desperation to win her hand, Darcy is prepared to accept the justice of Elizabeth?s accusations and admit his faults: ?I have been a selfish being all my life?(Chapter 58). He is genuinely grateful to Elizabeth by whom he was ?properly humbled?(Chapter 58). A genteel social setting At the beginning of Pride and Prejudice we are introduced to the Bennet family and Meryton society. Life revolves around balls and the local gossip. With the news of Bingley?s arrival at Netherfield comes the necessary round of polite introductions and calls which forms part of the etiquette required when a new family of good connections enters the area. A pleasant impression of genteel English country life is created which has little to disrupt it apart from a bit of gossip or romance. Romance The romantic interest in stimulated by the fact an eligible, wealthy, young bachelor has moved into the neighbourhood and that Mrs Bennet has five unmarried daughters. The eldest Jane immediately feels attracted to Bingley and the feeling is reciprocated. There is tension between Darcy and Elizabeth, both proud figures who have wit, intelligence and aesthetic appreciation in common. Despite their initial unfavourable impressions of one another, their paths are destined to cross. Jane Austen, through the use of secondary characters such as Charlotte Lucas and the Gardiners contrives to bring Darcy and Elizabeth together. Humour Humour is provided throughout the novel by several larger than life and absurd characters. First of all we witness the neurotic and ridiculous Mrs Bennet with her obsessions with marriage and her daughters. Furthermore, Mr Bennet?s teasing of his wife provides many amusing interludes. Next we meet the totally ludicrous and pompous Mr Collins who is ridiculed from the moment he is introduced. The social satire is continued with Lady Catherine de Bourgh who is a caricature of an upper-class snob who fills her time by meddling in the affairs of others. The loss of illusions and self-realisation Both Darcy and Elizabeth have been guilty of basing their opinions of one another on prejudice and misconceptions. In Elizabeth?s case, she has accepted false accusations without question, mainly as a result of her enjoyment of Wickham?s flattery and pride in her own judgement. Darcy must overcome his own feelings of pride and prejudices against Elizabeth?s family and lowly social status if he is to win her love. His self-confidence and arrogance is dealt a blow when Elizabeth rejects him and he realises that he has been guilty of conceit and complacency and must change. It is suggested that love, which is gained through adversity and self-sacrifice, is worth having. Both characters have to learn a hard lesson of humility and self-realisation . The resolution of the plot Jane Austen does not rush the joyful resolution of the plot deliberately. This builds up feelings of tension and expectation. When the romance of Darcy and Elizabeth is concluded she describes in detail the events immediately after their marriage so as to satisfy the reader. The news of Darcy and Elizabeth?s continued intimacy with the Gardiners is not vital, but adds to the enjoyment at the end of the main plot.
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