Austen's Pride and Prejudice, the wealthy Mr. Darcy is a character of moral ambiguity. Although inclined by his good looks and high income to think him benevolent and worthy of their time, the Bennet sisters, especially Lizzy; vacillate on what their true opinions of the man really are. Through this elusive character, Austen achieves her aims of exposing shallow views of marriage, forcing Elizabeth to examine her prejudices and Mr. Darcy as well to examine his pride.

Upon his introduction to the novel, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy is favorably received by the inhabitants of the Longbourn estate. His "stature" and "income" are among the traits that he possesses which would most clearly attest to his virtue. However, at the Netherfield ball hosted by his friend Bingley, Mr. Darcy succeeds in dismaying his fellow party-goers when he remarks that Elizabeth Bennet is "not handsome" enough for his dancing with her...