In Chapter three we meet the infamous Mr. Darcy, a favorite among Austen’s romantic leading men. He immediately gains the attention of the entire party because of his "fine, tall person, handsome features," and, of course, his large income. However, he soon looses favor due to his manners, which show him to be proud and "above the company." No one likes to feel like they are being looked down upon, so this reaction is understandable. He soon openly insults Elizabeth while standing in a location where she can overhear his rude comments. As the chapter concludes we are left with an unfavorable impression of this man.
Why do you think Austen chooses to paint him in such an unpleasant light? Why would she choose to have us dislike the character immediately upon introduction?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I think it makes his redemption as a leading man that much stronger when we actually see his charm emerge. We've all known people that we judged to be of a less flattering nature before getting to know them.
ReplyDeleteIt also shows that mistaken first impressions have occurred on both sides: Darcy looks down on those he believes are below his social station, and Elizabeth believes him to be arrogant and overly proud.
ReplyDelete