P&P #8: CH. 12-18

"With amazement did she first understand that he believed any apology to be in his power; and stedfastly was she persuaded that he could have no explanation to give, which a just sense of shame would conceal" (156).

Ironically, what surprises Elizabeth the most with Darcy's letter is his apology. Because of her preconceived notion of him, she never thought a pride man like himself would ever apologize. and certainly not to her. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are aware that a prominent man like Darcy apologizing to Elizabeth is a huge blow to his pride. Thus, we view Darcy's ability to humble himself for Elizabeth. Looking over the letter over & over again has made Elizabeth realize just how prejudice she'd been against Darcy. She was so ashamed of the way she carried herself that she felt as though Darcy did not even need to explain anything. The answers were right before her eyes but she was blinded by her own prejudice. By the grace of Mr. Darcy, he was able to open her eyes and make her see what she could not.


"When she remembered the style of his address, she was still full of indignation; but when she considered how unjustly she has condemned and unbraided him, her anger was turned against herself; and his disappointed feelings became the object of passion" (163).

The first time Elizabeth and Darcy met, Darcy obviously did not leave a god first impression by insulting her. Feeling hurt by his inconsiderate comment about her, Elizabeth develops a sense of hatred for Darcy and remains prejudice towards him for a long period of time. If we jump forward to the his proposal, we view Darcy as the same brutally honest man. He is known to tell the truth with the lack of discretion and emphasize points that don't necessarily need to be emphasized. Thus, with her established prejudice and his honesty, Elizabeth detested Darcy even more. Somehow, his letter triggered an off button in Elizabeth's head and she no longer allowed her emotion to control the way she thought. Looking back, Elizabeth somewhat blames herself for Darcy's approach. She'd been purposely impudent towards him because of his veracity despite his attempts to make things right between them. She could not see Darcy's true intentions but now that she can - it is quite apparent that this is the start of a blossoming relationship.