I am definitely new to this subject so very curious what the general assessment is on this.
But Darcy, to me in my late 30s, comes across as a man who is “emotionally unavailable” and whose sudden interest becomes overwhelmingly flattering because he seems so hard to get. Then the emotions run high with constant conflict during courtship stirring up a lot of sexual tension. So that by the time they actually come together there’s a lot of emotional attachment but based more on drama than actual compatibility.
The story ends there with a happily ever after, and I won’t say he and Elizabeth aren’t compatible but I do wonder if once the excitement cools, his more unpleasant qualities turn towards Elizabeth. She’s free and outspoken and he is more reserved and controlled. I could see him being a controlling partner or at least a major stuck in the mud.
That said, Elizabeth’s options of men seem to be timelessly relatable: the good guy who’s not an option, the weird jerk, the nice guy who’s actually a jerk, and the jerk with the golden heart.
Is Darcy’s golden heart just a hopeful projection that fades after the chase?
by pineapplepredator
4 Comments
Darcy definitely starts as the emotionally unavailable guy, but what makes him appealing is his growth. He changes for Elizabeth, which adds depth beyond the ‘hard to get’ vibe. Still, I wonder if their differences would lead to clashes after the honeymoon phase.
I just feel he is socially awkward because I have always related to him. Someone who takes time to open up and blabber instead of being closed off. I read this book a long time back but iirc Mr Darcy liked that Elizabeth challenged him, he liked her outspokenness and free spirit.
The thing is he’s not emotionally unavailable. He’s shy, socially awkward and doesn’t know how to navigate upper class culture. That’s why him and Elizabeth are so alike because both of them are outsiders in the elite society they live in. They’re both flawed but he makes an effort to open up more in spite of his fear. He doesn’t love her because she doesn’t fawn over him, he loves her because she says what she means and unlike him isn’t so scared. He’s not the type of man who is into the chase, he just found someone who is like him and understands him and vice versa. That’s why I always thought this book was marketed badly cause it’s not enemies to lovers or bad boy/good girl. They’re just too oddballs who fall in love
He’s also very, very rich.
Would they get along IRL? Who knows. I suspect it’s Austen’s dream dude-but it wouldn’t be the forerunner of an entire genre if a lot of women didn’t relate to it, though. Some people (of all genders) like partners who are a little distant and take charge!
Did LOTR pass on minor character development to focus on plot and setting? Sure, but lots of people turned out to really like that kind of story.