Fitzwilliam Darcy can be described as the epitome of high society and great pride. His arrival at Netherfield eclipses Mr. Bingley's arrival, if only for a moment. Both men are handsome and single; however, Darcy would be richer than Bingley by five thousand a year. Inevitably, the townspeople are already aware of this fact and find Mr. Darcy "much handsomer than Mr. Bingley" (7), the former's fortune being an obvious factor in their statements. However; their opinion quickly changes when they discover him proud, above his company and above being content; and all his vast estates in Derbyshire could not then prevent him from having a most forbidding and disagreeable countenance, and from being unworthy of being compared with his friend (7). Although the shame of being seduced by Darcy's fortune causes the townspeople to resort to prejudice against Darcy's character, Darcy makes no effort to prove otherwise. In fact, his “manners caused disgust, which reversed the course of his popularity” (7). Apparently, city dwellers tend to judge those who are upper class but display arrogance; Darcy must therefore change his attitude, otherwise he is condemned to constant prejudices against him. Darcy's height does not diminish at the Meryton ball when it comes time for him to dance with other women. Mr. Bingley emphasizes that he must dance and not "stay alone in this stupid way" (8). Even Bingley realizes how unnecessarily reserved Darcy is when the opportunity to be sociable presents itself. Meanwhile, the townspeople also realize this and conclude that he is in fact opposed to the favorable Bingley and is considered an unpleasant character. The... middle of paper...... that he congratulated himself on having recently saved a friend from the inconveniences of a most imprudent marriage” (159). Even though Darcy loves Elizabeth, he is still too proud to recognize a justifiable action as a selfish action. He does not realize the pain he is causing Elizabeth and Jane because he does not humble himself enough to see the true love that exists between Bingley and Jane. Beyond his pride, he also shows total condescension when he says that he “considers a most unfortunate relationship” (169) since he concludes that his family is one with “ a total lack of decorum” (169). He is too preoccupied with the social status that the Bennets lack, that his mind is clouded by what is most important and that love between two parties is enough and wealth is inconsequential for a successful marriage. Works Cited Austen, Jane Pride and Prejudice. London: Signet Ring 2005