Fitzwilliam Darcy, better known as Mr. Darcy, from the beloved story, "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, is one of the best-known characters in all of British literature. Many people who have any faint knowledge of Pride and Prejudice always seem to ask why so many readers adore Mr. Darcy. So today, I am here to pose an argument in Darcy's favor. Granted, many may disagree with me, and that is their right to do so, however, I'd like you to take a look at it from a new perspective.

I am not a stranger to the fact that Mr. Darcy is quite the pompous ass at the beginning of the story. He insults Elizabeth, her ranking, her family, and her looks. He very obviously treats her as if she were lesser than he and he makes a grand deal to point out that she is only "barely tolerable." So with all of this, why do fans of the brilliant love story fawn over Mr. Darcy? Is it because he fits the perfect tall, mysterious, handsome, brooding archetype that has always seemed so popular with women? Yes, he does meet these criteria, however, let's look deeper into the story and the Darcy fantasy.

I must say that Elizabeth Bennet is one of the most revolutionary, female characters of all time. At least in my opinion, and I feel many would agree. See, Austen didn't write Elizabeth as a basic woman from the 1800s. Elizabeth turned down marriage proposals, against her mother's wishes, to marry a man she truly loved. Elizabeth was known to always speak her mind, even if it went against the grain of what was expected of her. Women in the 1800s, especially of Elizabeth's social stature, were supposed to marry the man who has money, even if they are only barely tolerable, in hopes to secure a home for herself, and even possibly her mother and siblings, before her father's passing. That is if there is not another male to inherit the estate.

Also, at this time, women were expected to make themselves palatable to men. They were supposed to basically do everything in their power to please men and make men want them because they were supposed to be looked at as potential brides. There is even a line in the 2005 movie where Elizabeth's sister, Jane, says, "One of these days Lizzie, someone is going to catch your eye and you will have to watch your tongue." This statement is understood, basically, that Elizabeth will eventually find a man she is fond of and will have to watch what she says because if she doesn't then the man will not be fond of her in return. All of this being known, Elizabeth still went against what was expected of her. She was never going to dull herself down for a man who would not accept her for all that she was on the surface. So where does Mr. Darcy come in? I'm so glad you asked.

As mentioned before, Darcy was miserable and he insulted Elizabeth at every chance he got. He pulled apart his friend, Charles Bingley, and Elizabeth's sister, Jane, even though they were madly in love. He made it a big deal to mention that Elizabeth is far under him in regards to social class. Even in his first proposal to Elizabeth, he brings up the fact that, even against his best judgment, he fell for her. Despite her lack of class, money, social stature, and looks, Darcy still found it in his heart to fall in love with her. This proposal causes Elizabeth to be outraged, as it should. This proposal nearly sounds like Darcy is only doing it for charity; he acts as if Elizabeth should be happy that he is choosing her, a poor girl from the countryside. In response to this Elizabeth tells him off in a manner always expected of our beloved Lizzy. Most men would give up, yes? And that my friend is what makes Fitzwilliam Darcy different.

See, Elizabeth, being herself, stands up to Darcy. She insults him right back after his proposal. And with all of this Darcy changes for Elizabeth. He takes her criticism, reflects on them, and changes his behavior. Throughout the rest of the story, Darcy works to right his wrongs. He makes sure Charles Bingley and Jane Bennet end up back together. He helps to find one of Elizabeth's sisters who runs off and then covers the expenses of a wedding for her so the Bennet name doesn't get tarnished. With doing all of this he is trying to be a better version of himself because he respects Elizabeth and he feels that what she has to say is important and valuable.

All of this is to be said that the Darcy Fantasy isn't about a mysterious, brooding, and handsome man coming to sweep you off your feet. No, the Darcy Fantasy is based on the want to be respected and having your opinion highly valued by someone you have feelings for. The Darcy Fantasy is one that shows a man willingly changing the way he acts, his opinion on situations, and even owning up to his mistakes, just to be worthy of you.