October 10, 2004
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
1.) "...Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien; and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having ten thousand a year. The gentlemen pronounced him to be a fine figure of a man, the ladies declared he was much handsomer than Mr. Bingley, and he was looked at with great admiration for about half the evening, till his manners gave a disgust which turned the tide of his popularity; for he was discovered to be proud, to be above his company, and above being pleased; and not all his large estate in Derbyshire could then save him from having a most forbidding, disagreeable countenance, and being unworthy to be compared with his friend." (6)
Quote #1 is essential to both the novel's plot and to its character development.
Jane Austen, Watercolour and pencil portrait by he...
English: Back View of Jane Austen, Watercolor
English: Français : Une gravure de 1833 illustran...As the book progressed, I was increasingly interested in meeting Mr. Bingley. However, when his handsome friend, Mr. Darcy, comes in the picture; the story seems to take a turn. Mr. Bingley is, indeed, an important character, but Mr. Darcy was far more intriguing with his contemptuous attitude. Mr. Darcy's unpleasant and arrogant nature immediately captured my attention.
Out of all the characters in "Pride and Prejudice", Mr. Darcy was the one I found most moving. He was the reason why I never wanted to put the book down. I was overwhelmed with interest as to what would happen to Mr. Darcy, and the journey his character would embark on. So many questions and curiosities kept me reading. I had to determine the young man's fate. The biggest question I encountered as I read the book was: Is pride and prejudice powerful enough...