The Jane Austen book-turned-movie classic, "Pride and Prejudice," is filled with underlying themes of, well, pride and prejudice -- specifically how those qualities cloud and confuse judgement when it comes to life and love. What is a 19th century girl and guy to do when their head tells them one thing, but their heart has a completely different idea? The adorable love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is one that continuously reignites the flame of hopeless romantics everywhere. And the best part of it all? The brooding and charming Mr. Darcy, who undoubtedly goes down in history for simultaneously delivering some of the most beautiful and awful declarations of love the world has ever experienced.
"I... do not have the talent of conversing easily with people I have never met before."
Poor, awkward, stiff Mr. Darcy. He just does not know how to flirt with a woman to save his life -- and certainly not with Elizabeth Bennett. He is quite, reserved, and shy, making him easily intimidated by Elizabeth's outgoing and confident personality. Opposites attract, right? We sure hope so.
"I have fought against my better judgment, my family's expectations, the inferiority of your birth by rank and circumstance. All these things I am willing to put aside and ask you to end my agony."
Well, you certainly know how to turn a lady off, Mr. Darcy. For future reference, starting a proposal by insulting the woman you supposedly love does not set the tone for romanticism. Mr. Darcy's first shot at asking for Elizabeth's hand in marriage sounded more like a Comedy Central roast than a declaration of love.
“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
It got a little better, but seeings how he is saying that he has been forced to teeter-totter between his own pride and his love for Elizabeth, well, I don't think any woman would appreciate that sentiment. Good shot, though.
"I love you. Most ardently. Please do me the honor of accepting my hand."
By the time he gets to this part, he has already dug himself into a hole deep enough to go to China, and should be expecting a full-blown, angry, and sassy retort from Elizabeth -- and she doesn't disappoint. Nevertheless, I have to admit, 'ardently' was a nice touch.
**more pride and prejudice**
"You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on."
Ahhh, finally. Perhaps the most beautiful and wonderful line that exists in literature. Mr. Darcy, you deserve a gold medal for this proposal, as it is the most wonderful thing in existence (if this is not incorporated somehow it my future-husbands wedding vows, I may have to reconsider). If Elizabeth had any doubt about marrying Darcy before, she was definitely reassured in her love as these words swept her off her feet.
And they lived happily ever after -- with a little less pride and a lot less prejudice.
