Which two lines from the excerpt of Jane Austen’s Pride …

English Questions
Short Answer
Step by Step Solution
English Questions

Which two lines in this excerpt from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice suggest that Mr. Darcy is questioning his hasty judgment and has fallen in love with Elizabeth? Occupied in observing Mr. Bingley’s attentions to her sister, Elizabeth was far from suspecting that she was herself becoming an object of some interest in the eyes of his friend. Mr. Darcy had at first scarcely allowed her to be pretty; he had looked at her without admiration at the ball; and when they next met, he looked at her only to criticise. But no sooner had he made it clear to himself and his friends that she hardly had a good feature in her face, than he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes. To this discovery succeeded some others equally mortifying. Though he had detected with a critical eye more than one failure of perfect symmetry in her form, he was forced to acknowledge her figure to be light and pleasing; and in spite of his asserting that her manners were not those of the fashionable world, he was caught by their easy playfulness. Of this she was perfectly unaware; to her he was only the man who made himself agreeable nowhere, and who had not thought her handsome enough to dance with.

Short Answer

The protagonist starts with a harsh opinion of a woman’s appearance but gradually recognizes her captivating eyes and pleasing figure, leading to a shift in his admiration. He discovers her enchanting playfulness, challenging his initial judgments and highlighting the depth that can be found beyond superficial assessments.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Initial Perception

The protagonist begins with a critical view of a woman, believing that she lacks any appealing features. He expresses to himself and his friends that her face has no redeeming qualities. However, this opinion changes when he realizes that her dark eyes give her an intelligent and captivating expression that contradicts his initial judgment.

Step 2: Acknowledgment of Qualities

As he reflects further, the protagonist uncovers additional mortifying truths about his previous assessments. Although he initially noted imperfections in her symmetry, he reluctantly recognizes that her figure is not only light but also pleasing. This causes him to grapple with his earlier conclusions and fosters a growing admiration for her physical attributes.

Step 3: Recognition of Playfulness

Despite his assertion that her manners do not align with the expectations of the fashionable world, he finds himself enchanted by her easy playfulness. This unexpected charm pulls him in, demonstrating how initial judgments can be clouded by deeper, more authentic connections that defy societal norms.

Related Concepts

Initial Perception

Defining the first impression or opinion formed about someone or something, often based on superficial observations.

Acknowledgment Of Qualities

The recognition and acceptance of true characteristics or attributes that may have been overlooked or misjudged initially.

Recognition Of Playfulness

The awareness and appreciation of a person’s light-heartedness and charm, which can create a deeper connection beyond first impressions and societal expectations.

Table Of Contents
  1. Which two lines in this excerpt from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice suggest that Mr. Darcy is questioning his hasty judgment and has fallen in love with Elizabeth? Occupied in observing Mr. Bingley's attentions to her sister, Elizabeth was far from suspecting that she was herself becoming an object of some interest in the eyes of his friend. Mr. Darcy had at first scarcely allowed her to be pretty; he had looked at her without admiration at the ball; and when they next met, he looked at her only to criticise. But no sooner had he made it clear to himself and his friends that she hardly had a good feature in her face, than he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes. To this discovery succeeded some others equally mortifying. Though he had detected with a critical eye more than one failure of perfect symmetry in her form, he was forced to acknowledge her figure to be light and pleasing; and in spite of his asserting that her manners were not those of the fashionable world, he was caught by their easy playfulness. Of this she was perfectly unaware; to her he was only the man who made himself agreeable nowhere, and who had not thought her handsome enough to dance with.

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