In Jane Austen's novel, Pride and
Prejudice, Elizabeth's pride and prejudice are broken down when she visits
Pemberly House, owned by Mr. Darcy.
As she and her uncle
and aunt travel in their carriage, Elizabeth is enthralled by the beauties of nature
around them on the grounds of the estate. Here she believes she has seen some of the
most stunning countryside she has ever encountered. Darcy's home also provides other
visions of nature through windows within his home, that is handsomely but conservatively
decorated. Elizabeth is of a mind that she might have been the mistress of such a lovely
place—that she immediately falls in love with because of its extraordinary beauty—had
things gone better between her and Mr. Darcy.
Other things
take place to make Elizabeth rethink her impressions of Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Reynolds, the
housekeeper, can do little but praise Darcy, and this is a woman who has known him for
many years.
'If your master would marry, you
might see more of him.'
'Yes, Sir; but I do not know
when that will be. I do not know who is good enough for
him.'
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner smiled. Elizabeth could not
help saying, 'It is very much to his credit, I am sure, that you should think
so.'
'I say no more than the truth, and what every body
will say that knows him,' replied the other. Elizabeth thought this
was going pretty far; and she listened with increasing astonishment as the housekeeper
added, 'I have never had a cross word from him in my life, and I have known him ever
since he was four years
old.'
The things that
Elizabeth hears are so different than the knowledge her experiences with Darcy have
conveyed to her. Here is a man she really does not know. They find that he is devoted to
his sister and does whatever he can to bring her
pleasure.
'[Miss Darcy is] the handsomest young lady that
ever was seen; and so accomplished! — She plays and sings all day long. In the next room
is a new instrument just come down for her — a present from my master; she comes here
to-morrow with
him.'
Eventually, Elizabeth
and her aunt and uncle take a tour of the grounds. Everything is lovely. Suddenly, to
Elizabeth's embarrassment, Mr. Darcy appears, though she had been assured he would not
return until the following day. Based upon their previous interactions, she cannot help
but believe he will wonder at her presence and perhaps be less than
congenial.
However, when he arrives, he is solicitous and
kind. He asks after her family and, when introduced to her aunt and uncle, is the
epitome of grace and hospitality. Darcy invites her uncle to come to fish whenever he
might choose. As her aunt and uncle return to the house, Darcy and Elizabeth walk
together, and he asks if she would consent to meeting his sister. Elizabeth realizes
that this a quite an honor from Darcy, especially in light of the high regard he has for
Miss Darcy. She agrees.
As they depart in the carriage,
Elizabeth finds that Darcy seems a different man and her prejudice is altered. His
thoughtfulness and kindness open her heart to think of him in a different light; and her
pride is altered enough that she finds no reason to criticize him or think unkindly of
him, having seen a side of him that is new to her. Even his graciousness to her
relatives indicates that something has changed with
Darcy.
In these ways, her visit to Pemberly allows
Elizabeth's pride and prejudice regarding Mr. Darcy, to be broken
down.
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