The Last Impression

“There was certainly at this moment, in Elizabeth’s mind, a more gentle sensation towards the original, than she had ever felt in the height of their acquaintance. The commendation bestowed on him by Mrs Reynolds was of no trifling nature. What praise is more valuable than the praise of an intelligent servant? As a brother, a landlord, a master, she considered how many people’s happiness were in his guardianship!” (pg. 233)

Throughout the book Elizabeth Bennet has stuck to her first “impression” of Mr. Darcy. Even after his proposal and declaration of love she still did not attempt to review his character. Elizabeth finally began to see Darcy for who he really was after he gave her a letter detailing all the faults she had accused him of; such as the separation of her sister and Bingley and the ill treatment of Mr. Wickham. She learns to accept him after this letter, but does not see him for many months. Later on in the book her aunt and uncle and Elizabeth visit Pemberley, which is the estate owned by Mr. Darcy himself. And it is here we see the final change in Elizabeth’s opinion of Darcy. His servant, Mrs Reynolds who has been helping the family for many generations has nothing but praise for Darcy. This allows Elizabeth to see that Darcy is caring and thoughtful, although his first impression may cast him as proud and bitter. This is an important passage in the novel because Elizabeth now has overcome her prejudice and first impression of Darcy.