Darcy's Misperceptions and Bias.

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Darcy's Misperceptions and Bias. Written by Lia (5/9/2007 11:09 a.m.) in consequence of the missive, Darcy’s Motive: Changing feelings for Lizzy (Long) ;D, penned by Robbin

He began to feel the danger of paying Elizabeth too much attention.

This line intrigues me because it can be understood two ways. Is Darcy afraid that by paying Elizabeth too much attention he will increase his own passion, or that she will understand her own power over him?

In Chapter 10 he still feels somewhat safe from his own feelings because of the "inferiority of her connections," but by Chapter 12 "she attracted him more than he liked."

What interests me even more is his assumption that Elizabeth perceives his attraction, and would act on it! He wisely resolved to be particularly careful that no sign of admiration should now escape him, nothing that could elevate her with the hope of influencing his felicity.
He has spoken to her, they have exchanged banter, and he has asked her to dance a reel. We have been arguing over whether or not this is sufficient for Lizzy to have understood his change of heart, but the other factor is Darcy's own bias.

Darcy is used to women trying to attract him; many or most of those women are interested only in his wealth and position. Darcy's default setting IMO is that all women are out to 'catch' him, and he acts accordingly. The reader can argue whether or not he was obvious enough for Lizzy to understand him, but Darcy himself suspects that the slightest shred of admiration will be eagerly seized by a single female. Thus he overestimates the impact of his words and actions in regard to Lizzy, and does not appreciate the resentment underlying her banter.

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Darcy’s Motive: Changing feelings for Lizzy (Long) ;D Robbin (5/8/2007 11:42 a.m.)

Great Post BarbaraB (5/12/2007 7:15 a.m.)
Darcy's Misperceptions and Bias. Lia (5/9/2007 11:09 a.m.)
- I agree with Susan L, you have made terrific points! nfm ;D Robbin (5/10/2007 11:52 a.m.)
- Your comments may help to explain why Susan L (5/9/2007 9:05 p.m.)
  - Yes; and more succintly stated! (nfm) Lia (5/10/2007 11:16 a.m.)
Fascinating post, Robbin--two observations Adrian (5/8/2007 1:04 p.m.)
- Observing each other… Robbin (5/9/2007 6:40 a.m.)
- Yet we don't hear of Darcy dancing with Jane Tracy W (5/8/2007 6:00 p.m.)
  - Darcy's JulieW (5/9/2007 5:20 a.m.)
- Why the neighbours looked amazed Line (5/8/2007 5:49 p.m.)
  - Good point! nfm ;D Robbin (5/9/2007 6:17 a.m.)

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