Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist of the novel, commands the role of the second daughter of five from a middle class family, in Hertfordshire, England. She is a narrator of sorts, reflecting the opinion of the author (A Literary History of England 1205). Critic A.C. Bradley said, “Elizabeth Bennet is a girl we are meant to fall in love with” (British Writers 28). Elizabeth is also called “one of the most delightful heroines of fiction” (Cyclopedia of World Authors Volume I 98). She meets Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy when he is a new arrival in the neighborhood, lodging at Nethe

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy comes from the north with long Anglo-Norman aristocratic lineage. His family is rumored to have 10,000 English pounds a year or roughly equivalent to $330,000 American dollars (British Writers 35). He is new in the Hertfordshire, however within the course of one evening his disposition goes from being noble to “His character was decided. He was the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world, and every body hoped that he would never come there again” (Austen 8). Mr. Darcy’s behavior must have been appalling to turn an entire town’s opinion in a single night. He is aghast by Mr. Collins, when Mr. Collins attempts to converse with him without being properly introduced (Austen 66). Actions like this make Mr. Darcy appear to self centered and superior to the local community. Kenneth Moler suggests, “Elizabeth would consider Darcy about as eligible as Varney the Vampire as a prospective marriage partner. Darcy, however, after a few days in her company, is perfectly convinced that if could condescend to propose to her she would jump at the chance to marry him (Moler 23).” Darcy is confident Elizabeth will accept his proposal, another example of Darcy’s pride. He does not see any reason why Elizabeth would refuse his offer. During most social engagements Mr. Darcy speaks only when spoken to. This is best seen during the time spent at Lucas Lodge when Mr. Darcy refuses to speak to anyone outside the party from Netherfield (Austen 17). His rude actions at the ball and his anti-social tendencies make him very unpopular with the local population. Mr. Darcy is perceived to be arrogant, mostly because of his large fortune and reluctance to speak in social settings.

Finally, Mr. Darcy returns to the Hertfordshire area with Mr. Bingley (Austen 215). Mr. Darcy tells Elizabeth, “’If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from your will silence me on this subject for ever.’ Elizabeth feeling all the more than common awkwardness and anxiety of his situation, now forced herself to speak; and immediately, though not very fluently, gave him to understand, that her sentiments had undergone so material a change, since the period to which he alluded, as to make her receive with gratitude and pleasure, his present assurances.” (Austen 235)Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s plans to marry show they put aside their pride and prejudice, which hindered their relationship (Johnson 83).

The days after the Netherfield ball, Bingley frequently visits Longbourn to see Jane, bringing Mr. Darcy with him, forcing Elizabeth to endure Darcy’s solemn presence (Austen 13). During the five days Elizabeth is at Netherfield caring for Jane, Darcy and Elizabeth have almost no communication. An illustration of this lack of communication transpired one day while Elizabeth and Darcy were alone at Netherfield. “Steady to his purpose, he scarcely spoke ten words to her through the whole of Saturday, and though they were at one time left by themselves for half an hour, he adhered most conscientiously to his book, and would not even look at her” (Austen 41). Elizabeth and Darcy spend large amounts of time together, becoming better acquainted with each other’s personalities, however Elizabeth still holds to her first i

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