Elizabeth

’s Visit To Pemberly Essay, Research Paper

Elizabeth, the main and favorite character of Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice, learns much about Mr. Darcy’s character from her observations of his land and house and from her conversation with his housekeeper. She learns, contrary to her previous opinions of Mr. Darcy, that he is modest and good tempered, qualities that are very important to Elizabeth. Elizabeth is justified in loving Mr. Darcy, and her interests are not materialistic. When Elizabeth catches first glimpse of Pemberly, she is impressed and “admire[s] every remarkable spot and point of view” (p. 267). She is not only dazzled by the actual beauty of the land, but she is also impressed with its natural beauty, as it had “no artificial appearance” and it was not “falsely adorned” (p. 267). Inside the house, although the rooms are “lofty and handsome”, they are “neither gaudy nor uselessly fine” (p. 268). Elizabeth learns from her observations of the house and land that Mr. Darcy is not showy or gaudy and extravagant as she has found other rich people to be, but tasteful and modest with the use of natural beauty.

Elizabeth had already found Mr. Darcy more favorable than she had before when she saw his land and house, but when she speaks to Mr. Darcy’s housekeeper, she learns more about his character and diplomacy. The housekeeper has nothing but praise for Mr. Darcy. She declares that she “has never had a cross word from [Mr. Darcy] in [her] life” (p. 270), and Elizabeth is impressed and even surprised that Mr. Darcy is so pleasant with his servants. The housekeeper even says that Mr. Darcy is “the best landlord, and the best master, that ever lived” (p. 270). She also informs Elizabeth of how “affable to the poor” (p. 270) Mr. Darcy is. By speaking with Mr. Darcy’s housekeeper, Elizabeth learns that Mr. Darcy is good-hearted and generous.

Elizabeth previously didn’t believe that Mr. Darcy sincerely loved her as much as he said he did, but when she learns more about Mr. Darcy, she discovers that he sincerely loves his family and probably sincerely loves her. Mr. Darcy’s love of and pride in his family is evidenced by his sister’s crayon drawings, much beloved of Mr. Darcy, on the walls of the picture gallery and principle bedrooms instead of fine and expensive paintings and artwork that he could undoubtedly afford. While she is admiring these drawings and the family portraits that are also obviously important to Mr. Darcy, the housekeeper notifies Elizabeth of Mr. Darcy’s fondness of and generosity towards his sister. Elizabeth learns that “this is always the way with [Mr. Darcy] — whatever can give his sister any pleasure, it is sure to be done in a moment,” and that “there is nothing [Mr. Darcy] wouldn’t do for her” (p. 271). Though Elizabeth is certainly impressed with Mr. Darcy’s modesty, taste, and good-heartedness that she has discovered, she is most glad of Mr. Darcy’s love for his family because she one day could be part of the family he loves.

Elizabeth’s impressions of Mr. Darcy are completely wonderful, and many of them opposite of her former opinions, during her early observations of Pemberly. Even Mr. Darcy’s housekeeper regarded him impressively well, as “every idea [she had] brought forward was favorable to his character” (p. 272). Elizabeth learns so much about Mr. Darcy during this visit to Pemberly that she feels as though she knows everything about his character. Elizabeth has sufficient knowledge about Mr. Darcy and justified reasons for loving him.

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