Pride and Prejudice: Appearance vs. Reality
In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice the theme of appearance versus reality is a recurring one. Austen seeks to prove that often one's appearance hides one's true character. This concept is clearly evident in the case of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham and how they appear to Elizabeth Bennet. From her first impressions of both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham, Elizabeth comes to misguided conclusions about their true character. She later comes to realize that her judgments of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham are inaccurate and incorrect. Throughout the entire novel, Austen demonstrates that the reality of an individual's true character can often be hidden by their appearance. Elizabeth's first impressions of Mr. Darcy are based on an appearance of his character rather than a realistic assessment of his decorum, background, and history. The first time Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy at the Meryton Assembly she becomes prejudiced toward him. She perceives his behavior as
Wickham's appearance as a dignified gentlemen and Elizabeth's prejudice towards Darcy cause her to believe Mr. Wickham is outgoing, lively, and eager to fall into conversation. Darcy is the, " proudest, most disagreeable man in the world. She sees that behind Darcy's awkward behavior hides a generous and caring heart. Elizabeth learns that you do not judge a book by it's cover. Elizabeth then begins to admire Darcy when she visits his home and takes notice of Darcy's affection when she meets him at Pemberly. The turning point in this novel in which reality begins to override appearance occurs when Elizabeth reads Darcy's letter. Wickham's friendly and polite mannerisms are quite the opposite of Darcy's, and Elizabeth takes an immediate interest to him. Wickham is proved to be deceitful and Elizabeth sees now that his intentions were dishonorable and his actions improper when he told her lies about Mr. She has such a strong dislike for Darcy that she is willing and eager to find fault in him. " Compared to Darcy, Wickham appears to Elizabeth as one of England's finest gentlemen. In Pride and Prejudice, Austen effectively shows that reality can often be hidden by appearance. Through Elizabeth's realizations, Jane Austen offers a universal theme that can be related to any society: judging by first impressions will more often than not create a misconception of someone's true personality.
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