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Elizabeth Felz
Dr. Garofalo
Research Paper
May 10th, 2016

The Redemption of Darcy

Jane Austen frequently uses landscape as a mode to develop and portray the nature of her

heroines. Landscape in Pride and Prejudice is used to develop Elizabeth Bennets love interest,

Mr. Darcy. Darcy is an arrogant aristocrat who risks causing disaffection among the community

of Meryton due to an excess of pride. Darcys arrogance especially dangerous due to the

monarchies being overthrown during this time of the French Revolution. It was the job of the

British elites to not cause tension between them and their social inferiors so that they could

safeguard their power. Elizabeth is responsible for Darcys conversion from pretentious

aristocrat to humble leader. Elizabeths visit to Darcys estate, Pemberley, enables her to see that

Darcy has merit and is worthy of being a leader. Pemberley functions as a representation of

Darcys character, which allows Elizabeth to see him as a man worthy of being a leader. The use

of both dialogue and landscape can be especially seen in Pride and Prejudice; however, the

focus of this paper will be how landscape is a means to represent the character of Darcy to

Elizabeth.

Mr. Darcy is a proud man who was raised to believe that he carries more class and clout

than those around him. Darcy at first draws the attention of the attendees at the Meryton ball by

his fine, tall person, with handsome features, noble mien, and the report, which was in general

circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his making ten thousand a year (Austen,

1813, 12). However, it is soon apparent that Darcys manners gave a disgust which turned the

tide of his popularity (Austen, 1813, 12). Though Darcy is a principled and intelligent man, his

pride causes him to be patronizing to his social inferiors. An instance where Darcys arrogance is
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especially obvious is when Mr. Bingley encourages Darcy to dance however, Darcy believes that

his pedigree is superior to all the women in attendance and to dance with any of them would be

to considerably lower his standards. Darcy even goes to insult Elizabeth Bennet. Darcy states

that he would detest(Austen, 1813, 13) to dance with anyone attending the ball, especially at

an assembly as this, it would be insupportable (Austen, 1813, 13) to seek a dance partner that

would not be a punishment (Austen, 1813, 13) to stand up with (Austen, 1813, 13). When

referring to Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy states that, she is tolerable; but not handsome enough to

tempt me (Austen, 1813, 13). Elizabeth takes Darcys offense with grace and told the story,

however, with great spirit among her friends; for she had a lively, playful disposition, which

delighted in any thing ridiculous (Austen, 1813, 14). Darcy is a man who is haughty, reserved,

and fastidious (Austen, 1813, 18), coupled with uninviting manners, yet Elizabeth does not

allow this to intimidate her. Darcy is extremely class conscious, which causes him to be hyper

aware of his social ranking.

Darcys arrogance is not only apparent in his refusal to dance with any of the women at

the Meryton ball, but in his opinion of them too. Darcy looks out onto the dance floor thinking

that he has never seen a collection of people of whom there was such little beauty and no

fashion, for none of them he had felt the smallest interest, and from none received either

attention or pleasure (Austen, 1813, 18). It is true that Darcy is one of the wealthiest members

of the gentry and it is also true that Darcys wealth, education, and culture likely exceed the

residents of Meryton. However, being an English aristocrat it is very important that Darcy does

not allow his sense of social superiority to be noticed by the community. The community of

Meryton is aware that Darcys breeding outpaces their own, but for Darcy to be overtly mindful

of this creates hostility among the citizens. Darcys refusal to dance at the ball is reason enough
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for the Meryton community to feel unfavorable toward him, not to mention deeply offended. The

danger in Darcys arrogance is rooted in the French Revolution. Darcy is being negligent of the

fact that if he displeases the community of Meryton, his power and role of being a leader in

society could ignite resentment within the citizens, which could lead to a lack of trust or respect

for his authority.

The French Revolution caused social and political disruption within France that

eventually resulted in the monarchies being overthrown. The French Revolution did create a

bourgeois consciousness of it-self as a class whose strength was based on its growing economic

power (Murphy, 2011, 184). However, societies grew tired of this uneven distribution of

wealth, which caused public unrest and the desire to abolish Feudalism (Murphy, 2011, 188).

Manor Homes were attacked by peasants and buildings were set to fire, which led to Feudalism

being overturned (Murphy, 2011, 189). With the abolishment of Feudalism, the French

Revolution was in full force, which placed fear in the hearts of the bourgeois. Privileges that

came with being of noble birth were being abolished and more emphasis was being put on the

individual (Nygarrd, 2007, 148). This scared the British aristocrats. Absolute monarchies were

being overthrown as quickly as republics were being born. British aristocrats had to be crafty and

quick in convincing their communities that they were capable, worthy leaders in hopes to prevent

potential revolts.

The aristocrats of Britain had to discretely maintain their paternalism by appearing as

responsible leaders who had more in common with their communities than they had differences.

British aristocrats did this by changing their attire from powdered wigs, linen stockings, and

breeches to understated suits that gave the appearance that these aristocratic men were

respectable, hardworking Englishmen that had a desire and obligation to provide for their
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communities (Nygarrd, 2007, 152). Aristocrats surmised that if they blended into society and

provided for their communities then their power would not be challenged, keeping the

paternalistic system in place. British elites needed to persuade the public that elite rule was

necessary not because of divine right, or a belief in a God-given hierarchy, but because elite men

were the most talented men the nation had to offer (Garofalo, 2008, 118). The goal of the

British elites was to appear not only capable of leadership, but also as having the publics best

interest at heart. In order to secure their power in society, the British elite had to be likable and

easily trusted. To accomplish this British elites practiced noble equality (Garofalo, 2008,118).

As described in Daniela Garofalos Manly Leaders (2008), noble equality exists independently

of economic and political inequalities, noble equality is sustained by the gentle manners of the

Governor who knows how to temper sternness with manners that subdue the harshness of pride

and power (Garofalo, 2008, 118). The British elite felt that they could appease their social

inferiors by treating them as their equals, even though they certainly did not view them as their

equals. Elites learned to appease their inferiors by no longer parading their caste superiority

before the public (Garofalo, 2008, 121). This faade kept public unrest at bay.

Darcy does not maintain noble equality (Garofalo, 2008, 118) when he is first

introduced to the people of Meryton at the Meryton ball. Darcys positive impression is short

lived and he is quickly seen as continually giving offense (Austen, 1813, 18) and as highly

disagreeable (Austen, 1813, 18). Darcy is abandoning his duty to maintain the impression that

he is an upstanding man who cares for the welfare of his community. This is a dangerous thing

for Darcy to do. To cause disharmony among society could lead to his community challenging

his authority, which could result in him losing power against his social inferiors. Darcy must

abandon an outdated arrogance that undermines his hold over modern people (Garofalo, 2008,
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121). Darcys excess of pride creates resentment within the community, so it is vital that he is

humble or else he risks losing his position. The crux of Darcys change from arrogant aristocrat

to effective leader is change in manners (Garofalo, 2008, 114).

The threat of losing power over his social inferiors is not what prompts Darcy to improve

his manner. Elizabeth Bennet is the driving force for converting Darcy from arrogant aristocrat

to humble leader. Elizabeth does not shy away from putting Darcy in his place when he lacks

manners. Elizabeth making a joke of the insult received from Darcy at Meryton ball is proof

enough that she is he equal in intelligence and honesty. Not only is Elizabeth Darcys ideal

counterpart, but she also introduces Darcy to a new emotion: humility. Elizabeth refuses Darcys

proposal, which allows Darcy to see his own meekness. By Elizabeth refusing his proposal,

Darcy is able to realize that he overestimates his own importance.

While Darcy appears to be a bad, arrogant leader, he is actually a man who takes his duty

of looking after his family and community very seriously. Elizabeth softens toward Darcy and is

able to see him for who he truly is when she visits Pemberley. The scene in which Elizabeth

visits, Pemberley, the landscape functions as a representation of Darcy himself. By using

repetition of the words natural, handsome, atop, and rising throughout the chapter where

Elizabeth visits Pemberley the true merits of Darcys character is conveyed. Throughout the

scene in which Elizabeth visits Pemberley there are references to high ground (Austen, 1813,

239), which can be viewed as a reference to Darcy being a man who is dutiful and high-minded.

The lines stone building, standing well on rising ground, and was backed by a ridge of high

woody hills (Austen, 1813, 239) and crowned with wood (Austen, 1813, 240) also suggest the

image of high ground. There is also a correlation between Darcy and his house. The house is

described as a large, handsome, stone building (Austen, 1813, 239) that is standing well
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(Austen, 1813, 239), suggesting a representation of Darcy himself. Darcy has a strong foundation

in his social responsibilities, just like his home is strong (Austen, 1813, 239) and well

standing (Austen, 1813, 239). By describing the landscape as well standing (Austen, 1813,

239) and strong (Austen, 1813, 239) it conveys Darcys merit.

The landscape that surrounds Darcys estate represents him in various ways as well. The

stream of some natural important (Austen, 1813, 239) suggests that Darcy has natural elegance

and a proper pedigree. Being a gentleman and upholding gentlemanly duties comes just as

naturally to Darcy as water coursing through a stream. Just as the stream provides water to the

landscape around it, allowing it to thrive, Darcys estate provides for its community, which

allows for a prosperous society. The interior of the home, like the exterior, communicates more

of who Darcy really is to Elizabeth. The housekeeper describes Darcy as respectable (Austen,

1813, 241) and civil (Austen, 1813, 241) and praises him for being such a kind and caring

master, who is very similar to his highly respected father. As Elizabeth passes through the rooms,

the objects were taking different positions; but from every window there were beauties to be

seen (Austen, 1813, 244), which implies Darcy is a man who is honest and dutiful.

As Elizabeth becomes acquainted with Pemberley, she begins to develop a new

perspective of Darcy, which is represented symbolically through the landscape and the estate.

When Elizabeth and the Gardiners crossed the bridge, and drove to the door (Austen, 1813,

247), Elizabeth is symbolically crossing the expanse that stands between her and Darcy. After

crossing the expanse Darcy later invites the family into his home and even offers to grant Mr.

Gardiner access to his pond for fishing. The significance of Darcy welcoming Elizabeth and her

family to his estate and even offering access to Elizabeths uncle to fish is that Darcy is

accepting a family that is of a lower class and is headed by the embarrassing Mrs. Bennet. For
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class-conscious Darcy, accepting the Bennets is his biggest act of humility. As Elizabeth

wanders through the grounds of Pemberley, the estate begins to charm her just as Darcy

eventually would.

Jill Heydt-Stevensons argues that the reader finds that Austen explores the junctions

between the boundaries of personal liberty allowed to women and those allowed to the landscape

itself, privileging for her own heroines bonds with the wilder, unornamented, picturesque

landscape (Heydt-Stevenson, 1998, 261). Heydt-Stevenson also states that the issue of how

much control one should exert over a landscape is not a localized aesthetic issue, but instead

directly impinges on the treatment of and expectations for women; Austen links debates about

the freedom of landscape to debates about the freedom of woman (Heydt-Stevenson, 1998,

264).

It can be said that Elizabeth is a heroine with bonds with the wilder, unornamented,

picturesque landscape (Heydt-Stevenson, 1998, 261). Not only does Elizabeth have bonds with

untainted, natural landscape, but she also exercises freedom in who she is and feels no need to be

shackled to the conventions of society. Austen describes Elizabeth as having a lively, playful

disposition, which delighted in anything ridiculous (Austen, 1813, 14). Elizabeth has no

reservations about reaching the Bingley home to see her ill sister without a carriage. As Mrs.

Bennett protests Elizabeths walking there, saying, How can you be so silly! As to think of such

a thing, in all this dirt! You will not be fit to be seen when you get there (Austen, 1813, 33).

Elizabeth simply replies, I shall be very fit to see Janewhich is all I want (Austen, 1813, 33).

This conveys how Elizabeth represents freedom from societal constraints. Elizabeth defies the

conventional ways in which women behave. Elizabeth does not allow patriarchal structures to

limit her female agency (Nachumi, 2004, 119). A traditional English woman would not walk
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across the muddy countryside alone; however, Elizabeth has no reservations in doing so, which

shows her determination and independence. Elizabeth enjoys walking at a quick pace, jumping

over stiles and springing over puddles (Austen, 1813, 33) and she does so with impatient

activity (Austen, 1813, 33). Elizabeth reaches the Bingley home with weary ankles, dirty

stockings, and a face glowing with the warmth of exercise (Austen, 1813, 33) and a petticoat

that is six inches deep in mud (Austen, 1813, 37). Elizabeth is unapologetic for her method of

arrival and appearance, which suggests that she will not be circumscribed by expectations of

feminine conduct (Nachumi, 2004, 120).

Darcy allows his estate to remain in its natural state. Very little is altered or changed,

which shows that Darcys estate, like Elizabeth, is free from societal constraints. Jill Heydt-

Stevenson argues that Jane Austen had a comprehensive understanding of the differences of the

picturesque aesthetics and the picturesque improvement and how the two were connected to

English nationalism (Heydt-Stevenson, 1998, 267). Darcy allowing the landscape around his

estate to grow freely suggests that Darcys leadership is not tyrannical, but compassionate and

democratic. This kind of aesthetic, endorsed by Uvedale Price and Richard Payne Knight, called

for conversation of the natural landscape altered only by those changes that seemed to fit

naturally into the existing scene (Garofalo, 2006, 125). Darcys estate is described as a

natural (Austen, 1813, 239) landscape with a stream of natural importance (Austen, 1813,

239), which is aligned with Knight and Price. Knight and Price focused their landscape designs

on natural situations (Heydt-Stevenson, 1998, 262) and no general rule (Heydt-Stevenson,

1998, 262) for the aesthetic. This school of thought is portrayed through the description of

Darcys estate. The grounds of Pemberley are not innately altered, but simply improved upon in

an organic way where a place for which nature had done more, or where beauty had been so
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little counteracted by an awkward taste (Austen, 1813, 239). Elizabeth recognizes Darcys

respect for freedom while visiting Pemberley. Darcy allowing the grounds of Pemberley to

remain in their natural state not only suggests that Darcy is a gentle leader, but that he is also a

man who respects Elizabeths liveliness and feels no desire to exert control over her lively,

playful disposition (Austen, 1813, 14). In Austens novels, the issue of how much control one

should exert over a landscape is not a localized aesthetic issue, but instead directly impinges on

the treatment of and expectations for women; Austen links debates about freedom of landscape

to debates about the freedom of woman (Heydt-Stevenson, 1998, 264). After Elizabeth sees

Pemberley she knows that Darcy is a man who is upright and caring and that he would never

stifle her liveliness or freedom.

Pemberley not only functions as a representation of Darcys character, but Darcys

dependents do as well. Darcy treating his dependents well indicates that Darcy, in fact, has

respect for his social inferiors. When Elizabeth visits Pemberley these qualities are most

explicitly stated by Darcys housekeeper who reminds us of the landlords treatment of the

working class (Garofalo, 2008, 125). Darcys housekeeper speaks fondly of him and appears to

be proud to work for such a caring master. Darcys housekeeper offers a list of Darcys merits:

He is the best landlord and the best masterthat ever lived. Not like the wild young men now-

a-days who think of nothing but themselves. There is no one of his tenants or servants but what

will give him a good name. Some call him proud; but I am sure I never saw any thing of it. To

my fancy, it is only because he does not rattle away like other young men (Garofalo, 2008,

125). Darcy is a focused man who is not distracted by the pleasures of the world. It could even

be said that he puts his dependents needs before his own pleasures. Darcy only appears proud

because he is not self-indulgent (Garofalo, 2008, 125). Elizabeth can see that Darcys pride is
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really dutiful selflessness. Darcy feels that it is his obligation to ensure that his dependents are

well looked after. Underneath the appearance of pride, Darcy is a master who takes

responsibility for his subordinates in the best civic republican tradition, standing in opposition to

selfish and effeminate men (Garofalo, 2008, 125).

Unlike Rosings, Pemberley does not maintain distinctions of rank, but instead is open and

welcoming. The hosts at Rosings are less than polite. Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine are

extremely arrogant and Mr. Collins snobbery is not warranted. As Elizabeth dresses Mr. Collins

says, Do not make yourself uneasy my dear cousin, about your apparel. Lady Catherine is far

from requiring that elegance of dress in us which becomes herself and daughter. I would advise

you merely to put on whatever of your clothes is superior to the rest, there is no occasion for any

thing more. Lady Catherine will not think the worse of you for being simply dressed. She likes to

have the distinction of rank preserved (Austen, 1813, 161). This distinctions of class goes

against everything British aristocrats are aiming to do, which is to maintain noble equality

(Garofalo, 2008, 118). This shows that Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins are incompetent leaders

due to lacking gentle manners (Garofalo, 2008, 118) and the inability to subdue the harshness

of pride and power (Garofalo, 2008, 118). Their pride shows a lack of refinement and causes

the guests to feel ill at ease.

Pemberley has an openness that allows for the estate to be welcoming. As Elizabeth

explores Pemberley she notes, the rooms were lofty and handsome, and their furniture suitable

to the fortune of their proprietor; but Elizabeth saw, with admiration of his taste, that it was

neither gaudy nor uselessly, ---with less of splendor, and more real elegance, than the furniture of

Rosings (Austen, 1813, 240). Rosings speaks poorly of its residents and creates disaffection;
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however, Pemberley speaks eloquently for a man who cannot speak well for himself

(Garofalo, 2008, 123).

Pride and Prejudice can be thought of as a story of redemption. Darcy is a proud man

that is strongly disliked by the community of Meryton; however, Elizabeth converts Darcy from

a proud man to one with humility. By the end of the novel Darcy is beloved by both Elizabeth

and the reader. The driving force for restoring Darcys character is Pemberley. Pemberley

artfully communicates through the landscape that Darcy is an upright man of merit, who feels

that it is his duty to care for his dependents. Pemberleys portrayal of Darcy is what causes

Elizabeth to fall in love with him.

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Works Cited

Garofalo, Daneila. Manly Leaders: Despotic Seductions and the Threat of Democracy in
Nineteenth-Century England. Albany: State U of New York. 2008. Print.

Heydt-Stevenson, Jill. Liberty, Connection, and Tyranny: The Novels of Jane Austen and the
Aesthetic Movement of the Picturesque. Lessons of Romanticism: A Critical Companion. 261-
279. Durham, NC: Duke UP, 1998. MLA International Bibliography. Web. 8 May 2016.

Murphy, Carmel. Jacobin History: Charlotte Smiths Old Manor House and The French
Revolution Debate. Romanticism: The Journal of Romantic Culture and Criticism 20.3 (2014):
271-281. MLA International Bibliography. 8 May 2016.

Nachumi, Nora.I am Elizabeth Bennet: Defining Ones Self Through Austen Third Novel.
Volume 4, Issue 1, Winter 2004. Project Muse. Web. 1 May. 2016.

Nygaard, Bertel. The Meanings of "bourgeois Revolution": Conceptualizing the French

Revolution. Science & Society 71.2 (2007): 146172. Web. 3 May. 2016.

Strange, Joanna, Jane Austen, and Derek Strange. Pride and Prejudice. London: Penguin, 1992.
Print.

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