The Complex Relationship Between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in 'Pride and Prejudice'

In Pride and Prejudice, the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is one of the most complex and intriguing in Jane Austen's work. The initial hatred or rather strong dislike that Elizabeth harbors towards Mr. Darcy is a driving force in the narrative, significantly shaping the plot and character development.

Why Does Elizabeth Hate Mr. Darcy at the Beginning of the Novel?

Elizabeth's hatred towards Mr. Darcy at the beginning of the novel stems from his perceived arrogance and callousness. When Mr. Darcy first makes his appearance in Hertfordshire, Elizabeth's initial opinion is that he is ‘amusing if irritating’—a reflection of her disdain for his pride.

A deep-rooted feeling of mutual disdain begins when Darcy refuses to do Elizabeth's 'homework' for her, alluding to a business meeting. This action is seen as a form of condescension and prejudice, reflecting the societal norms of the time. Despite societal expectations and the expectations of her family, Elizabeth feels that Darcy's behavior is unnecessary and unacceptable. Her modern sensibilities judge Darcy to be… well, arrogant. This early friction between the characters becomes a central theme in the novel, permeating their interactions and decisions throughout the narrative.

Elizabeth's Initial Perception of Mr. Darcy

Elizabeth's views on Mr. Darcy are shaped by the societal expectations of the time. She is more contemporary in her judgment, viewing Darcy's pride as excessive and out of place. At the beginning, Elizabeth sees Darcy as an example of someone who is overly concerned with social status and lacks humility. In Austen's world, Darcy is a 'man of quality', but Elizabeth, who views the world through a more egalitarian lens, sees him as a person who is unnecessarily prideful.

Elizabeth despises the way Darcy behaves – he has not yet developed the virtue of humility and lacks kindness towards those he considers 'inferior' in social status. This perspective is evident when she first encounters Darcy and his interaction with her sister Jane. Darcy's interference in Bingley's affairs and his letter of explanation later in the novel further solidify his perception in Elizabeth's mind, but her hatred is more a form of intense dislike rather than outright hatred.

The Transformation of Elizabeth's View of Mr. Darcy

By the time Elizabeth reads Mr. Darcy's letter of explanation, her view of him undergoes a significant softening. Initially, she is angry and calls him a 'hateful man'. However, after coming to understand Darcy's actions and motivations, she begins to see him in a more favorable light. The letter reveals the depth of Darcy's genuine concerns for social justice and his desire to do what he believes is right, even in the face of social constraints.

The reconciliation that occurs in the latter part of the novel demonstrates Darcy's capacity for growth and change. Unlike Elizabeth, who is more in touch with contemporary values, Darcy's journey to becoming a more humble and understanding individual is marked by his recognition of the societal prejudices he once upheld. This transformation is crucial in their relationship and in the development of Pride and Prejudice as a critique of the times.

An optimistic interpretation of this novel could be that Elizabeth's influence has a profound effect on Darcy's personality. Perhaps she encourages him to 'file off the rougher edges' of his character, teaching him the virtues of sympathy and kindness. This is exemplified in the final scenes where Darcy's actions are shown to be rooted in genuine care and respect for others, not just for those he considers 'equal' in social status.

In conclusion, the complex relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy is a testament to the power of Austen's storytelling in exploring the nuances of love, prejudice, and personal growth. The initial hatred between the two is more a form of intense dislike than outright hatred, and the eventual transformation in their views of each other is a reflection of the profound social commentary in Pride and Prejudice.