M R . D A R C Y
The outstanding quality of Darcy's character is generosity. Even Wickham
declares that he is generous with money, though he gives him little credit
for it. He says that family price "has often led him to be liberal, generous-
to give his money freely, to display hospitality, to assist his tenants
and relieve the poor" Certainly after the marriage of Wickham and
Lydia, it is strikingly generous of him to provide an income for both.
Another trait in his character is his capacity for action while other people
talk matters. With the expectation of Mr. Gardiner the members of the family
show little initiative in dealing with the affair of Wickham and Lydia,
but Darcy finds their hiding-place, insists on the marriage, makes it financially
possible and is even present at the wedding.
He certainly has the power of attracting attention. At his first appearance
we are told of his "fine tall person, handsome features, noble mein and
the report, which was in general circulation within five minutes of his
entrance, of his having ten thousands a year". His manners do not arouse
universal admiration on this first occasion, and we are told that he is
considered to have the "most forbidding, disagreeable countenance"
Opposition arouses him; it is Elizabeth’s resentment and her method of
treating him that makes him determined to know her better and he takes
a delight in provoking her to arrogance. He has no scruples about being
rude to people whom he dislikes; his treatment of Miss Bingley (who certainly
deserves it ) is bordering on insolence. When this lady teases him him
about his friendliness with Elizabeth, he remarks curtly, "Have you anything
else to propose for my domestic felicity?" and he describes her desire
to walk about the room to a desire to show off her figure.
Nevertheless his courtesy towards the Gardiners, whose sterling qualities
he recognizes, is very noticeable. Certainly Darcy is the embodiment of
pride.Even when she loves Elizabeth so dearly that he asks her to marry
him he never forgets his own position and his own superiority. He has little
imagination, for he never supposes for an instant that Elizabeth could
possibly refuse his offer of marriage, nor does he realize that he could
hurt her by trying to take away Bingley from Jane. In fact he rejoices
quite openly in the success of this strategy. A realistic touch in the
characterization of Darcy appears when he imputes to Elizabeth his own
feeling of pride, "Your pride is hurt by my honest confession."”.
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