MR DARCY

MR DARCY

1. KEY QUOTES

   • He 'drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien: and the report...of his having ten thousand a year.'
     • Darcy commands attention with his good looks, distinguished manner and wealth.
   • 'the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world'.
     • His silence and superior manner can give offence
   • Elizabeth 'attracted him more than he liked'.
     • He is strongly attracted to Elizabeth but aware of the difference in their social status.
   • 'He is the best landlord, and the best master...that ever lived...Some people call him proud: but I am sure I never saw anything of it.'
     • His housekeeper, Mrs Reynolds, gives a different perspective on her employer.
   • 'His complexion became pale with anger, and the disturbance of his mind was visible in every feature
     • Darcy is self controlled and often silent. Austen frequently uses description of body language to suggest his hidden feelings.

2. ROLE IN THE NOVEL

   • Mr Darcy is a rich landowner who has a higher social status than any other character in the novel. He is the nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh and is the novel's hero.
   • He first appears with his friend Bingley at a public ball in Meryton.
   • He becomes attached to Elizabeth while she is visiting Jane at Netherfield
   • He reappears when Elizabeth is visiting her friend Charlotte in Kent; asks Elizabeth to marry him but rejects him.
   • He welcomes Elizabeth and the Gardiners at his country estate, Pemberly
   • He rescues Lydia from disgrace by arranging a regimental post for Wickham and paying his debts
   • He eventually returns to Longbourn, proposes to Elizabeth again and is accepted.