Darcy uses the letter to expose his true feelings towards Elizabeth. It is the first real time that we see the honest Darcy, who is not masquerading behind his arrogance. This would suggest that Austen uses the letters as a medium of the truth, exposing the character true feelings and relationships through the text in the letter.
Not only does Darcy expose his true feelings towards Elizabeth but also he reveals the truth behind Mr Bingley’s departure and comments on Jane and Bingley’s relationship.
However Darcy’s language within the letter is rather forceful and aggressive, “further apology would be absurd”. Austen uses a large amount of abstract nouns, “hope”, “astonishment” and “justice”. This helps us sympathise with Darcy, as it is as if he is opening his heart to the reader and Elizabeth. Because of this we begin to trust Darcy. Austen’s lack of decorative literary devices provides a realistic view of the plot. Allowing the reader to focus on what is happening, not what is going on around it. It also makes Darcy’s plea to Elizabeth more realistic and this enhances the readers’ trust in the character.
In the letter Austen switches from the narrator that has given us Elizabeth’s exclusive consciousness and character throughout the rest of the novel and we switch to the narrative perspective of Darcy. This narrative technique allows the reader to be far more analytical of the letter and the present situation. It also engages the reader and makes it far more personal. Up to this point, the reader has been inclined to accept Elizabeth’s judgement of herself and others. When she receives the letter this changes and the reader, and Elizabeth herself are urged to think outside the narrative context. So far the narrator has given in to sympathetic identification, but when Elizabeth receives the letter the reader becomes more cautious, as we cannot be certain that her perspective is that of a correct one.
Some critics maintain that Darcy’s letter is unrealistic, contending that such a proud and reserved man would never reveal so many details of his private life. In this view, the letter functions primarily as an artificial device through which Austen is able to introduce a large quantity of information while vindicating Darcy. However the use of “dreadful bitterness of spirit” in which Darcy claims to have written the letter explains its uncharacteristic nature. Regardless of its realism, the letter serves its purpose, it reveals the truth about Wickham’s relationship to Darcy and consequently shifts sympathy from Wickham to Darcy.
The letter presents an opportunity for Darcy to explain himself and it is clear this is what Austen has used it for. We now no longer see Darcy as such an obstacle, but instead we now see the potential for a real love to develop, not a one sided relationship that leaves one character chasing another. The first time we see a new perspective that isn’t that of Elizabeth, whether it is internal speech or narrated thought we begin to question her reliability. We are now, although still focussed on Elizabeth’s views and thoughts, open to accept other views and interpret them in our own way, not through Elizabeth’s eyes.
