Darcy proposes to Elizabeth for the second time during their walk in Chapter 58. After the first proposal, his feelings have remained the same, and he says so to Elizabeth. But her feelings have changed, and she accepts Darcy’s affection.
Detailed answer:
One of the major themes of Pride and Prejudice is love for one’s family. Elizabeth adores her sisters, especially Jane, and wishes happiness for them. But she has no interest in pursuing a relationship herself. Then Mr. Darcy, who at first seems indifferent, appears in her life. He falls in love with Elisa and expresses his feelings to her. But Elizabeth thinks that he has ruined her sister’s happiness and rejects the first proposal. After that, their relationship appears to be strained, although Darcy explains his actions in a letter.
During the novel, Elizabeth learns more about Mr. Darcy, and her opinion of him changes. He also realizes his misjudgment and tries to reunite his friend, Mr. Bingley, with Jane. The climax comes when Miss Catherine and tells Elizabeth not to marry Mr. Darcy. She refuses and later has a walk with Darcy, during which they discuss their feelings. Mr. Darcy’s second proposal is not direct. It is a reaffirmation of his love for Elisa.
On the other hand, she admits a change in her feelings. In the end, Elizabeth accepts Mr. Darcy’s implicit proposal after realizing he has come to respect her. She is also grateful for his help in restoring Jane’s engagement. Simply put, the second proposal may be an unspoken one, but it seems more honest for both sides. It allows the characters to explore their mutual affection and ignore their financial mismatch.
Looking for an inspiring idea for a paper on Pride and Prejudice? Take a look at our Pride and Prejudice Essay Topic Ideas & Examples to find the perfect one!
