What I found ironical about the famous first sentence is how it focus' attention on Bingley so he appears the hero of the story in the early chapters (to a first time reader). I don't think JA intended it to apply directly to Mr Darcy as he yet unknown to the neighborhood ladies till the Meryton Assembly...Perhaps JA intended it to apply to Darcy as the story evolves which demonstates your point of how the first sentence sets the tone of the book. :)I think it does too. Yes, Darcy certainly creates a sensation by his appearance. What I'm unclear about is if he's immediately seen as a possible catch for one of the neighborhood girls. My impression is the assembly intially felt so honoured to have such a handsome, rich personage among them. Still, the ladies declare 'he was much handsomer than Mr Darcy' which shows a swing in their attention. Does JA leave open whether Darcy was seen by the assembly as a potential husband for a Meryton girl? That's an interesting point how the Meryton Assembly brings the title into our focus, effectively setting the stage for the story. :-)