Elizabeth's First Impression Of Darcy Quote
Introduction
Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is a classic novel that has been loved by readers for centuries. The novel's plot revolves around the romantic relationships between the characters, particularly Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. One of the most famous quotes from the novel is Elizabeth's first impression of Darcy, which has been analyzed and discussed by literary scholars and fans alike.
The Quote
The quote in question comes from Chapter 3 of the novel, where Elizabeth and Darcy first meet at a ball:
“She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.”
This quote is significant because it sets the tone for Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship throughout the novel. Elizabeth is insulted by Darcy's arrogance and dismissive attitude towards her, while Darcy is initially unimpressed with Elizabeth's appearance and social status.
Elizabeth's Reaction
Elizabeth's reaction to Darcy's comment is one of shock and anger. She is offended by his condescending tone and the implication that she is not good enough for him. However, Elizabeth is also a strong-willed and independent woman who refuses to be intimidated by Darcy's wealth and status.
Despite her initial dislike of Darcy, Elizabeth is intrigued by him and begins to see beyond his haughty exterior. She is impressed by his intelligence and sense of humor, and begins to appreciate his loyalty and kindness towards his friends and family.
Darcy's Transformation
Darcy's transformation throughout the novel is one of the key themes of Pride and Prejudice. He starts off as a proud and aloof aristocrat who looks down on those he considers beneath him. However, as he gets to know Elizabeth better, he begins to see the error of his ways and becomes a more humble and compassionate person.
By the end of the novel, Darcy is a changed man who is willing to put his pride aside for the woman he loves. He apologizes for his past behavior and does everything in his power to win Elizabeth's heart.
The Importance of First Impressions
The quote "first impressions are the most lasting" is often attributed to Jane Austen, although she never actually wrote those words in any of her novels. However, the idea that first impressions are important is a recurring theme in her writing.
In Pride and Prejudice, both Elizabeth and Darcy make snap judgments about each other based on their first meeting. These initial impressions color their interactions throughout the novel, and it takes time for them to see each other in a different light.
The novel suggests that first impressions can be deceiving and that it's important to look beyond appearances and social status when forming relationships with others.
Conclusion
The quote "She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me" is one of the most famous lines from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. It encapsulates the initial dislike and misunderstandings between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, which eventually give way to love and understanding.
The quote is significant because it highlights the importance of first impressions and the danger of making snap judgments about others. It's a reminder that we should look beyond appearances and social status when forming relationships with others, and that sometimes the people we initially dislike can turn out to be the ones we love the most.