Darcy's Proposal in Pride and Prejudice: A Critical Analysis

page 35 (the proposal)Paula Alvarez

Jane Austen, throughout the novel Pride and Prejudice, uses various stylistic techniques to emphasize the tone and mood of her characters. Mr. Darcy's proposal in Chapter 34 takes readers by surprise. While his strong feelings for Elizabeth Bennet were evident, his manner of proposing and presenting himself was by no means gentlemanly, making Elizabeth's rejection of his rude offer unsurprising.

Elizabeth's Emotional Turmoil and Darcy's Arrogance

Elizabeth experiences a range of emotions towards Mr. Darcy's shocking proposal. He declares, “you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” His declaration is straightforward and honest, and the adverb “ardently” highlights the strength and passion of his love. However, it is crucial to remember that there were “feelings besides those of the heart.” Mr. Darcy spoke as much about his feelings for her as about his perceived superiority. Unable to lie, he revealed everything he should have kept to himself.

Austen employs significant negative diction to describe Elizabeth's social status, including terms like:

• “inferiority”
• “degradation”
• “family obstacles”

This infuriates Elizabeth, who expected him to focus more on his feelings than on the societal problems surrounding the proposal. The imbalance is clear, allowing readers to imagine Elizabeth's distress. Austen masterfully uses a simple sentence with words like “astonishment,” “coloured,” and “doubted” to convey the profound impact of the proposal on Elizabeth and how little she anticipated it. This reveals Mr. Darcy's arrogance and self-worth; he believes that because Elizabeth is of a lower class, it is a significant concession for him to consider marrying her. Reassuring someone that you are no longer bothered by their inferiority is hardly romantic.

Mr. Darcy is almost certain of a favorable answer, believing no other woman in the country would have ever said no to such an offer. Austen notes, “she could now see that he had no doubt of a favorable answer,” and “his countenance expressed real security.” Yet, despite his love for Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy remains prideful, and Elizabeth responds harshly.

Elizabeth's Resolute Refusal and Darcy's Shock

Austen illustrates how Elizabeth initially felt some pity for Mr. Darcy and even appreciated him, but she could no longer tolerate his demeanor. She lost all “compassion in anger.” This powerful juxtaposition reinforces her mood at that moment, leading her to unleash the full force of her prejudice against Mr. Darcy, finally allowing him to see her true opinion of him. She quickly recollects herself, however, and attempts to remain composed, using short sentences without exclamation marks to convey her shock while maintaining composure. “The colour rose into her cheeks” emphasizes the intensity of her feelings.

Austen ironically highlights societal expectations of women during that era: “In such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed.” Elizabeth's refusal completely takes Mr. Darcy by surprise. “He seemed to catch her words with no less resentment than surprise,” and “her eyes were fixed on her.” This indicates Mr. Darcy's intense focus on Elizabeth, appearing nervous, worried, or shocked by her words. The tone of each character deepens, and Mr. Darcy struggles to compose himself: “he was struggling for the appearance of composure.” He had not anticipated this answer, especially after initially expressing “real security” when proposing. Mr. Darcy cannot comprehend why Elizabeth has refused him “with so little endeavor at civility.”