Seminar paper from the year 2004 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 1 (A), University of Szczecin (Institute for English Studies), language: English, abstract: Jane Austen's novel "e;Pride and Prejudice"e; was initially titled "e;First Impressions"e;, whichalready indicates the book s reference to the weight of appearance and its impact on thedevelopment of relationships, opinions and even a person s whole life. In fact, the book smain action, which focuses on the destiny of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, is based onfirst impressions, namely those the characters get at the Meryton assembly. When Darcyenters the room he is commonly regarded as fine, handsome and in possession of a noblemien1 a positive assessment which the party even improves after learning that Darcy is awealthy man: The gentlemen pronounce him to be a fine figure of a man, the ladies declaredhe was much handsomer than Mr. Bingley, and he was looked at with great admiration ( ) 2. Nevertheless, soon a certain aversion towards Mr. Darcy develops since he is discovered to be the proudest and most disagreeable man in the world 3. Here, Austen provides a typical example of how the people of her time judged and how firstimpressions can be influenced by social and economic status. Therefore, the people sopinions and perspectives were not likely to be objective but rather collectively biased andignorant one of Austen s main points of criticism in her comedy of manners. As aconsequence, Elizabeth s and Darcy s (re-)actions are influenced by the common etiquette aswell, for the y are both respected members of society and take part in social life with all itsrules and customs. 1 Compare: Austen, Jane: Pride and Prejudice, London: Penguin Popular Classics, 1994, 102 Ibid. 3 Austen, 11
