Analysis of Mrs. Reynolds - Pride and Prejudice

The inclusion of the minor character Mrs. Reynolds serves a rather major purpose, the redemption of Mr. Darcy’s character in the eyes of Elizabeth Bennet. Mrs. Reynolds is introduced as the housekeeper of Darcy’s estate of Pemberley, and is regarded as, “a respectable-looking, elderly woman” (43.5). Even upon first introduction, Mrs. Reynolds is considered “respectable-looking,” a value of high quality to Eliza who appreciates respectability over many other attributes throughout the novel. That Mrs. Reynolds is described in such a way implies that her insight to come is to be valued and trusted. Elizabeth also goes on to state that the housekeeper appears, “more civil,” (43.5) than she would have imagined. The Oxford English Dictionary defines the adjective of “civil” as “courteous, or obliging in behavior to others; polite.” These descriptors are indicative of what is expected of servants of an estate. A man of means is unlikely to employ housekeepers that are not courteous and well-mannered, when he can so easily hire others who are. That Eliza had not anticipated such basic civility from the help of the well-regarded Pemberley Estate implies her still lingering aversion to Mr. Darcy. It is likely that Eliza had not anticipated the servants of Pemberley to possess exceptional demeanors of civility as she did not yet perceive their master to possess such a persona. Elizabeth’s statement that Mrs. Reynolds’ politeness exceeded her expectations only serves to improve her perception of Mr. Darcy himself, and validate all that the housekeeper relays to her.
As the party begins their tour of the estate, Mrs. Reynolds grows excited upon the revelation that Elizabeth has been previously acquainted with Mr. Darcy, of whom she is very fond. The housekeeper’s ample reverence for her master is articulated frequently over the course of the visit. It is learned that Mrs. Reynolds has reared Mr. Darcy since the tender age of only four years old, and has developed a motherly