INTRODUCTION

MOTIVATION
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." Groucho Marx

The idea transmitted by this quote is that books are always mans best friend. I must agree with this. Books are the best means of education, when the only sure way to solving world problems is education. Books are, therefore, essential to society. This is the reason why literature was the field from which I chose the theme for this paper. Literature is our educator from the childhoods fairytales to poetry and novels. Books accompany us since beforewe can read and until the last days of our lives. They not only educate us, but the also enrich our lives, awaken our imagination, transport us to fantasy lands where we can be whoever we want to be and inspire us to change our world for the better. Pride and Prejudice is exactly this and a great novel as well. I must confess that ever since I was a little girl I was fascinated by it. At first, the plot had attracted me, making it impossible for me to put down the book. Growing up, I also grew in the understanding of the deeper meanings of the book. I began to see the revolutionary ideas the writer wished to transmit and the wonderful style in which it is written. The way in which the reader gets involved in the story, the way in which the writer makes you feel as if you know all about the characters, so much that they are almost your friends by the time you get to the last page. Between the characters, there are some who dont seem created in the fictional work of Jane Austen. The idea of them being like puppets in the hands of the author, though true, seems inconceivable. Their strong personality influences all those around them and it seems as if they make things happen. Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are such characters. Therefore, choosing to analyse their personalities, as well as their relationship was a natural choice.

ABSTRACT
The action of the text is set in XIXth century England, mainly Hertforshire, Kent and Derbyshire. The main characters are the memebers of the following families: Bennet, Lucas, Bingley and Darcy. The theme of the text is, at first sight, the love between Elizabeth and Darcy. Yet, there is another theme, that of the changes taking place in society at the beginning of the XIXth century. Change is inevitable, but it takes place in a different manner than in France. There, the revolution took place quicker, but more violently as well. In England, change happens in a more natural manner, society itself adapting to the changing conditions. Aristocracy learns that ancient lineage no longer has the same value and people start to be judged more by their character than by their genealogy. These slow changes are shown very well in the novel, the marriage between Elizabeth and Darcy being proof of it.

This paper intends to first create the portraits of the protagonists, then analyse their developing relationship and the evolution of the manner in which they view each other throughout the book. The first two chapters contain the description, both physical and psychological of the protagonists. The third chapter discusses everything that happens in their relationship until the proposal in Kent. The fourth chapter contains events starting with the proposal and ending with the unexpected elopement of Lydia with Wickham. The fifth chapter starts with the reaction to Lydias thoughtless action and describes everything leading to the wedding and some details on their marriage. The impact of the dynamics of their relationship will also be noted.

1. PORTRAIT

OF

ELIZABETH BENNET

In every love novel we have a heroine, an important feminine character. In great novels, we have female role models, women ahead of their time, who are not passive participants, simply falling in love and listening to the passionate declarations of eternal love made by their lovers. They are active, they do not wait for things to happen. They act, they think for themselves, and so, they revolutionise their society. Such a woman cannot be forgotten. She deserves recognition and appreciation. To me, Elizabeth Bennet is such a woman. From the very first chapter, we become acquainted with her. Presented in her family and environment, we learn that she is the second of five daughters in the Bennet family. The others are: Jane, Mary, Catherine and Lydia. Every character points out a different part of her personality, but it is sometimes perceived completely wrong (for instance, by the sisters of Mr Bingley or Lady Catherine de Bourgh). Her parents are Mr and Mrs Bennet, two completely different persons. Her relationship with her father is a very close one, and she is her fathers favourite daughter. Her mother dislikes her and she even states that she will never see her again. She has inherited a lot of her fathers personality (his wit, as well as his tendency to laugh at the follies around him), but she also possesses her mothers energy and openness. Her best friends are Jane, her sister, and Charlotte Lucas, a 27-year old unmarried woman who lives in the neighbourhood. While Jane complements her, having totally different qualities, Charlotte has a personality that is similar to Elizabeths. Yet, she displays better sense of observation and less prejudice. She is the first to notice Darcys admiration for her friend and a means of furthering their relationship, by inviting her to Kent, where the first proposal is made by Darcy. Another important relationship is the one with the Gardiners. They are well educated people and, apart from Jane, the only relations she can present without

a sense of shame. Not only does Mrs Gardiner advise her not to pay so much attention to Wickham, but she is also the one who, along with her husband, take Elizabeth to Pemberley, where the surprising encounter between her and Darcy happens. We are told in the conclusion of the novel that the Gardiners were very dear to Mr and Mrs Darcy and they remained on intimate terms. The overall portrait that we have of Elizabeth is that of an intelligent, attractive, frank, and outspoken woman. In terms of physical appearance, we know that she is not as pretty as Jane, but her beauty is certainly remarkable. Darcy himself observes that she is beautiful, but her inferior social status leads him to affirm that she is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me. Yet, after becoming better acquainted with her he states that she is one of the handsomest women of his acquaintance. Her quickness of observation and lively, playful disposition are noted by the narrator. We are also told that "there was a mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner which made it difficult for her to affront anybody". This means that she refused to conform to the idea that a woman is supposed to suppress her feelings and be passive in her relationships. She does not possess Janes selfcontrol, but neither her timidity. When unhappy events happen, she does not remain in a state of sadness and disappointment, but rather laughs at it and even at herself. This is expressed in the book in the following manner: "it was her business to be satisfied- and certainly her temper to be happy". She is aware of her condition and of the little chances that they have of marrying well, but she decides not to marry for money or social status. The character of her partner is of more importance to her. She despises Collins because she considers him to be a conceited, pompous, narrow-minded, silly man. As for Darcy, his wealth does not impress her. She is initially disgusted with his pride, and her disgust becomes more accentuated after hearing Wickhams story of their acquaintance and relationship. After receiving Darcys letter at Rosings, she slowly realises how prejudiced she had been and slowly grows to understand Darcys true character. It is only when affection for him exists that she accepts his proposal of marriage. Throughout the book, she grows in understanding of the world, of the true character of those around her and of her own character, discovering her faults and working to overcome them. She is such a great character not only because of her wit (in which Darcy is her superior), but because she is willing to change and learn from mistakes, adapting to the new conditions in life. She is a true role model, one who changes the world in which she lives and who is amongst the first to change for the better. Her willingness to change leads to her final happiness and accomplishment in life.

2. PORTRAIT

OF

FITZWILLIAM DARCY

We are used to the Romeo type of lover in a love-themed novel. Darcy seems all but the passionate lover. His real personality is unknown to us for most of the book. We see him as Elizabeth sees him: a proud, disagreeable man. Still, it is not Elizabeths opinion on him that needs to be presented here, but rather the image of who he really is and how he evolves in the book. The first information we receive about him is that he is a good friend of Mr Bingley and that he is the richest man in Derbyshire, his income being around 10.000 a year. This last piece of information made everybody wishful to become acquainted with him. Physically, he is described as a fine, tall person with handsome features, noble mien. His attitude, however, soon led to a general disapproval of him, especially when his behaviour was compared to that of his friend, Bingley. Bingley, despite the difference in personality, is Darcys very good friend. He is very agreeable and sociable with everybody. The differences between them are obvious since we become acquainted with both gentlemen. Starting from their attitude towards strangers and dancing, to their manners and their character. Darcy is very decided and knows well what he wants, whereas Bingley can be easily influenced. We learn about Mr Darcy that "he was... haughty, reserved, and fastidious, and his manners, though well-bred, were not inviting". Not long afterwards, he was declared by everybody "the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world" And he could very well have been that. He himself admits to Elizabeth: I have been a selfish being all my lifeI was given good principles, but left to follow them in pride and conceitI was spoiled by my parents, who allowed, encouraged, almost taught me to be selfish and overbearing. His story is one of evolution from being a proud person to becoming more sociable; and overcoming his prejudice, observing that ones family background can show very little about someone. He learns that not only by becoming acquainted with Jane and Elizabeth, but also by observing his own aunts ill-breeding. "In essentials, I believe, he is much what he ever was". This is what Elizabeth tells Wickham about him. And, to some extent, it is true. We learn from Mrs Reynolds account to the Gardiners and to Elizabeth that he always had a generous nature and that "he was always the sweetest -tempered, most generous-hearted boy in the world". Her words are only praises, declaring him a most affectionate brother and guardian of Georgiana, "the best landlord, and the best master. She emphasises the fact that, despite some peoples opinion of him being proud, she never saw anything of it. Moreover, she says: To my fancy, it is only because he does not rattle away like other young men. Caroline Bingley herself tells Elizabeth on one occasion that Darcy represents calmness of temper and presence of mind. He does take advantage of his superior understanding to convince Bingley of Janes indifference, but he also has the integrity of admitting his mistakes and doing his best to repair the damages caused.

Characterising himself, he also says: disguise of any kind is my abhorrence. This is to say that he is perfectly honest. The proof of that is his natural answer to Carolines question about his thoughts, when they were at Lucas Lodge. He does not hesitate or avoid telling her that it was Elizabeth who inspired his thoughts about the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow. Although he is a symbol of sense and judgement, he proves he can feel very deeply. His love for Elizabeth leads to him helping his enemy, the one who almost convinced his sister to elope. It is that force that makes him change his behaviour and refine his manners. He, unable to forget the reproof she expressed at Hunsford, decides to prove her that he can change for the better. And he does change for the better. What sets this aristocrat apart from the rest of his kind? His liberality and his willingness to embrace ant change for the better. When the older members of the aristocracy, represented by his aunt, refuse to evolve and cling on to antiquated rules and opinions, he embraces the inevitable change in the society. That brings him happiness and fulfilment.

3. FIRST

IMPRESSIONS

There are some who say that first impressions are extremely important to them, but end up changing their mind over time, as they get to know better those they interact with. On the other hand, there are some who say they have absolutely no prejudice and that to them first impressions mean nothing. Yet, we may discover that first impressions did in fact have an impact on them. We encounter the opportunity of making a first impression to someone every day. And we meet new people who are labelled by us. First impressions are a part of our life and they are as important in real life as they are in fiction. First impressions is the name of an early work of Jane Austen, which is considered to be an initial form of Pride and Prejudice. First impressions was not accepted by the editors, and after some time, Jane Austen supposedly made some modifications and changed it into Pride and Prejudice (1813), novel considered by many to be her masterpiece. And, certainly, there is justification for such a title being given to this book. When we meet Elizabeth she is a pretty, cheerful young woman with a keen intellect and sense of humour. She has inherited her fathers mind and gentlemanly behaviour, but also his caustic cynicism that sees through appearances and enjoys mocking the life around her.

Elizabeth and Darcy meet for the first time at the Meryton assembly. He is just arrived in town and this is when his public image in Hertfordshire is decided. Although initially looked up to by everybody because of his wealth, he soon falls in disgrace because of his lack of social skills, which makes everyone consider him proud. By the end of the evening, he is declared "the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world". Elizabeth's views of him did not differ from the general opinion. She also had a personal reason to find him disagreeable. Elizabeth had accidentally overheard a discussion between Darcy and Bingley, in which Darcy declared: "She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me". When she meets Darcy for the first time she is affronted by his proud and aloof behaviour, not so much because she thinks he does not deserve it, but because his behaviour reminds her of her own inferior social position. I could easily forgive HIS pride, if he had not mortified MINE." Moreover, Elizabeth took a perverse please in teasing Darcy and later confesses to Jane that she made a conscious effort to dislike him for the joy of having someone to laugh at. "And yet I meant to be uncommonly clever in taking so decided a dislike to him, without any reason. It is such a spur to one's genius, such an opening for wit, to have a dislike of that kind. One may be continually abusive without saying anything just; but one cannot always be laughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty." She was only too ready to believe Wickhams lies about Darcy because it justifies both her wounded pride and her cynical wit. Elizabeth never imagined for a moment that Darcy might one day seek her hand in marriage or that she would ever come to desire it. Her mind saw Darcy as an object for scorn and ridicule, and failed to perceive the very real opportunity he represented for her social advancement or emotional fulfilment. Even when Charlotte hinted at the possibility, she could not or would not concede it even in principle. Her mind perceived only irreconcilable opposition in Darcy. Only much later did she realize that this perception was an illusion. At this moment, nobody would consider an affection growing between them a possibility, not even them. After Darcy's refusal to dance with Elizabeth, she was determined not to dance with him, even if he would ask her. He, on the other hand, is known to declare, when inquired about her being a renowned beauty: "She a beauty! I should as soon call her mother a wit." However, he observes her fine eyes when they were all together at Lucas Lodge. From then on, a completely unexpected attraction towards her appears and develops, without him even noticing. While she was at Netherfield, he is surprised to find himself attracted to her. He even invites her to dance a reel, proposal which she rejects, saying: I have made up my mind to tell you, that I do not want to dance a reel at all- and now despise me if you dare. His response is a very gallant one. When she is rudely treated by the superior sisters, he tries to save the situation.

Through their discussions, he discovers her wit and quickness of observation. Caroline Bingley, who is looking for his attentions herself, attempts to attract his attention by inviting Elizabeth to walk with her around the room. She also invites Darcy, whose negative reply leads to a long discussion between Lizzy and Darcy. It is also Caroline who interrupts the discussion. Darcy is apparently relieved because he began to feel the danger of paying Elizabeth too much attention. Miss Bingleys constant teasing, trying to make him disgusted with the Bennet family only leads his thoughts more often to the woman she wished to keep him apart from. In a sense, Caroline is encouraging, though her behaviour, exactly what her mind wished to prevent. Another important scene is the Netherfield ball. Elizabeth comes here with the clear intention of getting to know Wickham better and a self-promise never to dance with Darcy. Disappointed because Wickham had not come to the ball and annoyed by Mr Collins attentions (who proposes the next day, only to be rejected), she is taken by surprise with an invitation to dance from Darcy. Unable to find an excuse, she accepts, becoming angry at herself. Charlotte, however, urges her to see the compliment that she was paid, being invited to dance with Mr Darcy. Though feeling the honour of being so singled out, she practically cross-examines Darcy during their dance, making references to Wickham, nearly leading to a quarrel. Their discussion is thankfully interrupted by Sir William Lucas, who compliments them on their dancing and expresses the hope of seeing them dance more often, especially after the desirable event (Jane and Bingleys wedding) takes place. At the end of the dance, Darcy wisely advises her not to try sketching his character at the present time. She argues that this may be her only chance. His answer is as gentlemanly as can be. After the Netherfield ball, Bingley leaves for London, where he is followed by the rest of the party the following day. He is convinced of Janes indifference by them and does not return to Hertforshire. The next encounter between Lizzy and Darcy is in Kent, where she had been invited by Charlotte, who is by now Mr Collins wife. His behaviour seems odd to her. He is calling on her only to sit, saying very little. He asks unconnected questions and she cannot understand his intentions. She does not suspect his affections at all and is taken completely by surprise when he makes an offer of marriage. From her point of view it was considered to be impossible. Such a man could not have affectionate feelings for her, so she attributed his attention to her to the idea that there may be something about her more wrong and reprehensible, according to his ideas of right, than in any other person present. On the other hand, he believes that she will welcome his proposal. He later admits that it was proud of him not to consider the need to conquer the object of his attention, and is thankful for her making him see that his wealth and position were not sufficient to please a woman worthy of being pleased. Therefore, everything that happened until Darcys offer of marriage at Hunsford can be summarized like this: while her dislike of him constantly increases, his

affection for her grows to such extent that he is willing to ignore all rational objections and ask her to consent to be his wife.

4. PATH

TO MUTUAL

KNOWLEDGE
During their last discussion in Kent, when he proposed and she decidedly rejected him, many truths are revealed. Elizabeth reveals her true opinion of him and the reasons for her refusal. Darcy is surprised and shocked, because he had not even considered the possibility of her refusing to marry him. This discovery makes him lose his composure and he decides it is best to leave. As a response to her accusations, he writes her a letter, explaining the reasons for his interference in Jane and Bingleys relationship, on one hand and presenting his connection with Wickham. He does all this aware of the pain he would cause her, but also knowledgeable of the fact that it was necessary for her to know the truth. An entire chapter is dedicated to the reaction that the letter had provoked in her. Discarding it as the grossest falsehood, she initially decided never to read the letter again. But in less than a minute she was reading the letter again, after trying to gain some composure. From then on, she started analysing every word, every possible meaning of his words, anything that could prove it to be false. Her honesty and frankness of character are very well displayed in her response to Darcys letter. She recognizes the vanity, folly and absurdity of her own behaviour and feels totally ashamed. At first, she doubts the truth of what he says about Wickham and is further enraged by his effort to further justify his interference in Bingleys relationship with Jane. But gradually she is forced to concede that she had been wrong about Wickham and rashly unjust in her judgment of Darcys character. She begins to re-evaluate her own sense of judgment, of which she had formerly been so proud. She is forced to acknowledge the truth of Darcys descriptions of her mothers and sisters behaviour and even to concede that her father did not assert himself sufficiently to keep their shameless vulgarity in check. Perhaps she also recognized that her initial dislike for Darcy was at least in part because his presence reminded her of the real inferiority of her connections. "How despicably I have acted! I, who have prided myself on my discernment! I, who have valued myself on my abilities! who have often disdained the generous candour of my sister, and gratified my vanity in useless or blameable mistrust! How humiliating is this discovery! yet, how just a humiliation! Had I been in love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind! But vanity, not love, has been my folly. Pleased with the preference of one, and offended by the neglect of the other, on the very beginning of our acquaintance, I have courted prepossession

and ignorance, and driven reason away, where either were concerned. Till this moment I never knew myself." When Elizabeth visited Pemberley, the last vestiges of her prejudice against Darcy were removed by the housekeepers effusive praise of her master, by the magnificence of the estate and by Darcys own gracious courtesy to her and the Gardiners. Above all, she was moved by a deep sense of gratitude to him for loving her still and so well that he was willing to forgive her rude manner at Rosings. Her mind had come full circle from caustic abuse to warm appreciation for his character and behaviour. When they were guests at Pemberley and Caroline Bingley brought up the subject of the militia, and, although she did not have the courage to mention his name in Darcys presence, it was obvious that he was referring to him. Miss Bingleys intention was to discompose Elizabeth and turn Darcys thoughts from her. In fact, the effect was exactly the opposite. Elizabeths collected behaviour only made him appreciate her even more. The next day something awful and unexpected happened. News of Lydias elopement reached her through Janes letters. Just as she was about to go searching for the Gardiners to let them know the news, Mr Darcy appeared. The dreadful news led to her losing composure and self-control. He became very concerned, seeing her in that state. A servant was sent for the Gardiners, while Darcy and Eliza remained at the inn. She confessed their problems to him, under the conviction that such information cannot be concealed from anyone, probably also feeling a need to share her problems with someone she trusted. On learning the reason of her sadness, he suddenly becomes serious and after a short discussion, he takes his leave. At this point, she is certain that they are very unlikely ever to meet again on such terms of cordiality as had marked their several meetings in Derbyshire. At that moment, though they had a deep, steady affection for each other, an engagement between them is made impossible by the unfavourable circumstances in the Bennet family. Elizabeth still had to find out more about his good character, while Darcy needed to overcome the rest of his pride and repair the relationship between his friend and Jane, relationship to which destruction he greatly contributed. As soon as these obstacles are overcome, nothing more stands in the way of their mutual affection.

5. OBSTACLES REMOVED AND HAPPINESS ATTAINED

She wanted to hear of him, when there seemed the least chance of gaining intelligence. She was convinces that she could have been happy with him; when it was no longer likely they should meet.

This is an idea often found in Jane Austens book, the idea that a woman loves more when all hope is lost. Lizzie makes no exception. As Lydias elopement happened, it was impossible for any respectable man to wish to have anything to do with any of them. So she thought. After Lydias wedding, she regretted even more her weakness and confession to Darcy. The idea that he was thinking ill of her was unbearable to her. Her hope was that everything could have been hushed up and he would never have found out. These were her concerns while she remained ignorant of the role that he had played in bringing about the wedding. Lydia accidentally mentioned Darcys presence at her wedding with Wickham. Lizzie could not imagine why he would be present at the wedding of his worst enemy. Any scenario was discarded as impossible. She eventually writes a letter to her aunt, asking for an explanation. The answer she received exceeded her expectations. Darcy was the one they owed everything to: from Lydias restoration, to their family repaired image. She could not have imagined there was anyone so generous. This generosity led to an increase in the admiration and respect she had for him. Jane Austen even puts forward the idea that gratitude is a good basis of affection to appear. Some time after Lydias wedding, Bingley returned to Netherfield, accompanied by Darcy. They spoke very little. When Darcy left for London for some days, Bingley proposed. Shortly afterwards, an unexpected visitor came to Longbourn: Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Darcys aunt. The purpose for her visit was to obtain a confirmation from Elizabeth that there was no engagement between herself and her nephew. After a quarrel, due to Elizas lack of respect for her rank, she obtains that. Afterwards, she also asked for a promise that Eliza will never consent to such an engagement. The young womans refusal astonished her and she threatened Elizabeth. All of her pretence to respect and obedience had no value for Elizabeth, but she did wonder what Darcys reaction will be to his aunts objection. His return to Hertforshire confirms to her that he does not agree with his aunt so as to interrupt any connection with her. One day, when he and Bingley come to Longbourn, the two friends and the elder Miss Bennets walk towards Meryton. On that walk, Eliza thanks Darcy for his generosity in saving their family from ruin and disgrace. His reaction is one of surprise, but he tells her: If you will thank me, let it be for yourself alone I believe I thought only of you. They confess their mutual love and at her return home, she informs Jane of her engagement to Mr Darcy. As soon as everybody finds out, they are all surprised. Mr Bennet and his favourite daughter have a long discussion, after which he is convinced that Darcy is the best suited person for her. Her mother is excessively enthusiastic. Their wedding soon comes, after which they return to Pemberley, only to live a life of absolute happiness and fulfilment. The atmosphere at the end of the novel is one of contentment, everybody being happy and all the conflicts seem resolved. If any resentment remains, it is only on Lady Catherine and Caroline Bingleys side. Everything progresses and the impression is that the characters will remain this happy forever.

CONCLUSION
Elizabeth has the most developed character of the five sisters and she rises the highest. She is intelligent, attractive, frank, and outspoken. Her strength and courage rise in proportion to the challenge. She is cheerful, able to laugh at herself, unable to sustain sadness, and feels inferior to no one. She receives through the love of her father a wider view of life resulting in vivacious, strong opinions of irrepressible, playful, flowing sweetness that sometimes becomes archness. She is truly a great character. Darcy is from one of the wealthiest aristocratic families in England. He is owner of a huge fortune and a magnificent estate at Pemberley. Man of sense and education, he is proud and reserved at first, but we can see his personality evolve and his manners improve as love changes him completely, making him aware that appearances are deceitful and that it is not aristocratic descent that matters, but rather the character of a person. Such extraordinary characters could not have had a steady relationship. They are not at all static. They make changes, influence, and improve each other, as well as themselves. Their relationship may have had its ups and downs, but their personalities could never have evolved as they did had they not challenged each others manners and minds. This connection between them is typical of Jane Austen. Although they have different manners, their personalities are somewhat similar. They complement each other and both have a lot to gain from the marriage. And it not only them that has to gain, but the world around them as well. They are proof that the basis for a good marriage is self-knowledge, knowledge of each other, mutual respect and admiration. The fact that they married also had an impact on the society, showing that thing were changing and revolution was on the way. The archaic values are no longer respected; still no bad consequences derive from there. This novel reflects the wish for change in the society of the time, or the changes taking place then. It puts an emphasis on the importance of a woman taking initiative and not just be a passive participant in the relationship. All of this qualifies this book as a great novel, one that should be read and re-read, one that you should think about, one that you should accept to be changed by.

ADDENDA
1. Cover of the first edition of Pride and Prejudice(1813) and image of Jane Austen

2. Image of the estate which is said to be the model for Pemberley

BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOOKS
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice Deirdre Le Faye, Jane Austen, the world of her novels

WEBSITES
http://www.pemberley.com/ -The Republic of Pemberley http://humanscience.wikia.com/wiki/Pride_and_Prejudice - Human Sciences http://www.enotes.com/nineteenth-century-criticism/pride-prejudice-janeausten Criticism of Pride and Prejudice