Love theme
Love never gets old. So does every problem that comes with it. The “pride” and
“prejudice” that once hindered the love of Elizabeth and Darcy have not ceased to cause troubles to lovers until nowadays. It is the love theme that makes Pride and
Prejudice famous and widely read for many decades.
Love in late 18th and early 19th century must be more difficult than today. Social standings and class could become a huge barrier. Early in the book, this barrier is poitrated when Darcy, being a wealthy noble, snubs Elizabeth (he refused to dance with her). Elizabeth’s pride immediately judged Darcy on that bad first impression, and keeps her away further from him later. Just like that, Elizabeth and Darcy were distant from each other because of their prejudice.
Elizabeth and Darcy, however, eventually married. But how? Through a serie of events, and through many experiences, they understood each other. Darcy begins to admire Elizabeth, captivated by her fine eyes and lively wit. Elizabeth continues to impress Darcy during her time nursing Jane at Netherfield. But she, unlike him, did not grow such sudden change of heart that quick. She remained cold to Darcy for a long time, even angry at him once. But things change after Darcy gave her a letter to explain everything. And with some important events after that, Elizabeth slowly fell to
Darcy. In the end both admitted that they were wrong.
Aside from Elizabeth and Darcy, other couples contribute to this theme of love as well. Jane Bennet and Bingley’s marriage is also a successful one, based on a great chemistry of understanding, feelings and taste. But Lydia – Wickham and Charlotte –
Collins were bad marriages. Built on the basis of appearances and wealth, these couples did not last for very long.
Jane Austen succeed in proving that the feeling can not be brought on by appearances, and must gradually develop between the two people as they get to know one another. Elizabeth and Darcy's marriage is a successful marriage of long understanding and endless efforts. True love always stands above class and social barrier.
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