First Impressions In Pride And Prejudice By Jane Austen

At first sight, our vision can ignore the truth that stands right in front of our eyes. That is why first impressions are unreliable sources while establishing an opinion, especially regarding love. The novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen highlights how one often ends up tricked by one’s emotions and quick judgment. This is exemplified through the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy. The reader is able to experience the twist and turns that go through Elizabeth’s mind while she tries to figure out what she really feels for Mr. Darcy. It is impressive how the author manages to alter both Elizabeth and the reader’s mind at the same time.

Since Darcy and Elizabeth first meet, the reader is able to notice that they share a strong feeling.

When Mr. Wickham enters the picture, he reassures Elizabeth’s view of Darcy. Wickham tells her that Darcy’s father had promised him part of his wealth, but when Darcy’s father died, Darcy refused to give him the money. This obviously makes Elizabeth categorize Darcy as cruel and unjust. Also, Elizabeth notices that Darcy is standing in the way of Jane’s relationship with Mr. Bingley. These are some of the reasons why, while Darcy falls each time more in love with Elizabeth, she grows more disguised by him. To worsen the situation, Darcy proposes to Elizabeth in a very unfitting manner. Austen describes, “he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride. His sense of her inferiority- of its being a degradation- of the family obstacles which had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence he was wounding, but was very unlikely to recommend his suit”(124). This reveals that in his proposal, Darcy focused on Elizabeth’s inferiority regarding poor family connections and low social rank. This obviously highlights the fact that Darcy, despite his feelings for Elizabeth, expresses conceit and superiority. That is why Elizabeth understandingly refuses his proposal and, regarding Jane and Bingley, says: “ I have every reason in the world to think ill of you. No motive can excuse the unjust and ungenerous part you acted there. You