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Perhaps he has been practicing
Written by Jessica T
(6/3/2007 5:17 p.m.)
in consequence of the missive, Answer to the P.S, penned by Marie C
I realize this quote from a NY Times review is of a director's/actor's interpretation, but I think it is an interesting take on Darcy's character, relevant to his change of character. "Mr. Firth might have been far more dashing, but Mr. Macfadyen's portrayal of the character as a shy, awkward suitor whose seeming arrogance camouflages insecurity and deep sensitivity is more realistic." Any dynamic character in a novel must an impetus to change. Darcy's starts to change as a result of Lizzy's reaction to his proposal. It takes time and introspection, which we are not privy to since Austen chooses not enlighten us with two plot lines; instead we only have Elizabeth's heart to read. Do you think the above is an accurate characterization of the literary Mr. Darcy? I haven't researched and gone back to look at all scenes and lines, but based on the spirit of Darcy, this seems plausible that he underneath his conceit, ill humor, haughtiness, is a shy, awkward adult with poor social skills who lost both parents in a short span of time and was pushed into his role of master of Pemberley and "father figure" to his little sister at fairly young age. His culture upholds and values the face he provides society so most of the time he is rewarded and probably wouldn't be given negative feedback on his character due to the mores (supposed to be an accent on that "e") and his position. He has no reason to change until the person he loves rejects him for the very character he has been portraying all along in order to protect his raw underside. |

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