The Complications of Courtship in Pride and Prejudice

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Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a satirical tale about courtship in 19th century England. The novel focuses around the developing relationship between the two main characters, Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. The protagonist of the novel, Elizabeth, and the antagonist of the novel, Mr Darcy are two very contrasting characters; despite being faced with many problems and challenges, discover that they love each other and that their love is enough to surpass any obstacle seen in the novel. Before the relationship between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy has a chance to develop, their first encounter at the ball creates their first obstacle. Their first impressions of one-another are completely negative. Elizabeth develops her first prejudice against Darcy when she over hears his judgmental description of her “she is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me.”(pg13 ) this comment develops both Elizabeth’s and the readers opinion of Mr Darcy; he is portrayed as an arrogant, anti-social, headstrong man. This unpleasant first encounter between Elizabeth and Darcy leaves the reader more than doubtful of anything sparking between them in the future. Austen portrays Elizabeth as witty, intellectual and playful, through her characterisation she ensures the reader warms to Elizabeth and takes her side against Darcy.

Darcy soon becomes attracted to Elizabeth early in the novel. When she arrives at Netherfield he admires her appearance commenting that the walk has improved her appearance. As a self-proclaimed judge of good character, Elizabeth is completely unaware of Darcy’s attraction towards her and continues to criticise and tease him about his pride and ideas of the perfect women. Darcy is painfully aware of Elizabeth’s lack of social s...

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... letters in Pride and Prejudice play an important role, they allow Austen to convey important information and reveal characters feelings and emotions quickly and allow the plot to intensify rapidly without spending several pages re-counting the events. In addition, the letters also help the reader see each characters motivation behind their actions. For example, Mr Darcy’s letter after the failed proposal reveals his true nature. Austen often criticises social customs and structure and is quite brutal in her descriptions of certain characters. For example, Mr Collins is depicted as ignorant and pompous, Lady Catherine epitomises class snobbery and Miss Bingley a snobbish, jealous character who bears inordinate distain for Elizabeth and her family. It is via these character’s that Austen is able to show her views of what she considers the worst qualities in people.

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