Mr. Darcy makes the first proposal to Elizabeth when she visits her friend Charlotte and Mr. Collins. Elizabeth rejects the proposition since she found out that Mr. Darcy had ruined Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley’s marriage.
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Elizabeth Bennet is the second of five daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, who are anxious to find rich husbands for their girls and get them married. After Elizabeth rejects the old priest, Mr. Collins, her friend Charlotte accepts his offer. Elizabeth comes to visit Charlotte at her new house. It’s located near the Rosings Park estate owned by Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Lady Catherine is Mr. Darcy’s aunt and wants him to marry her daughter to join the capital. However, Mr. Darcy has other plans.
After he meets Elizabeth at Rosings Park, he proposes to her. Mr. Darcy admires her at Netherfield, where he spent time with his Charles Bingley. Since rumors reached Elizabeth that Mr. Darcy had ruined Jane Bennett and Mr. Bingley’s wedding, she angrily rejects his proposal. Mr. Darcy tries to justify himself. He explains that he tried to save his friend from an unhappy marriage of convenience in a letter. Elizabeth reproaches Darcy for having deprived George Wickham’s post as well. Later it turns out that this was due to Wickham’s multiple debts.
Therefore, Elizabeth’s first refusal illustrates her prejudices she must deal with to find her love. At the same time, pride prevents Mr. Darcy from being a more open person. These two qualities form the title of the novel.
