#9

     Pride and Prejudice is a novel that speaks of first impressions and the folly that can be found in using them to measure a person.  This theme is emphasized in the relationship between the protagonist, Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy.  Elizabeth is a very prejudiced character.  Upon her first encounter with Mr. Darcy, with celerity she came to the conclusion that Darcy is a proud man and one not to be associated with.  Her prejudgement of Darcy seems implacable, however after reading a letter from Darcy, Elizabeth realizes that he is not all she thought him to be.  This precipitates her visit to the Pemberly Estate.  Elizabeth's prejudices are slowly demolished.  While visiting the estate she hears many exultations of Darcy.  As she hears appobation of Darcy,  she realizes, " This was praise of all others most extraordinary, most opposite to her ideas.  That he was not a good-tempered man had been her firmest opinion.  Her keenest attention was awakened; she longed to hear more" (Austen 207).  Elizabeth acknowledges that she is a prejudiced and that she has judged Darcy wrongly.  She begins destroying her prejudices and she opens herself to becoming an admirer of Darcy's.  It is this new attitude that could remedy the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth and lead to matrimony.