Contemplation “And his behaviour, so strikingly altered--what could it mean? That he should even speak to her was amazing!-- but to speak with such civility, to inquire after her family! Never in her life had she seen his manners so little dignified, never had he spoken with such gentleness as on this unexpected meeting. What a contrast did it offer to his last address in Rosings Park, when he put his letter into her hand! She knew now what to think, nor how to account for it” (Austen 213). In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice,Mr. Darcy’s behavior at his own estate, Pemberley greatly differs from his behavior at Rosings Park. It can be attributed to his discomfort with the overly pompous furnishings and air of his aunt’s estate. Darcy’s increased air of gentility and civility, especially towards Elizabeth’s relations whose status is much lower than his, can be interpreted as the
comfort and ease which comes with being in his own domain. Indeed, I was shocked when Darcy begins to address her politely and out of ordinary. It seems that the initial description of Pemberley serves as a symbol of Darcy’s character. Therefore, the importance of nature in the following passage is Elizabeth’s growing attraction towards Darcy. After hearing so much praise of Darcy from his housekeeper, she thinks well of him and regards him with more warmth than ever. Austen presents readers with strong dramatic irony by making Elizabeth’s feelings for Darcy shift in the course of the novel. When Darcy runs into Elizabeth, she is astonished by his commentary. These inquires are particularly noteworthy considering the harsh criticism when he refuses to dance with her. Moreover, Darcy, for his part, seems to have changed considerably since the day he proposed to Elizabeth. His cool reserve,
haughtiness of manner, and extreme consciousness of class differences are gone.
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