Examine the development of the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy. To what extent does the society of the period influence their behaviour and attitude?

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Examine the development of the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy. To what extent does the society of the period influence their behaviour and attitude?

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife”.

   The first sentence of Pride and Prejudice is also one of the most famous ever written. This is typical of Jane Austens writing she sums up the theme of her book. She is being ironic, implying that parents with daughters assume that single men of “good fortune” want to get married, this of course could be the last thing on their minds.

Immediately in chapter one the social restrictions of the period have an effect. Mr Bennet the head of the household must go and visit Mr Bingly, this is because it would have seemed discourteous for women to visit a new neighbour without a previous visit from the man of the house.

    “A forbidding, disagreeable countenance”. This is the first impression of Darcy, he comes across to be extremely proud and, “above his company”. With Mr Bingly’s amiable behaviour Darcy is contrasted and his arrogance is condemned. You could say prejudice sets against him.  At the Netherfield ball Darcy is acquainted with Elizabeth Bennet. To whom he does not think to be pretty only “tolerable”. Later Darcy tells us it was shyness which lead to his awkward behaviour at the ball. However, it is hard to justify his comments made about Elizabeth.

Elizabeth’s reaction to the critical comments made by Darcy at the ball give us good indication into what her character is like. Her reaction to his insult, making a joke of it to her family and friends shows she is resilient and vigorous.

      The next stage of the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth involves a roller coaster of emotions. Jealousies, guilt, confusion, fatigue, hate! This is an extremely confusing section of the novel. Assumptions are made about people of whom they don’t know much about. The Bingly sisters and Mrs Bennet are the main culprits. This is part of the society that Jane Austen describes. People are quick to judge on appearances and rumours, just as Elizabeth is by Mrs Hurst. “Her hair, so untidy, so blowsy… and her petticoat, six inches deep in mud”. However, unlike his sisters Darcy pays Elizabeth a compliment and notices her intelligence and independence.

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Mr Binglys idea of the “accomplished” women gives us an idea of the social expectations of the period. Elizabeth’s behaviour involving walking through the mud to visit Jane was considered unladylike.

     Darcy faces the problem of liking Elizabeth but scorning her mother. Mrs Bennet shows herself to be shallow and narrow-minded and shows her hostility towards Darcy. An embarrassed Elizabeth changes the subject and Darcy is impressed by her wit.

     In this society that Austen describes, you are judged quickly and once prejudice has set against you it is hard to reverse people’s feelings. Many ...

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