In chapter seven, Darcy refused to join in Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst’s censure of Elizabeth when she had arrived at their residence (Netherfield) alone and looking dishevelled. On the contrary, Darcy ‘…admires her glowing complexion.’ At this point Darcy had already admitted to Miss Bingley that he had affection for Elizabeth. On the contrary, the reader learns that Elizabeth ‘…liked him too little to care for his approbation.’
In chapter ten we see how Darcy’s feelings are becoming stronger where he admits that he ‘…had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her. He really believed, that were it not for the inferiority of her connections, he should be in some danger.’ From these examples, it is very obvious how Darcy is very much fond of Elizabeth. However, is this enough to suggest to the reader that Darcy was to propose? For Darcy disapproved strongly against the inferiority of her connections.
In chapter ten, Darcy begins to feel that it is dangerous to pay her too much attention. This may be because he could feel himself falling in love with her, but doesn’t want to ‘she attracted him more than he liked’, or alternatively because he doesn’t want her to know it.
When Elizabeth goes to stay with Charlotte at Hunsford, Darcy, (who was staying with his Aunt at Rosings) comes to visit her inexplicably often. He pays her a great deal of attention; taking walks with her, unexpectedly turning up at places he knew she liked, and visiting her at Hunsford. This suggested his affection not only to the reader, but also to Charlotte.
There are several reasons for Darcy to choose this moment at which to propose to her. Elizabeth was away from her family, which vexed him, he had seen her more often perhaps increasing his love for her, and there may of course be the chance that he would never see her again because Bingley did not intend to return to Hunsford, and Darcy himself was never welcome in their society.
Class and marriage plays an important part in Darcy’s confidence that Elizabeth would accept his proposal. At the time the book was written, love was rarely a factor leading to marriage. Often it was simply an alliance of two estates of equal social positions. People got married simply for the convenience and for money. Darcy’s social position was much higher than that of Elizabeth’s. Darcy would have been confident that she would accept because she would move much further up the social ladder. Darcy was very rich, and powerful connections, he was handsome and a gentleman when he wanted to be. There were many things in his favour, yet Elizabeth was too prejudiced to consider him.
The timing of the proposal was unexpected, although the proposal itself was not unexpected, certainly not for the reader.
Elizabeth has just received a proposal from Mr Collins, which creates some drama in the plot of the story. The fact that another proposal was offered so soon afterwards was surprising, especially after Mr Collins’ solemn warning that “…it is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made you.” Austen creates irony and humours the reader at Mr Collins’ expense.
It is also unexpected, as both the reader and Elizabeth had recently found out that Mr Darcy was intended for Miss de Bourgh, the daughter of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
There is also the matter of Colonel Fitzwilliam. From the point of view of the reader, he and Elizabeth were getting on particularly well. It could be suggested that there was growing affection between them, as he had also come to see Elizabeth often, and walked through the park with her on several occasions.
Throughout the book, Darcy appears introverted and unsociable. Darcy had shown Elizabeth no affection, which made the proposal quite unexpected to Elizabeth. Taking the example of Jane and Bingley, there was a lot of affection shown between them, and yet Bingley had not proposed to Jane. However, it can be argued that at the time that the novel was written, society was so different that there was rarely need for affection. As said and demonstrated by Charlotte ‘It is best to know as little as possible about the person you are to spend the rest of your life with.’
At this point in the book, Elizabeth’s dislike of Darcy is at its height. Elizabeth has just been informed of Darcy’s interference in her sister Jane and Bingley’s relationship. Elizabeth has very much affection for Jane, and seeing her sister so distraught had caused her great grief. Learning of Darcy’s interference simply made her dislike him even more so. Additionally, Elizabeth feels great sympathy and admiration for Wickham, so appeared to be a very agreeable man. Wickham had told her many lies about Darcy, making Darcy appear quite deceitful. Of course Elizabeth was unaware of the truth behind all of these cases, however she judged Darcy with the knowledge that she had. Elizabeth thinks highly of her ability to be a good judge of character, however she experiences a loss of perception when pride and prejudice interfere.
It is quite surprising that Darcy’s proposal was placed at such a time when she was least likely to accept. From the beginning, the reader expects Darcy and Elizabeth, as the main characters, the hero and heroine, to get married. The proposal and Elizabeth’s rejection gives the reader doubt as to what will happen. As Darcy showed affection, the reader could expect Elizabeth to turn around and do the same. “The death of love is indifference” as was once said. Elizabeth has never been indifferent towards Darcy. Her reaction towards him has always been strong, even if not favourable.
Darcy is completely unaware that Elizabeth has any dislike for him, as when he was proposing ‘‘…he had no doubt of a favourable answer. He spoke of apprehension and anxiety, but his countenance expressed real security.’’
Austen’s use of dramatic irony means that the two characters completely misunderstand each other. Darcy, without a shadow of doubt is of the opinion that Elizabeth is also in love with him and will by all means accept his proposal. Elizabeth however is of the opinion that Darcy’s only reason for paying her so much attention is ‘…wilful ill-nature, or a voluntary penance….’
Dramatic irony creates this climax at this stage of this novel, where characters that think so highly of themselves and their opinions of others are completely mistaken and both thrown into a state of such confusion. Austen’s writing keeps the characters in the dark, and therefore neither has any idea of what the other thinks. Their pride and prejudice had prevented them from being introduced to each other at the ball. Darcy had gradually gotten over his pride and prejudice, while Elizabeth’s had grown to such strong resentment.
The title of the novel is ‘Pride and Prejudice’, it is the two main characters that are so proud and so prejudice towards each other. Elizabeth’s pride means that she does not forgive a man who hurt her feelings, or her sisters.
Elizabeth’s prejudice is that she ‘…wilfully misunderstands…’ Darcy’s intentions.
It is Elizabeth’s pride and prejudice that blinds her to the affection shown by Darcy. Even Charlotte had noticed it, and teased her about it. Elizabeth had small suggestions that she had not picked up on, however with hindsight we realise the significance or these points. ‘…[E] hardly knew how to suppose that she could be an object of admiration… and yet that he should look at her because he disliked her, was still more strange.’
Elizabeth has many reasons as to why Darcy appears to give her so much attention. Her dislike of him means that she doesn’t want to believe he has any interest in her, because she has none in him.
In conclusion, Austen uses dramatic irony to create the climax of the story. Both characters completely misunderstand each other throughout the book, leading them to such a confrontation.
The reader is aware of both Darcy and Elizabeth’s emotions as Austen extensively prepares the reader for this proposal through giving us insight into Darcy’s feelings. Therefore we are not surprised at his proposal. However Elizabeth, who is unaware of Darcy’s feelings, (blinded by pride and prejudice) is surprised ‘… beyond expression.’
The reader is only surprised to an extent by the timing of the proposal as Austen has placed it at such a time where Elizabeth is least likely to accept.
The overall effect created by Austen is drama and confusion between the characters. She writes of the proposal in an unpredictable way, although perfectly understandable from the point of view of Darcy. Dramatic irony is what pushes the story forward, making an entertaining and gripping read.
The statement is true to an extent, however there are elements of surprise on the readers part, and Elizabeth although astonished had many previous clues as to suggest such a thing.
