This is achieved through cultural context, characterisation, narratorial commentary, and methods/techniques.

During the 19th Century, first impressions were very important. The reader is presented with Meryton, a highly structured class society which judges people on superficial qualities, such as physical appearance, social status, clothes, possessions, behaviour, dialogue. The message Austen positions the reader to understand, is that a society which makes its judgements based on first impressions is immoral and unjust. (-She uses ?humour? to help convey this in a less-serious tone.)

For example, Mrs Bennett?s first impressions of Mr Bingley were based upon his behaviour and physical appearance.

?Oh! My dear, I am quite delighted with him. He is so excessively handsome!? (Page 16)

Mrs Bennett has a driving force in her behaviour to marry her daughters to wealthy men, who were financially st

The technique of characterisation has a major effect throughout the novel. It helps represent 19th century values and attitudes, as well as portray the notion of first impressions, and demonstrates how they dominated people?s thoughts and minds during that particular time period. There were many incorrect judgements made throughout the novel, which was a result of wrong first impressions.

After seeing Jane together with Mr Bingley at the dinner party, Darcy?s first impressions (which allow him to think that he has the right to interfere in their relationship) force him into believing that Jane (coming from a family less wealthy then his own) is only after Mr Bingley for security, and financial stability. Instead of realising the love they have towards each other, Darcy allows his pride to blind him of the truth and foolishly assume that only a lady of equal status (as his) is worthy of Bingley's love.

For example, whilst Mr Darcy is proposing to Elizabeth (during her stay at Rosing?s Park) he brings up the issues of her family connections, her social status, and family wealth.

His charming personality, and impressive first impressions soon gathered the acceptance and approval of everyone in the community.

Some topics in this essay:
Jane Bingley, Lydia Bennett, Jane Austen, Pride Prejudice, Rosings Park, Elizabeth Bennett, Miss Bingley, Bennett Darcys, Eg Bennett, Darcy Wickham, 19th century, bennett family, throughout novel, based impressions, values attitudes, darcys pride, social status, socially financially lower, superficial qualities, financially lower, jane bingley, values attitudes 19th, attitudes 19th century,