Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice illustrates how first impressions can be misleading. We can see that people have to get over their pride and prejudice to accept one another for more than their initial meeting. Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist, is insulted when the seemingly proud Darcy turns down her offer to dance with her and later on insults her. Her impression of Darcy remains as arrogant and selfish. Her dislike for Darcy deepens when she meets Wickham, a man who claims to have ruined his life because of Darcy. However, Darcy's interest in Elizabeth grows, as he is charmed by her lively spirit and intelligence. His interest turns to love and leads him to offer Elizabeth a proposal of marriage. Elizabeth is very surprised and even a bit flattered, but her feelings soon turn to anger when he lists all the reasons he had hesitated his regard, including her family's lack of propriety, and she turns him down. Darcy in turn, is surprised by her refusal. They depart in anger. The following day Darcy gives Elizabeth a letter and leaves without saying goodbye. After reading the letter, Elizabeth is shocked to learn that her accusations of Darcy had all been false. That Wickham was a hypocrite and the reason Darcy separated Bingley and Jane was because he thought Jane's affections were not as great as Bingley's. She meets Darcy at Pemberley estate, where he behaves in a kind manner, his true nature. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth again, and she happily accepts. This novel was interesting because it showed how dislike can turn to love once you get over first impressions. It also showed that first impressions are very strong and difficult to get over, like Elizabeth and Darcy. Upon their first meeting, Elizabeth is prejudiced against Darcy, while Darcy behaves in a proud manner. However, they mature throughout the novel and are able to succeed in a marriage.