Introduction
Pride and Prejudice is a novel by Jane Austen, written in 1813, and is still popular and loved by many readers. It tells about the lives of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, who represent opposites and have two points of view on life. This novel gives readers deep life lessons that they can apply to their own lives. The story also shows how people change under the influence of each other and how their characters change.
Character Traits of Elizabeth and Darcy Throughout the Novel
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Bennet’s energy and cheerfulness distinguish her at the beginning of the novel. She is carefree and self-righteous, has a preconceived notion of the world, and is open-minded about others. Elizabeth is not inclined to accept other opinions and tries to make decisions independently. She does not wait for others to make decisions for her and does not force others to do it for her.
Elizabeth was an independent, resourceful girl who was always ready to give advice and be truthful with her thoughts and feelings. She was brave enough to stand up to Mr. Darcy when he overruled her opinion and was prepared to draw her conclusions. For example, when Mr. Darcy stated that Elizabeth could name the people he thought were right, the girl told him honestly: “I can’t argue with you because I don’t know them” (Austen, 1889).
Elizabeth is also a knowledgeable and socially witty woman who knows how to speak her mind and who stands up for what she strongly believes in. Throughout the novel, Elizabeth goes through a change process before finally coming to terms with her mistakes. Eventually, she admits that she can be too judgmental and seeks a more diplomatic approach to others. She also acknowledges that people sometimes do what she thinks is right, which doesn’t mean they’re wrong. Eventually, Elizabeth realizes that people can be different, which doesn’t mean they can’t be friendly and kind to each other.
Darcy
Mr. Darcy represents a different perspective on life. He has substantial prejudice toward people. He does not look for the reasons for their behavior but accepts them on his prejudice. He believes in the power of status and weight and cannot understand or accept the reasons for Elizabeth’s actions. He is very reserved and strict, even towards his friends and relatives.
Mr. Darcy was a very confident man. He was proud and had little effect on other people’s opinions. He was convinced that his own opinion was enough for the right decision. For example, when Elizabeth told him she did not think her sister should marry Mr. Collins, he did not acknowledge any other opinions: “I think my opinion should suffice” (Austen, 1889).
Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, has a severe and authoritarian attitude towards life and people. He prefers to make decisions for others and strives for the ideal situation. He is always ready to tell others what they should do and often does so without regard to their needs and feelings. Eventually, he also goes through a change process, recognizing that not all people should do what he thinks is right and that others can make their own decisions. He also begins to realize that differences between people can be valuable and do not mean they should be viewed as bad.
The author’s main idea, presented through the development of these two characters, is that love and kindness can overcome any prejudices. This is emphasized in the last phrase of the book: “At last, kindness and love won out” (Austen, 1889). These two characters show us that we should take and give love and kindness without division into social statuses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, through the changes in Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, the author Jane Austen tries to convey that people should learn from their mistakes and be open to others and their differences. He also tries to show that pursuing perfection does not always bring results and can even lead to unhappiness and confusion.
For example, Elizabeth realizes that her desire for an ideal situation and her preconceived notions of others lead to unhappiness. She also begins to understand that others may have different opinions, which does not mean they cannot be friends. Mr. Darcy understands that his desire for ideality and authoritarian attitude toward life and others lead to big problems. He understands that he must be more diplomatic and consider the needs and feelings of others.
Reference
Austen, J. (1889). Pride and Prejudice: A Novel.