Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen's novel provided a unique inside look on the struggles of the heart and status during courtship in the 18th century. Strangely able to relate to the complexities of modern dating, Pride and Prejudice displayed the title's projection largely on the slow emerging couple, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.  While Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley shared moments of overcoming obstacles until their marriage, there was already an established deep interest and connection that was prolonged only due to the outsiders' gossip that traveled around them. Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, had brought about Elizabeth's prejudice at his first introduction when he had difficulty accepting those he considered of lower class. 

Throughout the novel, Darcy often found himself in an internal struggle after realizing he had fallen in love with Elizabeth. He had to face his decision of accepting his love wholly and approaching proposal without second thoughts or keep his social image of high esteem among the other refined characters in the community. During his first proposal to Elizabeth, it was clear her standing with the social ladder remained an issue that he was not able to completely oversee. His actions delaying a potential proposal from his good friend Mr. Bingley to Jane Bennet also sullied the already tainted reputation that Elizabeth had of him in her eyes. As marriage in the Bennet household was a recurring objective with so many unmarried ladies, Mr. Darcy risked the happiness of Jane, who was truly very much in love already.

After the original dance rejection and rude nature upon first meeting, Jane had adopted the overall consensus of the guests to conclude that Mr. Darcy was unappealing due to his bitterness. As she fell in love, she tried to keep her affections at bay, but her reluctance to accept the more generous sides to him were seen more difficult as the story progressed. As she discovered that allegations created by Wickham were untrue and Mr. Darcy assisted her family to keep her reputation after Lydia found a lover out of wedlock, Elizabeth finally found a peace with her love and found herself on her way to happiness.