Mr. Darcy’s first marriage proposal to Elizabeth is the most famous monologue in Pride and Prejudice. She meets it with rejection, but this confession of love plays a pivotal role in the plot. It demonstrates Darcy’s romantic and prideful character. This is one of the factors that gave the book its lasting appeal.
Detailed answer:
Darcy first confesses his love for Elizabeth in Chapter 34 of Pride and Prejudice. It is one of the best passages in the novel. The previously aloof Darcy reveals his love and admiration for the female protagonist. He admits that he has struggled against this feeling but could not overcome it. When she rejects him, he is stunned but defends from accusations of callousness. Darcy assures that he has always acted honestly.
Darcy’s speech on this occasion illuminates his complex and compelling yet flawed character. He presents himself as a romantic character caught in a struggle between conventions and feelings. His choice in favor of the latter makes him look better in his eyes and the eyes of many readers. But the monologue also reveals that he is self-centered. Darcy puts his inner conflicts over the feelings of other people.
This marriage proposal fails. Still, it plays a critical role in the novel’s plot. Elizabeth’s rejection urges him to modify his attitude. He needs to become more considerate to others to make the second proposal succeed. His original confession is one of the most quoted parts of Pride and Prejudice. It offers a concise portrait of the celebrated exemplar of the Romantic Age.