less than pleasing. This leads us to believe that Darcy is not blessed with his
friends virtues- pleasantness and joy- but is fact vain and arrogant. Jane Austen
starts us down a particular way of thinking and I believe it is a deliberate attempt to
deceive us. It makes Darcy’s true nature all the more surprising.
Ten he is overheard to have called Lizzy “tolerable” which is a despicable crime
as she is our heroine and the one we feel closest to. Another shrewd move by
Austen- first impression always last. Which is ironic because Darcy later talks of
how fragile his good opinion is. What we know of Darcy now will constantly affect
what we later discover.
In Chapter Five Darcy’s behaviour is brought up in Lizzy’s conversation with
Charlotte Lucas. This is most probably the topic of conversation for every lady
present at the ball and it shows that Darcy is definitely a man to be talked about..
Only once we have formed an opinion of Darcy does Austin make it known that
he find something very lovely in “the beautiful expression of her dark eyes”.
However he puts down his feelings because she has not the suitable means to
ever be anything to him. Once more Darcy’s pride and vanity surpasses what
could have been a great virtue- affection for our heroine. It is obvious he likes
her- he offer’s to dance with her although he gets no pleasure out of it- but his
reserve and pride means his true, sensitive nature is covered up.
Also we must remember that her portrayal of Darcy would have been affected by
the period. Many criticise Darcy’s detachment from open feelings and his
aloofness toward Lizzy but at this time formality was required of gentlemen. It
may seem now that his attitude is rude and hostile but declarations of passion
were not commonplace. Men of this time had to have absolute self-control.
Which makes Bingley’s behaviour all the more pleasing and Darcy’s behaviour
all the more surprising. Bingley is not at all formal but generous, open and very
hospitable whereas Darcy, his closest companion, is still holding back. It
surprising the reader that some of Bingley’s kindness hasn’t rubbed off on Darcy.
Something which gives a hint of Darcy’s true nature is his attitude toward Miss
Bingley. She has the same social standing as he and is the type of woman he
was brought up to marry. She is also aware of the fact that Lizzy is , bluntly
speaking, of a much lower social standing than he should marry. However he is
not at all drawn into nastiness by her verbal attacks on others- “He listened to her
with perfect indifference”. He lacks a cruel streak but is simply honest, if
somewhat lacking in subtlety.
What he doesn’t lack is modesty- especially where Mr Wickham is concerned.
In Chapter Eighteen the pair dance and they discuss Wickham briefly. Darcy
could have told Lizzy everything, recommending himself over Wickham and
earning points. However he didn’t take advantage of the situation, preferring to
wait until Chapter Thirty Seven when he writes to Lizzy.
His proposal could have been a very successful event had his pride not stepped
in and dwelt on the inferiority of her family. There was a sense that great passion
and feeling was behind the offer but again Austen degrades him using his
incredible weakness- his pride. But even that doesn’t cushion him from the
wound of her rejection. We feel maybe Darcy is human after all.
His letter is what clinches this suspicion. This is raw Darcy- but even this is
restrained. It is also very open and could turn the whole plot around. The proud
man at Netherfield, who could well prove Wickham’s account of him, has not
gone totally but is much reduced. He is still vaguely proud and reserved- “I write
without any intention of paining you or humbling myself”- but he has lost the
requirement he felt to be discrete about Wickham. He feels comfortable enough
with Lizzy to be honest. This firmly suggests that his feelings are true as we know
how little he discloses to anyone. Even this letter ends with a blessing, so even
after rejection he is not the ogre he appears to be.
I think Jane Austen had him write the letter immediately after he is rejected to
prove that he has been humbled, looking at himself with the criticism Lizzy had of
him. It makes us think better of him but we still struggle, as Lizzys does, with how
he usually appears- so haughty and conceited. Austen doesn’t clear him of all
charges which is clever as it adds more to the story if Darcy stays a little
mysterious.
Towards the end we are able to get a fuller picture of Darcy. When Lizzy goes to
Pemberly with her aunt and uncle she gets her first, first-hand account of Darcy
she has really had. His housekeeper, with no reason to lie, talks easily of his
good-nature and thoughtfulness towards others. It surprises Lizzy but she
doesn’t dismiss the idea- the letter has rattled her- and the reader’s- firm opinion
of his hateful character.
When she meets Darcy out walking he leads on from this description by politely
addressing her relatives., inviting her uncle to fish with him and of course asking,
most humbly, if he may introduce his sister to Lizzy. Here he is in his own
territory and has no need to put up a front so he relaxes and becomes very
amiable.
In the next chapter we meet his sister and we know at once that Wickham has
been lying as she is shy, gentle and unassuming. I think at this point Lizzy is
feeling real shame for her presumptions and maybe after seeing Pemberly and
Georgiana, slight regret in her total dismissal of Darcy. He has done more than
enough to clear his name.
Despite this he is kinder still when he learns of Lizzy’s family’s disgrace
concerning Lydia’s elopement. Darcy could have turned away- it would have
probably been in his best interests if he hadn’t got involved but his love for our
heroine means he will do whatever it takes to ease her suffering. And he even
has the grace and modesty to let Mr Gardiner take the credit for the money he
laid
down for the marriage. Here Austen does nothing to make his good deed bad-
this time he is without fault She is allowing us to see Darcy in his rightful form.
And coupled with his active role in preventing Wickham from marrying Georgiana
we see he is truly a gentleman.
His second proposal is certainly the best image we have of him- and rightly so.
He is warm and compassionate, acknowledging his beastly behaviour,
explaining it and apologising for it. I think Austen intends us to believe Lizzy is
what Darcy needed to check his pride and overcome his shyness. Which
makes the coupling all the more perfect.
What is so good about Jane Austen’s portrayal of Darcy is that he is exactly what
Lizzy needed in a husband. He is quick and can match her wit- smiling when
she gets the better of him. They fit together perfectly, complementing all the best
qualities in each other.
Throughout the novel Jane Austen uses the character of Darcy and develops it in
all the best ways. He maintains an air of mystery throughout until the end where
we are all pleased with the result. Beautifully done.
