P & P Volume 2, ch. 6-11

Stephen Simmons
Ap English 11/Mr. George
11/9/09
P&P

"Mr. Darcy drew his chair a little towards her, and said, 'You cannot have a right to such very strong social attachment'"(138).

As the novel progresses we begin to see signs of both Darcy's and Elizabeth's inner attraction to one another. During this time period, it was allowed for a man to speak to a woman in a room with the doors shut, but not to write them a letter. More absurdly, it was also not allowed for men to hold or touch woman's hands unless during a dance. The moving of the chair symbolizes an increased comfort in Darcy when around Elizabeth, as well as Darcy's awareness and obligation to follow and respect the societal laws. Furthermore Darcy is becoming certain about himself and Elizabeth but still abides by his socially awkward manner.

"In vain have i struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you"(145).

Finally, the moment we have all been waiting for. Although Darcy doesn't sweep Lizzy off of her feet or woo her for that matter, we finally see Darcy's feeling for Elizabeth at their peak. For an intelligent guy like Darcy, love has blinded him. Considering the rumors and speculation that has been shared amoung the people, Elizabeth being one of them, as well as Darcy's direct involvment in the end of Jane and Bingley's relationship, Darcy is far too in love with Elizabeth to determine the negative reaction/rejection from Elizabeth, which he could have seen coming. For a man of his intelligence we would have thought that Darcy of all people would be able to put the pieces together and realize that somethings can always be done at any given time. In comparison to Mr. Collins' proposal, Darcy begins with facts as to why Elizabeth should not marry him, and then proceeds with an emotional appeal, where as Mr. Collins smothered Lizzy with facts and logic with no emotional appeal. Both proposals were pathetic for men of their class and intelligence, however, Darcy we must remember does not have the "experience" or any idea as to how he must express himself.