Prejudice

PREJUDICE

• Austen presents Prejudice through first impressions of people.

When Elizabeth meets Mr.Wickham, she is judging his personality by his appearance, Elizabeth says that Wickham is 'far beyond [the officers] all in person, countenance, air and walk. This sugegsts that Elizabeth was taken by non - substantial things and blinded by pejudice, making Mr Wickham seem perfect based on superficial things. The tricolon used her emphasises that Wickham has flattered her, which clouds her usual discernment. Although she usually cares for little social expectations, Elizabeth betrays her vanity by dressing 'with more than usual care'. This suggests that Elizabeth is far more affected to prejudice than she realises.The word 'usual' suggests that she is normally not affected by social expectations.

When Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy, she 'remained with no cordial feelings'. This tells the reader that Elizabeth was affected by Darcy's comment about Elizabeth being 'tolerable', and sets off a catalyst for Elizabeth's prejudice against Darcy. The fact that she then 'told the story' to…