Darcy In Pride And Prejudice By Jane Austen

While Mrs. Reynolds begins to persuade Elizabeth’s opinion of Darcy, Elizabeth is yet to be fully convinced of Darcy’s genuine character. It is Elizabeth’s conversation with Mrs. Reynolds regarding Darcy’s treatment of his little sister Miss Darcy, that serves to fully convince Elizabeth of Darcy’s true attributes as a character. It is only within the Pemberley estate, that Elizabeth is able to witness the authenticity of Darcy’s character. In the latter half of Elizabeth’s conversation with Mrs. Reynolds, Mrs. Reynolds leads Elizabeth into a newly constructed “sitting-room,” which was renovated “to give pleasure to Miss Darcy, who had taken a liking to the room,” when she last visited Pemberley. Darcy’s willingness to renovate the estate for

Mrs. Reynolds third party confirmation of Darcy as a loving brother, further allows Elizabeth to accept a new perspective on Darcy. In essence, the Pemberley estate actively allows Elizabeth to see Darcy through a different lens. Upon hearing of Darcy’s treatment of his sister, Elizabeth “willingly turned to look at some drawings of Miss Darcy’s,” as the Pemberley estate puts both Elizabeth at ease, and allows her to see a far more multi-faceted man than she had previously imagined (240). Elizabeth would not “willingly” look at the paintings if not for a profound interest in Darcy’s family. Elizabeth’s actions provide the reader insight into Elizabeth’s evolving emotions surrounding Darcy. As Elizabeth walks through the Pemberley portrait gallery, a portrait “arrested her and beheld a striking resemblance of Mr. Darcy, with such a smile over the face” which Elizabeth recognizes to be Darcy’s personal portrait

Throughout Elizabeth's journey from Rosings to Pemberley, Elizabeth develops a greater understanding and appreciation for Darcy’s character. During her conversations with Mrs. Reynolds, who has known Darcy since birth, and is an employee of the estate, Elizabeth begins to appreciate Darcy and sees him through the eyes of his household, learning of his affection for his family. Through these experiences, Elizabeth begins to recognize her own affection for Darcy. In Austen’s description of the rival estates, their owners, and Elizabeth's own journey, Austen critiques society's entanglement of love and wealth. For Austen, love is independent of one’s wealth, instead roots itself in one’s character and personality. Austen’s indictment of society runs contrary to the societal norms of the time, and is representative of the struggles that many 19th century women faced within England’s high society. For Austen, Pride and Prejudice, serves as the outlet through which she can express her true beliefs on marriage, wealth, and character, while also serving as an inspiration to young woman of her