Prejudice

In chapter sixteen there is a part where Elizabeth and Mr. Wickham talk about Mr. Darcy’s past. This demonstrates Elizabeth’s interest in Mr. Darcy because “was very willing to hear him,…, the history of his acquaintance with Mr. Darcy” (58) She “found the interest of the subject increase” (59) as Mr. Wickham mentioned him in their conversation. They basically talk bad about every single aspect of Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth finds it fascinating to hear the stories and it grows her hatred towards him.

I see a contrast between Elizabeth and Jane for Jane only speaks of the goodness of people while here Elizabeth criticizes Mr. Darcy from things that she hears. She is judging Mr. Darcy based on something that she did not experience herself. I think Jane Austen uses this conversation to serve as a demonstration of Prejudice. Her asking “What sort of a girl is Miss Darcy?” (62) to Mr. Wickham is the main reason why I think of this. She judges her even without meeting her in person.