Consider the contribution made to plot, to theme & to development of character by Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth

Authors Avatar

Nicola Tramontini 10D                Mrs. Bull

Consider the contribution made to plot, to theme & to development of character by Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth

In chapter 35 in the novel Pride and Prejudice Elizabeth receives a letter from Mr Darcy, which is of great importance in the novel in terms of plot theme and character development, which so far we know little about. Darcy writes this letter to Elizabeth in order to justify his actions, and explain to her that he has acted for the best.

Firstly the contribution to plot from this letter is great indeed, as it explains the events that have only been briefly mentioned before, giving the reader a clearer picture of them. The main one in this case is the situation between Mr Darcy and Mr Wickham. Earlier in the novel we had only heard from Mr Wickham about this, when he told Elizabeth of the ill treatment he has received from Darcy, resulting in depriving him of a clerical living that had been promised to him, from the late Mr. Darcy. From Mr. Wickham we are to believe that Darcy acted out of spite and jealousy, and accuses him of “malicious revenge” and “inhumanity”. Although from the letter we learn that Wickham was lying, and did not give the full story, it makes us learn how morally wrong Wickham is, and how Darcy is indeed the better man.

Join now!

“There is but such a quantity of merit between them; just enough to make one good sort of man.” “For my part, I am inclined to believe it all Mr. Darcy’s.”

This quote shows that Elizabeth herself believes this.

The other contribution to plot that lies within Mr. Darcy’s letter is the true story of why Mr Bingley went to London, and why he didn’t pursue a relationship with Jane. Earlier on in the novel the reader could only go by what Elizabeth thought, when she interpreted Miss Bingley’s letter to Jane, and we did not really know what ...

This is a preview of the whole essay