Question

Think about the characteristics of Elizabeth and Darcy at the beginning of the novel and at the end. How do they change throughout the course of the novel? What do you think the author is saying through the development of these characters? In your response, describe the primary features of the characters at the beginning of the novel, the basic process by which they change, and their characteristics at the end of the novel. Then, explain what you think the author is trying to say through the changes in Elizabeth and Darcy.

Answer 1

At the beginning of Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy is presented as being proud (and arrogant) while Elizabeth Bennett is decidedly prejudice (she is depicted as being quick to judge others).  Furthermore, Darcy is also presented as being prejudiced against people of lower social standing than himself while Elizabeth demonstrates a remarkable measure of personal pride.  Over the course of the novel, both Darcy and Elizabeth begin to fall in love with each other and, in turn, realize their own character faults.  As she learns about Darcy and his life, she realizes that she is overly judging of others. Darcy, on the other hand, realizes - especially when Elizabeth turns down his initial marital proposal - that he is overly and unreasonably proud and arrogant.  Through her depiction of the changes that Elizabeth and Darcy go through, Austen is demonstrating the manner in which love between a couple can shift their understandings of the world and, moreover, themselves.  

Answer 2

Darcy and Elizabeth are the main couple that appear on the book Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Both characters, among their qualities, exhibit some flaws. In fact, both characters are victims to the two flaws mentioned in the title: they are proud and prejudiced.

Darcy is particularly proud, bordering on arrogant. He believes himself to be a worthy gentleman, and thinks little of people he considers to be inferior to him. Elizabeth, on the other hand, is particularly prejudiced, and she is quick to judge others. However, as the two get to know each other, they become more aware of their flaws, and their love helps them become better people.