P + P Essay 1

Brendan Tuma

Mr. George

World Lit G

10 February 2011

Why First Impressions Matter

            The significance of a first impression can be made no clearer than by the events that take place in Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth, the protagonist, meets two characters by the name of Wickham and Darcy. Each of these characters’ traits gets amplified through their juxtaposition. Unfortunately Elizabeth is unable to notice this flaw in her and willfully misunderstands who Darcy is as a person. Commencing with a more than awkward first encounter and continuing through a series of unfortunate events, Darcy is unable to be anything more than a villain in the eyes of Elizabeth. Adding to the reader’s frustration of the situation is how Elizabeth appears to be rational in an irrational world, yet is unable to notice her mistake. Although Elizabeth only sees Darcy as a haughty, scornful rascal, he is actually just as rational as her and is quite modest in the way he carries himself.

            The downfall of Elizabeth’s misjudgment of Darcy began at her coming out ball. When Darcy was asked by Bingley if he would be interested in dancing with Elizabeth, Darcy described her as “tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me” (Austen 12). Although Darcy did not mean to affront Elizabeth, the amiable protagonist becomes unable to forgive him. Expecting a cordial gentleman Elizabeth’s view instantly changes for the worse. This is where the importance of a first impression first comes into play. Darcy is initially described as “haughty, reserved, and fastidious, and his manners, though well bred, were not inviting” (16). In Elizabeth’s mind Darcy becomes instantly written off as a potential husband. Elizabeth is seeking a love marriage and sees courting Darcy as only a mercenary marriage.

            Darcy’s undesirable traits become amplified when Elizabeth meets Wickham, a man eager to make a positive first impression. Wickham uses charm to induce Elizabeth into falling for him while reflecting a safe sense of probity. Elizabeth’s first meeting with Wickham goes well and she comes away feeling like she can trust him. Her thoughts and feelings are then described: “Jane listened with astonishment and concern; she knew not how to believe that Mr. Darcy could be so unworthy of Mr. Bingley’s regard; and yet, it was not in her nature to question the veracity of a young man of such amiable appearance as Wickham” (74). Trusting Wickham makes it easier for Elizabeth not to trust Darcy. She clearly trusts him a lot if she takes his word over her sister Jane’s. Hearing trustworthy Wickham’s account of his and Darcy’s past worsens Elizabeth’s misunderstand of Darcy. Combined with a poor first impression this leads Elizabeth to misunderstand Darcy for who he is.

            Darcy appears to be an insincere jerk but behind a cold exterior is a rational person who takes some time to get to know. Elizabeth is set on finding a love marriage and has no interest in Darcy’s money. When Darcy insults Elizabeth the first time they meet she automatically writes him off as a potential husband or even friend for that matter. Wickham’s stories about their past are only seen as true in Elizabeth’s mind because of her negative feelings towards Darcy. These events lead her to believe that Darcy is someone who he is not. Unfortunately for Darcy he will have to work extremely hard to convince Elizabeth otherwise.

Works Cited

Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. New York: Signet Classic, 1980