Comparision of the proposals in Pride and Prejudce

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A comparison of the two proposals of marriage that Mr. Darcy makes to Lizzy Bennet within the novel pride and prejudice.

Jane Austin, the author of pride and prejudice, was born in Hampshire in 1775. Her father was a clergy man and she was very close to her sister, Cassandra. Jane was very intelligent and attended many schools including oxford and reading, however was taught by her father since age nine.

Jane realised that she loved to write as a teenager. She used to write for her family and for her own pleasure. However, she would hide her work when anyone outside her family would try to read it.

In the 1700’s marriage was viewed very differently to how it is now. Back then a women used to marry for security and money, where as people nowadays normally marry for love. But, as demonstrated in the novel, this isn’t always the way. Lizzy Bennet didn’t want to marry for material possessions; she wanted to marry for love and happiness.

The opening line of the novel “it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of good fortune must be in want of a wife,” is a very ironic opening, as this statement is proved to be untrue in the novel. This is demonstrated by both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham. The statement also suggest that marriage is the mans choice, and that he can simply pick any woman he wants. This is not the case for Lizzy Bennet. She turns down many men, persistent she will only marry for love.

I have been asked to compare both of Mr. Darcy’s proposals, and identify the differences between the two.  

The first proposal takes place in the living room, within Mr. Collins house. The room is very small and the claustrophobic atmosphere could create tension, making the two of them more uncomfortable. This could impact on the proposal by making the two of them more tetchy.

Before Darcy had arrived Lizzy was already very angry at Darcy as she had just read a letter from Jane. Although Jane didn’t complain the letter lacked her usual cheerfulness, clearly showing she was still upset over Mr. Bingley. Lizzy had recently heard from Colonel Fitzwilliam that Darcy had been boasting of how she was not worthy of him, meaning Darcy was the cause of her sisters misery.

So when Darcy showed up at her door, she was amazed and shocked. She was also very disappointed as when the doorbell rang she had hoped it was Colonel Fitzwilliam. He had once called at this time before and she was hoping that he would be enquiring about her in particular.

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Darcy’s hurried manner suggests that he was nervous, yet father excited, possibly because he had something important to say. Although he tried to sit still, he couldn’t, and ended up walking around the room, making Lizzy intrigued. However this kind of behaviour can be daunting. “In vain have I struggled. It will not do.   My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you”

Darcy starts the proposal by telling Lizzy that he has tried not to love her and that he tried to hide his ...

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