Mr Darcy Manners Lead To And Impression example essay topic

Manners and Their Effect The Gregorian time era was one where you constantly had to be on the best of behavior because everyone was always inspecting every move. In the book Pride and Prejudice Jane Austin shows that manners influence both society and others impressions of characters. Throughout the book many references are made to help emphasize how important manners are in society. In the book Pride and Prejudice manners determine incorrect first impressions by not representing the characters honestly. Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, the Bingley sisters, and Mrs. Bennet all give off incorrect first influence or impressions that are based upon the character's manners.

Many ways in which these characters give off wrong first impressions are through their pride, being opinionated, false in actions, materialistic, and foolish. Throughout Pride and Prejudice the first impression of Mr. Darcy, an antisocial, prideful, and conceded man, reflected upon the manners which he shows in public and in private places. Mr. Darcy's character is decided at the first ball which he attends because of the way that he acts. Mr. Darcy was marked so by the manners which he demonstrates through his duration at Netherfield. This quote is an example of how Mr. Darcy manners lead to and impression, "he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and coldly said 'She is tolerable; but not so handsome as to tempt me;' " (Austin 7). The manners which Mr. Darcy shows at this ball were greatly shocking for many people because the edict which was required at balls was not shown by Mr. Darcy.

(Pool 59) These first impressions which Mr. Darcy is thought to be like, throughout his entire stay at Netherfield, are incorrect when pertaining to his true character. Through his action and manners while at Pemberley Mr. Darcy showed his true character. A character of politeness and compassion, "to think with wonder, of Mr. Darcy's civility, and above all his wishing her to be acquainted with his sister". (Austin 173) This example shows that in context Mr. Darcy did not only receive an incorrect first impression of his character by both Elizabeth and the rest 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 two faced 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, connections, and the amount of money which your family possesses and because of these standards which they set both sisters are unable to get to know the true characters of others. Throughout the book Pride and Prejudice Mrs. Bennet is looked down upon for not only her lack of manners but also for the impression which she bestows upon her family by her actions of being foolish, materialistic, and over emotional. Mrs. Bennet gives a bad impression of her family because she acts as if she is much higher ranked in society than she is actually. This makes her act foolish in many situations which then reflect back upon her family.

One example of this is when Mrs. Bennet is talking to Mr. Bingley and his sisters by speaking out of turn and making remarks that are not appropriate Mrs. Bennet lowers the respect that the others have for her. This shows how Mrs. Bennet has a very small idea of what she is saying to others and the effect that her words have upon other's view of her. Mrs. Bennet is also very materialistic in many ways even though her family does not have a lot of money. An example of this is "But the clothes, the wedding clothes! I will write to my sister Gardiner about them directly". (Austin 205) This quote in context shows just how materialistic Mrs. Bennet is, and how she only thinks of objects and not of the deeds that have lead to the need for the wedding clothes.

This example also shows how Mrs. Bennet is a very big social butterfly. Because one of her daughters is getting married she has to go and notify everyone, not caring how the marriage came about. Though Mrs. Bennet is not one of the most well-bread or educated women throughout the shire she still is an important character in the book and these characteristics allow her to stand out. In the beginning of the book Pride and Prejudice many characters are shown to have one personality, but begin to show a different and true character as the book progresses. Through first impressions and manners Jane Austin is able to give off both sets of characteristics and still stay true to the characters thoughts and actions. By having the characters change the true feelings and emotions are able to come out.