P & P
...t of the characters, but that certain opinions of other people are not always good to have. Though Elizabeth believed in the first impression which Mr. Darcy gave off, once he knew that she would not love him for being cold and unkind, Mr. Darcy allowed himself to show Elizabeth his true character. Because he allowed himself to show her his true character a second and more honest influence is made pertaining to his character. These examples show that the true character of a person is able to change and that first impressions are not always correct. The manners which Elizabeth has, or lacks, allow her character to be opinionated, judgmental, and headstrong upon her first impressions. One of the main characteristics which Elizabeth prides herself on is the ability to be a judge of characters. Because Elizabeth prides herself so much upon this trait when two of the characters which she did judge become untrue to her first opinion she realizes that first impressions are not always correct. The main example of this is with Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth does not hear Mr. Darcy’s side of Mr. Wickham’s story before she accuses Mr. Darcy of being a horrible person and not helping Mr. Wickham out in times of need. This accusation is incorrect and Elizabeth later finds out that her judgment of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham are in fact the exact opposite of what she thought. With the new impressions Elizabeth soon came to realize that the true manners, of both characters, were easily deciphered against their old characteristics. Another quality that Elizabeth has is the fact that she is very headstrong. An example of this is “I do not wish to avoid the walk. The distance is nothing when one has a motive; only three miles.”(Austin 21) and how she wishes to walk to Netherfield to go and see Jane by herself. This action is very against the manners in which society has for a girl and her ability to call on another party or even go on a walk. (Vickery 214) The fact that Elizabeth went against what society and the code of conduct for women was one very risky for herself and second for the reputation of her family.(Regency) A third and final characteristic which Elizabeth has and is judged upon herself is the fact that she is very opinionated. Though Elizabeth has this characteristic she seldom uses it in public. Mostly Elizabeth shows this trait when she is talking to Jane in private. Her ability to say things that are not expected of her allow her character to become even more unique. Though Elizabeth both gives and receives harsh judgment by others her genuine character is seen by those who truly care and know Elizabeth, Mr. Bennet, Jane, and Mr. Darcy, and they are able to see how Elizabeth is a kind and caring person. The Bingley Sisters are women who possess manners which are twofaced though their first impressions are ones of kindness and compassion and their true thoughts and personalities are prideful, high society, and rude. The Bingley sisters have two different characters, and the first is side is one of caring and kindness. This is shown when around members of society and others who are under the good graces of the two sisters. The most prominent example of both sides of their characters is “When dinner was over, Elizabeth returned directly to Jane, and Miss Bingley began abusing her as soon as she was out of the room.” (Austin 23) This example shows how greatly the two sisters dislike anyone who they feel are not their society level or higher. A characteristic of both of the two sisters is that they are very prideful. This mannerism is shown very clearly when they are at balls or in certain social settings. An example of their pride is “’I think that I have heard you say that their uncle is an attorney in Meryton.’ ‘Yes; and they have another who lives somewhere near Cheapside.’ ‘That is capitol!’”(Austin 24) This example shows how both sisters treat other families who are below themselves in society. The fact that both sisters have more money than most of the other families increases their pride. By them having more money allows them to put others down on their lack of money. Connections are also associated to money and society therefore making the Bingley sisters much higher ranked in both their minds and in society. In the minds of the Bingley sisters’ characteristics are based on society, connect...