The adventure of the fascinating world of Lizzy and Darcy described in the classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen was really joyful. The story depicted the first love of young people in old days. Unlike the fast pace establishment and development of a relationship nowadays, they would spend hours, days or even weeks to decipher a meaning of a glance, a word, a smile or an accidental brush of hand, due to the restrained etiquette. Was it not a lovely feeling which he/she secretly loved someone, meanwhile sneakily and desperately dreamed of the mutual sentiment back with uncertainty?
Both Lizzy and Darcy were called ill-proud, yet with different foundations and in different ways. Lizzy's pride was built up with high level of self-confidence, determinedness, nobility and dignity deep in her heart, as well as her bravery to challenge the authority. As a girl of inferior bith and tolerable appearance, Lizzy, since the very beginning, looked at Darcy in a cold, scornful and mischievous way because of his bad reputation of being repugnantly arrogant and conceited. Later she indignantly refused his proposal as a result of the resentment that Darcy undermined the felicitous marriage between Bingley and Jane, as well his mistreatment to Wickham, who disguised himself as a pleasant and agreeable young gentleman. Lizzy's esteem and dignity blinded her fondness to Darcy and therefore led to misunderstanding and strong prejudice toward him. Besides those similar pride elements as Lizzy's, extreme wealth, high social class and his introvert personality all imputed Darcy's pride. However, underneath his pride lied a true, generous and passionate nature. It might be Lizzy's real and natural reflection of herself, her pleasant nature and brave challenge to him that attracted him so that he voluntarily subordinate his pride to confess and convey his true affection to her. At Darcy's side, love softened the pride and granted him valor, which mitigated Lizzy's prejudice and generated more opportunities for both of them to know each other. Not surprisingly, she finally "knew his disposition and talents would most suit her" and "his understanding and temper had answered all her wishes". Deep inside, their pride was not disagreeable haughtiness and super ego, but mainly fit self-respect.
The description of the secret composure when they met was very interesting and lovely. It was scarcely difficult to find out the flame of love burning passionately in their bosoms with addition of dignity and regret, yet meanwhile they endeavored to conceal their true feelings with seemingly calm countenance, which could be one of the most beautiful and romantic moment in the whole love event.
The man she could least stand was just the one she wanted to marry most.
For more information about the novel and movie Pride and Prejudice, please visit:
漫遊 blog
http://blog.wenxuecity.com/blogview.php?date=200706&postID=34948
林貝卡 blog
http://blog.wenxuecity.com/blogview.php?date=200709&postID=6001
