The Process of Change

Paper Summary:

This paper first examines the differences between these two characters and then points out in which ways they are similar. It shows that Jane Austen is writing a romantic comedy, and Joseph Conrad has undertaken to write a philosophically-oriented story that explores the darker side of humanity. These two characters do have something in common, however. It explains that, in the process of the story, they both make significant changes to their personalities by way of their outlook on life. It is the capacity for serious self-study that makes it possible for Darcy to change, and it is Marlowe's inability to confront the reality of the world and himself that brings about the changes in his personality. Darcy overcomes the initial obstacle of pride through a process of acknowledgment, learning, and acceptance, whereas Marlowe chooses to define the world as a 'dream' and, as a result, falls into the "darkness".

From the Paper:

"The defining moment in Mr. Darcy's process of change seems to be at the point of his first proposal. His pride leads him to think (and undiplomatically state) that Elizabeth would be more than honored to have him as husband. She, of course, resents the implication that she had no better thoughts of her future than marriage to him. He is extremely surprised when she answers vehemently in the negative; in fact, he is "the last man in the world whom [she] could ever be prevailed upon to marry" (193). The proposal and subsequent rejection allows for the consideration of change to stealthily enter into his subconscious. The tension between them provides the energy and the refusal the impetus for change."

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