Introduction
The novel’s characters are appealing to readers due to their personal development. Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice is an example of a character’s transformation. She changes her outlook throughout the novel, getting rid of her prejudice about Mr. Darcy. This also develops her best personal qualities and makes her more mature. She can openly look at her pride and face her character’s arrogance. At the end of the novel, Elizabeth Bennet realizes her faults and moves from prejudice in her judgments to accepting other people’s opinions.
Initial Prejudices
At the beginning of the novel, Elizabeth makes judgments based on appearance or her emotions, not reality. Elizabeth does not consider the opinions of other people forming her conclusion. These conclusions can often be false, which she is reluctant to admit. Elizabeth does not like when her judgments are evaluated or questioned. She underlines about herself, “There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others” (Austen 122). Elizabeth sees her false vision of reality as a unique ability to have one’s own opinion and defend it. Her personality gradually changes as she is exposed to reality.
Transformation Through Reflection
Towards the end of the novel, she learns to accept and consider the conditions that can change her conclusions. The letter from Mr. Darcy opens her eyes to her flaws and the pride that she showed. Reading the letter, she tries to be open and truly evaluate other people’s conclusions. She finally realizes that Wickham has nothing good on his part. She admits her fault by saying, “I have courted prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away, where either was concerned” (Austen 144). Therefore, Elizabeth changed her outlook, moving from prejudice to accepting other people’s conclusions and opinions. Thus, Elizabeth has undergone a development of her character throughout the novel.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Bennet is an example of a character’s development and growth. At first, she ignores other people’s opinions and bases her judgments solely on her own perception. Elizabeth is proud of her independence in conclusions and values this quality. However, at the end of the book, Mr. Darcy’s letter opens her eyes to reality, and she admits her flaws. Finally, Elizabeth states that she was ignorant and had not noticed the truth.
Work Cited
Austen, Jane. “Pride and Prejudice.” Gutenberg. Web.