Mr Bingley had soon make himself acquainted with all the principal people in the room; he was lively and unreserved, danced every dance, was angry that the ball closed so early, and talked of giving one himself at Netherfield. Such amiable qualities must speak for themselves. What a contrast between him and his friend! Mr Darcy danced only once with Mrs. Hurst and once with Miss Bingley, declined being introduce to any other lady, and spent the rest of the evening in walking about the room, speaking occasionally to one of his own party. His character was decided. He was the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world, and every body hoped that he would never come there again. Amongst the most violent against him was Mrs. Bennet, whose dislike of his general behaviour, was sharpened into particular resentment, by having slighted one of her daughters.
Elizabeth Bennet had been obliged, by the scarcity of gentlemen, to sit down for two dances; and during part of that time, Mr. Darcy had been standing near enough for her to overhear a conversation between him and Mr. Bingley, who came from the dance for a few minutes, to press his friend to join it.
"Come, Darcy," said he, "I must have you dance. I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You had better dance."
"I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it, unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner. At such an assembly as this, it would be insupportable. Your sisters are engaged, and there is not another woman in the room, whom it would not be a punishment to stand up with."
"I would not be so fastidious as you are," cried Bingley, "for a kingdom! Upon my honour, I never met with so many pleasant girls in my life, as I have this evening; and there are serveral of them you see uncommonly pretty."
"You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room," said Mr. Darcy, looking at the eldest Miss Bennet.
"Oh! she is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld! But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I dare say, very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you."
"Which do you mean?" and turning around, he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, still catching her eye, he withdrew his own and coldly said, " She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me."
Mr Bingley followed his advice. Mr Darcy walked off; and Elizabeth remained with no very cordial feelings towards him. She told the story however with great spirit among her friends; for she had a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in anything ridiculous.
Analysis:
The general opinion is quickly formed about Darcy. "His character was decided", base on his anti-social display. He is starkly contrasted by the amiable Bingley, his arrogance is condemned, as Austen uses words like "cold" to describe Darcy. Austen is also make readers have a prejudice against Darcy. This showed prejudice very clearly. Pride is shown on Darcy's part because he is too proud to dance with any girl, and it is also because of this pride, that he insulted Elizabeth. The dialouge between Darcy and Bingley forcefully reveals his pride.
This also shows that people back then place a lot of emphasis on appearance, which also brings us to the fact that Elizabeth was decieved by appearances later on in the text. This is due to the fact that her prejudice against Darcy has blinded her judgement. From this extract, we can see that themes like pride and prejudice are brought about, as well as judging people base on first impressions.
This extract is also important, as it serves as a point in the text where the complications all began, from the start of the prejudice of Elizabeth against Darcy.
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