Excerpt
The Inner StruggleDarcy's struggle in the novel is one of trying to resist the charms of a woman of inferior birth and status. At times he grows confident in his power to succeed, only to find it diminish again. This part of the story is Darcy's 'bildungsroman', his narrative of growth — from inexperience to maturity, from ignorance to knowledge. This was a mainstay of the eighteenth century, with Goethe's Werther, Voltaire's Candide (1759) and Laurence Stern's Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman (1759). All were hugely popular, fashionable and influential, and some had an inflammatory effect on society.
The 'bildungsroman' describes the coming-of-age exploration of the world, with title characters that experience an education and in particular a search — for emotional authenticity, real values and true relationships. Henry Fielding, with Tom Jones (1749) — one of Austen's favourites — and Laurence Stern, for example, examined what it meant to be a gentleman in the modern Enlightenment Age. Was it achieved by birth or behaviour?
Darcy's story, in this light, is one of development and education. We can compare his attitudes and behaviour at the outset of the story, with reference to dancing and accomplishments for example, with the man he becomes by the end. No longer as anxious or tongue-tied, proud or dismissive, he is able to approach Mr Bennet in the inner sanctum of his library to ask for Elizabeth's hand. He remains handsome and rich, but shows he is capable of growth and change and braving social disapproval, particularly from his aunt. Elizabeth is good for him. Some of her defiance has rubbed off on him, and she has helped him to confront and admit to his flaws and do something about them. Their time together at Rosings and Hunsford has been crucial to this, of course.
Book Blurb
Dr Malcolm examines Jane Austen's influences in creating Darcy's potent mix of brooding Gothic hero, aristocratic elitist and romantic Regency man of action. She investigates how he paved the way for later characters like Heathcliff, Rochester and even Dracula, and what his impact has been on popular culture over the past two centuries. For twenty-first century readers the world over have their idea of the 'perfect' Darcy in mind when they read the novel and will defend their choice passionately.
In this insightful and entertaining study, every variety of Darcy jostles for attention: vampire Darcy, digital Darcy, Mormon Darcy and gay Darcy. Who does it best and how did a clergyman's daughter from Hampshire create such an enduring character?
A must-read for every Darcy and Jane Austen fan.
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