I agree with Kathi—what she said and would ask a question of my own. Are you applying the same philosophy to other characters—say Bingley for example. In Chapter 6, Lizzy is speaking of Jane understanding Bingley’s character better before allowing affection for him but both Jane and Lizzy have already made some judgments about him. Jane already admires Bingley and judged him to be just what a young man ought to be in Chapter 4. Lizzy also admires Bingley and gave Jane permission to like him. As a matter of fact Bingley is admired by the entire company of the assembly ball in Chapter 3. Are you also reserving judgment of Bingley in case his future behavior shows him to be a cad instead? Or are you giving Darcy special dispensation because he acted badly and garnered a bad first impression? You admit Darcy in full of pride and prejudice yet wish not to judge him for it—what I do not understand is exactly what he can do to erase that. What is done is done and cannot be undone, right? (;D) While I do believe people, even literary ones, should be allowed to redeem themselves, I do not see the point of withholding judgment of a character’s actions and opinions throughout the story. How else are you going to follow the growth of the character? I feel safe in suggesting no one has made the final judgment of Darcy yet—we still have 52 delightful chapters to go. ;D