How Does Austen Get At The Truth About Ourselves And Others

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Austen seems to suggest that getting at the truth about ourselves and others not only takes time but also a considerable amount of unintended patience. But once we accept the truth about ourselves and others, this can perhaps only makes matters more difficult. Firstly, the individual opinion of Mr. Darcy by Elizabeth is not a very favorable one, for she sees Mr. Darcy as nothing more than a wealthy pompous upperclassman. And, by most standards, her opinion of him is fairly accurate. I think what perpetuates this view is the opinion carried out by her family, the ‘choir,’ so to speak. So here we have the individual and general opinion about another person that isn’t favorable, negative--prejudice--which clouds the rational judgement needed in getting at the truth. And with this comes not necessarily ignorance, for Elizabeth and her family are justifiable in their assessment of Mr. Darcy, but an established portrayal of the man that may not altogether be honest--pride. …show more content…

For instance, when Elizabeth talks to Wickham, the novel’s most villainous character, she initially likes and trusts him, and believes what he says when he speaks about Darcy. And despite being cautioned against it, Elizabeth’s interest in Wickham is “crossed in love,” which makes the discovery of Wickham’s true intentions all the more devastating. Austen throws this nice twist in the story to show, or perhaps remind us, that getting at the truth has no officality, no plan or structure. Our preconceived notions and our substantial self-respect only makes it the more challenging for us to getting at the truth about ourselves and