Why Mr. Darcy, Indeed?
by Suzanne Hadley on 11/19/2008 at 4:04 PM
Not to belabor the point, but I must chime in on Heather's excellent post on Mr. Darcy. I, too, am a lover of P & P (only the BBC version will do). It began when my college English professor played a portion of the film in our lit class. A friend and I watch it yearly, just after Thanksgiving.
The truth is, this story evokes something in a woman's heart that is worth considering. One of my favorite passages from Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller makes this point:
Here's a tip I've never used: I understand you can learn a great deal about girldom by reading "Pride and Prejudice," and I own a copy, but I have never read it. I tried. It was given to me by a girl with a little note inside that read: "What is in this book is the heart of a woman." I am sure the heart of a woman is pure and lovely, but the first chapter of said heart is hopelessly boring. Nobody dies at all. I keep the book on my shelf because girls come into my room, sit on my couch, and eye the books on the adjacent shelf. "You have a copy of Pride and Prejudice," they exclaim in a gentle sigh and smile. "Yes," I say. "Yes, I do."
While I don't advocate men using Pride and Prejudice as a means to impress women (although I find this anecdote amusing), there is a nugget of truth in Miller's observation. What is it about the story that "is the heart of a woman"? Heather gave two examples: a woman's desire to bring out the best in a guy, and her attraction to a faithful, devoted, strong man.
I have another to add. Women swoon over Mr. Darcy because he is strongly and exclusively drawn to Elisabeth. He sees who she is — a reader, a walker, a devoted sister — and he cannot help but love her for the things that make her unique among women (despite the fact that she is not an ideal match for him socially). That is a woman's dream. To be seen, accepted and desired for who she is.
Additionally, as some commentors noted, both characters change. They bring out the best in one another — and challenge each other on their shortcomings — which is one of the primary functions of marriage: "As iron sharpens iron" (Prov. 27:17). Of course, this type of refinement can happen outside of a romantic context, but romance and marriage can be a special glue that allows such influence to "set."
In this sense, the dream of changing someone is not an unbiblical fantasy (although it is God who does the changing). If you open your heart to someone, both of you will change. That's not even a question. If the changes you desire to see are those that drive both of you closer to the Savior, then such a dream is not wrong.
My take on the whole P & P issue is to keep your dreams about love and marriage as long as they flow from the heart of God. Philippians 4:8 may be a good test: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things." Personally, I think Mr. Darcy's character fits the bill.
1. Lauren said the following at 4:23 PM on Nov 19
I really don't think the swooning-woman affect is what Austen was attempting at all. In fact, from the ironic tone of her work, she'd likely despise such silly women.
The joy of Austen is her wittiness and willingness to merrily expose the folly of others. The book truly isn't heavy on sappy, fawning romance, but rather a comedy of manners.
If the "heart of a woman" is exemplified in the novel, it seems that what women find desirable is an intellectual and moral equal (and perhaps some subversive upward mobility?).
2. Christine said the following at 4:59 PM on Nov 19
I didn't read P&P until after I'd already finished my BA in English and , while I greatly respect Austen's contributions to the literary community (particularly considering the period in which she wrote), I have to say that Austen does not contain my heart. She merely plays on the romantic urges that most women dream of, but which seem to fail in reality.
To explain myself - I'm not immune to romantic wishes. But - P&P only follows Darcy and Elisabeth up to engagement...it misses the true heart of what love is. After over 61 years of marriage, my grandfather passed away. But, on the last day that I saw him alive, his face still lit up when my grandma walked into the room and he couldn't wait for her to hug him. To still want to be with someone after 61 years of arguments, joys, sorrows, etc. - that is love and that is what my heart desires in a romantic relationship.
I want a husband who will be more in love with me when I'm 87, white haired and wrinkled than he is when I'm 27. But - that doesn't happen until after you spend years together...going through the good and the bad. The relationship depicted by Austen isn't bad, but it barely covers the depth of what love really is.
3. Kelly said the following at 6:34 PM on Nov 19
Just a random question - has anyone else seen the recent (British) series "Lost in Austen"? I found it absolutely delightful and a lot of fun!
(And yes, very romantic as well - once again, I found myself swooning after Mr. Darcy. While of course keeping in mind that it is an idealised romanticism!)
4. Esther said the following at 8:22 PM on Nov 19
I have only known two men in my life that I would seriously consider marrying. I was convinced of that from the moment I met them. Not based on their appearance, prosperity or charm. Many men have surpassed them in those traits.
Rather, these two guys radiated character. They were very different from each other, yet both were honest, responsible, spoke and acted respectfully toward me and others, and in every way demonstrated that they have dedicated their lives to being honorable men. Just by being in contact with them, I was challenged in my own attitudes and motivations to strive to be a better person. Not in hope of winning their affection, but simply by the encouragement of knowing that they exist. So guys, the "Darcy factor" is not charm, wealth or even necessarily romantic gestures. In my experience, women are looking for a true man, one who is honorable to the core and will do the right thing even to his own hurt.
Oh, and my first statement isn't quite true. I know another great man, but he's taken. My father has that same depth of integrity- perhaps that's how I recognize it.
5. The Lurker said the following at 8:30 PM on Nov 19
I love Pride and Prejudice and occasionally subject my poor husband to all five hours of it occasionally (though he makes me watch the super bowl in return!). He even went to the new remake with me, which was a very manly thing to do as there was only one other guy in a whole theatre full of twenty something women. It might not be a bad way to meet eligible young ladies at that! After all, a single man of large fortune must be in want of a wife!
6. Gabrielle said the following at 8:41 PM on Nov 19
For the record, I'm a woman and have never been able to stand P&P. ew.
7. Godfrey said the following at 8:57 PM on Nov 19
Men really should read Jane Austen. And watch the better film adaptations. Why? Let me count the ways.
1. They're good books.
2. There's nothing quite like hearing about how your sister's girl friends are somewhat scandalized that her brothers watch Jane Austen films with her.
3. Great conversation topic.
4. There's nothing quite like being compared to Colonel Brandon. And having an idea of what that means.
5. Imagine being in the situation described in the Miller quote, and actually being able to carry on an intelligent conversation regarding Austen.
Regarding 5, I unfortunately cannot speak from personal experience, since I have yet to collect Austen's works. I can, however, vouch for the importance of having the complete box set of Anne of Green Gables, and being able to discuss it.
8. Tara said the following at 9:54 PM on Nov 19
"The joy of Austen is her wittiness and willingness to merrily expose the folly of others. The book truly isn't heavy on sappy, fawning romance, but rather a comedy of manners." (Comment #1)
I agree with this assessment completely. Austen is my favourite author and it's her humour and ability to capture the foibles of humanity that make how the characters relate to one another so believable and entertaining. It's 200 years later and readers are still able to identify with the situations even though arranged marriages or dowries aren't the norm here in North America.
"If the "heart of a woman" is exemplified in the novel, it seems that what women find desirable is an intellectual and moral equal "
Once again, I completely agree. Mr Darcy treated Elizabeth like a human being--not some prize of gallantry/flirtation or potential addition of fortune. He didn't play games. He was genuine & had a respect for those who did not bow to society's more frivolous expectations. Probably explains why he was such good friends with a slightly naive man like Mr. Bingly.
Yes, Mr. Darcy is idealized, but then so is the woman in Proverbs 31. It is ideal to meet the ideals but that's why we have grace: to stand in the gap for reality. Striving for the ideal is to be lauded. And that's what I think is good to look for in a man or woman--that desire to grow and mature in one's faith. I'd argue that both Darcy and Elizabeth reach that point in their relationship at the end of the novel. They know the other is not perfect but they allow room and patience for the other to grow.
And don't judge Mr Darcy just because there are many Miss Bingley's who admire him for all the wrong reasons. :P
9. Nicole said the following at 11:15 PM on Nov 19
There's a fun little bbc mini-series called Lost in Austen that I have recently stumbled across. It's about a modern girl who is in love with Pride and Prejudice, she finds a magic doorway into the story , she then switches lives with Elizabeth for the duration of the story and totally, utterly messes everything up for the characters, nothing occurs as it should. She also finds that the characters and their way of life may not have been so honest and romantic and wonderful as she has always dreamed it would be, that things are not always as they appear to be in books. Its not the greatest show I've every seen, i'm sure there will be those who find a thousand faults and want to rip it to shreds, but I thought it was at least interesting and entertaining. I mean really, what girl hasn't wanted to trade places with Elizabeth. Anyway, I wonder if any one else has seen it?
10. BDB said the following at 2:04 PM on Nov 20
So...the women start posting on Mr. Darcy, so the men start posting poetry?
11. Leslie said the following at 6:02 PM on Nov 20
I actually just started reading P&P last week, after watching the mini-series this summer and having a friend giving me a hard time because I never read fiction.
There is a quote (not found in the movie) where Darcy is talking to Miss Bingley where he says, "The mind of a woman is very rapid. It goes from admiration to love. From love to matrimony in a matter of seconds."
(my paraphrase)
When I read that, I thought, "so, I'm not the only one who thinks that way? I thought I was just obsessed with being married..."
maybe I am, or maybe I learned something about the heart of a woman.
12. Lauren J said the following at 9:46 PM on Nov 20
Random fact: in WWI, the most common book besides the Bible brought by British soldiers to the front was Pride and Prejudice.
13. brx said the following at 12:38 AM on Nov 21
I still like the way Josh Harris put it: "No matter how bad you screw up, if you're a gazillionaire, it all works out ok in the end." :)
Funny these posts come up as I've just watched the A&E version. Humorous as Harris' statement is, I don't think it's all that far off. Darcy did have strong good character, but it was a couple of visible and very large expenditures that seriouly grabbed Elisabeth's notice. (Darcy's house and his rescuing her sister's good name)
I wonder, how many people these days concern themselves with outlasting their critics, and how many critics continue to pay any attention?
Grace & peace
14. Lucie said the following at 7:59 AM on Nov 21
Esther has already commented eloquently on the factor of character being an attraction, but her post reminded me of a passage I've never forgotten near the end of the book, because it sounded so like what I was looking for. Mr. Bennett, on being applied to for his daughter's hand by Darcy and not knowing that she has come to love him, tells her afterwards that he "knows her nature too well," that she must "esteem [her husband] as her superior." I think all women want a man they can truly "look up to."
15. Christina (in green) said the following at 12:33 PM on Nov 21
BRX, #13
Visible and very large expenditures?
From the very first chapter of the book, EVERYONE knows how much money he makes...10,000 lbs a year?
A big house kinda goes into the equation with money like that...
His house had little to do with it and Elizabeth was never supposed to find out about his bailing out her sister (Lydia has a big mouth).
Considering Elizabeth knew his worth from the get-go, I think it only served to facilitate her prejudiced opinion of him (rich snob full of pride???)
When visiting his home, she got some insight on what he was MADE of. His housekeeper had nothing but glowing remarks about her employer. There were other things around his house that bespoke his inner character, as well.
Not money.
16. BDB said the following at 2:19 PM on Nov 21
brx (#13) wrote:
>>but it was a couple of visible and very large expenditures that seriouly grabbed Elisabeth's notice. (Darcy's house and his rescuing her sister's good name)<<
Wait - there was more to it than just expending the money. There was a serious leadership issue involved.
Remember that Elizabeth took up with Wickham in part because Darcy was annoying. When Elizabeth rejected his proposal, she cited as one of the things, Darcy's treatment of Wickham.
He responded to that charge. In fact, in his letter after she rejected his proposal, he takes full responsibility for not doing more to protect people from Wickham. First Wickham broke the heart of Darcy's sister, then there's Elizabeth, and finally going off to London with Lydia.
While creating a Dowry for Lydia and securing a commission for Wickham are indeed expenditures, are they really more than he gave Wickham in the past? If he had simply put the word out on the guy earlier, it's possible none of this would have happened. Darcy made the decision to "fix" the situation and take responsibility for letting Wickham mess up their family. One suspects that Darcy made Wickham an "offer he couldn't refuse." I'm sure Darch had the power to make Wickham's life quite difficult if Wickham wanted to continue to play the field.
From a propriety standpoint, what he does next may be more important. Covering up the Lydia affair fixes one mistake. But then he apparently goes back to his friend Bingley and suggests he should, in fact, marry Jane. This fixes the second mistake Elizabeth accused him of-denying Jane happiness. And the thing is, fixing the Lydia situation would be enough for someone who didn't know about it to marry Jane. Darcy DOES know about it, and STILL encourages Bingley to go back.
But notice that he doesn't re-approach Elizabeth. At that point, apparently no one else knows she turned down his proposal. I doubt Elizabeth's aunt and uncle would have suggested visiting Darcy's estate if they had known. And Jane's comment the night after she is engaged to Bingley - suggesting that "someday" someone will propose to her. At that momen, Jane apparently has no idea, either.
Darcy doesn't re-approach Elizabeth until after she stands up to his aunt. One presumes he did all these things assuming her answer was still "no," but he also clearly decided that her objections had merit and acted on them.
17. Lisa Anderson said the following at 4:51 PM on Nov 21
That is a woman's dream. To be seen, accepted and desired for who she is.
Amen. I'm still dreaming.
18. Where has all the beauty gone? said the following at 9:04 PM on Nov 21
P&P, as you call it, is my least favorite of Jane Austen's books. This is all because of the last piece of dialogue quoted. I won't spoil it for those who would like to read it. I would instead recommend "Persuasion" by the same author. The heroine is more worthy of admiration in this one.
19. Jo said the following at 11:33 PM on Nov 21
Confession:
I have a literal 'Darcy List'.
The first draft was written in high school after the reading of said book. It contains a list of the important characteristics I am looking for in a husband. Sitting down and revising it made me think long and hard about what was vital, and I believe the book's concept also contains a strong metaphor:make sure you understand your 'list', whether written or not, before making any foolish decisions.
Darcy's estate:
I noticed that both the BBC and the 2005 P&P both seem to have a strong emphasis on Elizabeth 'suddenly changing her mind once she sees what she could have had'--or at least that's the impression it leaves on many viewers. This is not the correct one, though it is easy to see how it is come by. The book is slightly different.
The movies may have that effect just because it's a scene with deep impact--yes, here is his huge pompous and moneyed house, and what does he do with himself? Listen to his little sister play and fill his housekeeper with admiration(I shall overlook the lake diving as purely fictional :D).
20. kaarina said the following at 5:47 AM on Nov 22
I keep trying to write a little lecture in here about how I think Jane Austen doesn't have the niche cornered on the heart of a woman, but I can't find the right things to say. In my opinion, Pride and Prejudice is deeply flawed by the insular nature of the book, how the characters are oblivious and unaware to anything going on outside their social circle, and the glorification of "moving up" by marriage (both Elizabeth and Jane do).
I could take this post to again expound on the virtues of my personal favorite "English Romance Between The Classes" novel, Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South, which features a much deeper plot about doing what you think is right in the face of adversity and social upheaval, the meaning of charity, and the redemptive qualities of love. But I won't do that.
Instead I will venture that while many women may read Pride and Prejudice and desire romance, I have always wanted adventure. I think many women also feel the same way I do -- romance takes many forms, and lovers woo a thousand different ways, and those we love and those who love us are as varied as the human race. But I think what Pride and Prejudice lacks that I, and many other women hunger after, is a sense of real adventure, of going outside of what you know, of engaging in the world in a positive way, making a difference in the lives of the people you meet. How is Elizabeth making the world a better place? How is Darcy, for that matter? He puts band-aids on the social issues of his time, instead of addressing them in a meaningful way.
Adventure isn't just a guy's desire. When I think about what I want from a husband, I want someone who will join me on the breathless journey of life, working beside me to redeem the world as God has redeemed me, to make it better, more fair, more kind, more charitable, more just. Someone who is my co-adventurer, someone who pushes me to go new places, do new things, to be brave, to be virtuous, to live my life out loud and in a way that I don't have to die ashamed I hadn't done more.
There's more to a woman's heart and desires than just to be loved and wooed, gentlemen. If you don't get the appeal of Pride and Prejudice, it's okay. Not everyone finds it appealing.
21. Elisabeth (not Bennet) said the following at 11:10 PM on Nov 23
I do not propose to be a great literary critic. I have read all of Jane Austen's novels and do like them as a diversion but I do see Idealism in the men she has crafted. I would venture to say that a vast majority of the opposite sex in her day were very much unlike her characters. Just as they are in our own modern day romance novels. As were the women she delt with from day to day. My guess was that the purpose of her writing was for them to change, just as her character's did.
In addition, while I agree that Austen was of the ironic type (#1) I also think she was a romantic and as such wrote about impossible matches becomming possible because of goodness of character and love.
As for Darcy, he is a good man and for me, it is the Pursuit of a man with Character and Integrity that draws me to him. If those are too high of standards then I think someone needs to refresh me what a Godly male is supposed to look like because I must be confused.
22. Jo said the following at 12:35 PM on Nov 24
Christina: "10,000 lbs"
LOL. We only use lbs when we're talking about weight. Never money. But maybe we should, it's kinda fun. :)
BDB: "Darcy doesn't re-approach Elizabeth until after she stands up to his aunt. One presumes he did all these things assuming her answer was still "no," but he also clearly decided that her objections had merit and acted on them."
See now, that's pretty cool.
23. BDB said the following at 8:02 PM on Nov 24
Jo (#22) wrote:
>>See now, that's pretty cool.<<
BDB writing that down for future reference.
24. brx said the following at 8:13 PM on Nov 24
I suppose I should clarify;
when I wrote "visible and large expenditures", I meant that they became visible to Elisabeth. She had not thought about it before when it was just 'money', but manifested as something important to her - a beautiful outdoor nature view, and her sisters' and family's good name - it made her take more notice of Darcy. I did not suggest those things specifically changed her mind about Darcy, but that they captured her attention enough to make her pause and re-examine. If Elisabeth had not been catured by the view of Darcy's grounds, she probably would not have wanted to go in the house at all. And, when Elisabeth did the math about what it likely cost to repair her sister's situation, it made her think again - and see him as a man who would make a large sacrifice to help in a situation that really isn't his responsibility. (though when able, many guys like to 'fix' all kinds of 'problems' for girls - even if the girl doesn't want to marry them) (and that might be a problem in itself)
It really was not Darcy's responsibility to go blabbing Wickham's past to everyone under the guise of 'protecting them'. For all Darcy knew, Wickham might have repented of his ways. Rightly, Darcy only defended himself with the truth, against Elisabeth's accusation. Naive and self-minded, Lydia probably wouldn't have listened to Elisabeth's warnings about getting to know Wickham better. Really, the Lydia problem was due to her father's major lapse in judgement to let a 15yr old go off alone on a trip with a bunch of young military guys -- even though he was well-warned by his most sensible daughter.
Really though, what are we DOING here?? - these are fictional characters with scripted feelings, thoughts, meetings, character, happenstances, knowlege and actions. REAL LOVE DOES NOT HAPPEN THIS WAY IN REAL LIFE. If these characters really did exist today, they would never have ended up together.
Austen's point is about examining our OWN subtle prides and prejudices, of which there are many. The real stories come from the old couples in our communities. If you don't already have a few, get some. Then, ask them lots of questions.
Grace, peace & adventure!
25. brx said the following at 8:28 PM on Nov 24
I thought PBS' REGENCY HOUSE PARTY was kind of an interesting insight into some customs of that social era that Austen writes about.
"The Regency lasted a mere nine years - from 1811 until 1820 - but the period left a huge impression on modern history. The opulent era introduced the world not only to the works of Coleridge, Keats and Wordsworth, but also to personal trainers, the tabloid press, fashion icons and celebrity "attitude." Most people know a little about the period from the luminous fiction of Jane Austen. But what was it really like to live and love during the Regency, with its social stratification and its formal courtship rituals? What was the experience of trying to find a mate in a world where a man was not even allowed to call a woman by her first name until they were married? Viewers will find out as they follow the trials and triumphs of the REGENCY HOUSE PARTY."
It's a PG-13 kinda film, but most interesting seeing some of the modern-day attitudes that change through the course.
http://www.pbs.org/previews/regencyhouse/
Goto the Shop PBS and search for Regency House
...wow, the price has gone waaay up! but the VHS media is low.
Grace, peace & adventure!
26. DJS said the following at 10:28 PM on Nov 24
20. kaarina
That is very well said. I think that is actually in many ways what scares guys and intimidates them about Mr. Darcy.
Here is a guy who has no physical adventures and excursions to excite a man in any way, and yet he is seen as so much the ideal for women.
I know there are many great characteristics shown by Mr. Darcy, but many of the characteristics that the man's heart desires are not shown and to think that a man must leave behind these elements of manhood to appeal to women is disheartening.
It is for this reason that I love westerns. So many of the characters in westerns have many of Darcy's characteristics, but also have lives full of adventure, danger, and hard physical work. Things that seems completely foreign to Mr. Darcy.
27. BDB said the following at 12:33 PM on Nov 25
brx (#24) wrote:
>>(though when able, many guys like to 'fix' all kinds of 'problems' for girls - even if the girl doesn't want to marry them) (and that might be a problem in itself)<<
Yes, at men's retreats they talk about how men should ask their spouse, "Do you want me to just listen or offer solutions?"
More seriously, what do you do when someone is clearly failing because they are too stubborn to take a different approach to a problem? I don't just mean a woman who is complaining about the same problem over and over again. I mean when they are stubbornly clinging to a failed approach and refuse to discuss alternative perspectives.
Most of the married couples I know have a story where they changed their opinion about their future spouse. There was some operational thing that happened, and their future spouse did something about it. They could react in one of two ways:
A) Be offended that they crossed their boundaries
B) Recognize that they brought a contribution to the table that was different from their own perspective
I remember one time at a restaurant when we were seated close to another table with two married couples. One was relating how on their 2nd date, her future husband showed up with wires and tools and re-wired her stereo system because she had it set up wrong.
So, the guy definitely took initiative to fix something. I'm sure she had to decide whether or not to let him. I know several women who are hostile to men taking initiative like that. Perhaps that is why they are still single.
28. Christina (in green) said the following at 1:03 PM on Nov 25
brx (#24),
I do agree with you that this is kinda silly to be arguing about literary characters as if their reputation were at stake >.<
But STILL...I can't help it =p
Elizabeth was changing her opinion about Darcy way before the house and her sister...
The letter BDB brings up was the source of most of the change and the introduction of the first "character witness" that Elizabeth respected on his own merit in the form of Colonol Fitzwilliam (who was present at Lady Catherine's) - Mr. Darcy's cousin or some relation...
He had good things to say about Darcy as well...that corroborated with the letter that Darcy gave her. So, that's when things began to change.
Its my favorite scene in the book because it is the climax I think of the novel? I think that's what its called - its the pivotal point where the change begins to occur...in both Darcy and Elizabeth.
29. BDB said the following at 9:20 PM on Nov 25
Alas, I'm not an English major, but I don't think that the letter is the climax. Rather, it is the tipping point for Elizabeth's feelings.
The Climax would seem to be Lydia's elopement to London. At that point, we don't know if the affair will end as a tragedy, with the Bennett family forever embarassed, or if something else will happen.
Perhaps the climax is in fact Elizabeth's confrontation with Darcy's Aunt, as it's the first time she says out loud something that suggests she has changed her mind. It is a "showdown" scene, if you will.
Perhaps someone can diagram the plot...
30. Christina (in green) said the following at 10:10 AM on Nov 26
Lol. Thanks BDB.
Its still a pivotal point. Its when Darcy gets over his pride and Elizabeth begins to see through her prejudices.
31. BDB said the following at 1:33 PM on Nov 26
Here's a passage we can all ponder during the holidays:
'It may perhaps be pleasant,' replied Charlotte, 'to be able to impose on the public in such a case; but it is sometimes a disadvantage to be so very guarded. If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him; and it will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally in the dark. There is so much of gratitude or vanity in almost every attachment, that it is not safe to leave any to itself. We can all begin freely -- a slight preference is natural enough; but there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement. In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better shew more affection than she feels. Bingley likes your sister undoubtedly; but he may never do more than like her, if she does not help him on.'
32. Paul Clutterbuck said the following at 10:02 PM on Dec 19
Christina #15: Forgive me for being pedantic, but please don't use lbs as a monetary measure; it's only used for weights. Use 'pounds' if you don't have the proper character on your keyboard, or - better still - go look up Start Menu>Accessories>System Tools>Character Map and find the £ symbol.
33. Adie said the following at 7:51 PM on Jan 16
In response to a comment Jo (#19) made further up the page which I will quote here;
"Darcy's estate:
I noticed that both the BBC and the 2005 P&P both seem to have a strong emphasis on Elizabeth 'suddenly changing her mind once she sees what she could have had'--or at least that's the impression it leaves on many viewers. This is not the correct one, though it is easy to see how it is come by. The book is slightly different."
The book is indeed different, but to come from a different angle I disagree on this point and to prove this I will quote from the actual book itself,
This quote is taken from the part where Jane is talking to Elizabeth about her accepting Mr Darcy's proposal.
It is as follows;
Jane- 'My dearest sister, now be serious. I want to talk very seriously. Let me know everything I am to know without delay. Will you tell me how long you have loved him?'
'It has been coming on so gradually, that I hardly know when it began. But I believe I must date it from my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley.'
End of quote.
Now that was the part where I was adamant about her falling not in love with Darcy, but instead with his 'beautiful grounds'. I had suspected the whole book but this was the part which just got me. One other part was when she was at Pemberley for the first time I remember her thinking how she could have been the mistress of all these beautiful rooms.
Also somebody also suggested in this discussion it was just seeing the grounds that made her realise there's good in him however this still means to me that she originally fell in love with the grounds.
This is just what I gathered from the book :) So what do you think?
-Adie
34. BDB said the following at 1:04 AM on Jan 17
Adie #33 wrote:
>>This is just what I gathered from the book :) So what do you think?<<
Ok, how about this: she went from hostile to neutral after reading the letter, and began the trip into positive territory after seeing the grounds, and realizing what he had offered her...though I think the positive comments by his housekeeper followed pretty closely on her seeing the grounds.
35. Adie said the following at 8:00 PM on Jan 17
In response to #34 by BDB;
I can see where you coming from and I think you are correct in saying her strong hatred somewhat subsided after reading that letter, however as you said,
"after seeing the grounds, and realizing what he had offered her"
I think what she realized was that he was far greater and more powerful than she had anticipated and she could have been too if she had accepted.
The housekeepers comments did indeed seem to shine a good light on Darcy, but lets for one second imagine that the grounds were awful and dark and dreary, would Elizabeth have listened to the housekeepers account of Darcy being wonderful with the belief and positivity that she did?
I don't think she would have, I believe that Elizabeth all in all was a fairly shallow person, as her instant regard for the handsome and happy Wickham suggests.
~Adie