“The world is blinded by his fortune and consequence, or frightened by his high and imposing manners, and sees him only as he chooses to be seen” (79).
After Elizabeth notices a strange interaction between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham, she becomes curious about it. The next day at a party at her aunt’s house, when Mr. Wickham brings up the subject of Mr. Darcy, she inquires further about it. She then learns that Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy grew up together, and that Mr. Wickham was supposed to inherit the wealth that now belongs to Darcy. Darcy was jealous of the love that his father showed towards Wickham, and took the estate from Wickham as revenge. Elizabeth asks about Wickham’s opinion on Mr. Darcy. He replies by saying that he knows him too well to give an opinion. He says that because of what has happened he cannot judge Darcy impartially. It is strange that Wickham will show not openly show contempt for Darcy, considering what Darcy has done to him. When Elizabeth complains about how proud Darcy is, Wickham defends Darcy, as seen in the quote. He says that society is too focused on the fact that he is a rich man. Since he is rich they cannot identify with him, and are thus affronted further by his proud mannerisms. Darcy is able to hide behind his wealth. Since this society is so concerned with wealth, it is able to greatly change how one is expected to act. Perhaps since Wickham has known Darcy all his life, Wickham knows there is more to Darcy’s proud character than his wealth.
In Chapters 12-13, Jane Austen is trying to convey Mr. Collins as:
A) Intelligent
B) Foolish
C) Agreeable
D) Disagreeable
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