An Image of Truth :: Essays Papers

An Image of integrityPlato teaches that reality is to be found in universal forms. Images of objects are therefore pale imitations of reality that is, at least twice removed from the truth. Nevertheless, Jane Austen in Pride and Prejudice suggests that the image of a person potbelly commotion true insights that the actual person might not. In her rattling prototypic meeting with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth is left with no very cordial feelings towards him and after spending four days in the same house with him she still thinks him very disagreeable (9, 53).1 Even after Mr. Darcy has directly and blatantly declared his bask for Elizabeth she cannot consider him favorably and exclaims I have never desired your good enough opinion (125). Just to walk with him in the park seems like wilful illnature or a voluntary penance (120). However, Elizabeths feelings for Darcy change after she go steadys the portrait of him at Pemberley. She develops a more easy sensation toward the or iginal after seeing the painting and may nevertheless consider Darcys regard with a deeper sen mnt of gratitude than it had ever raised before (162). Elizabeth needs the indirect image of Darcy in this portrait to view the man himself more accurately than she can when she faces him in person. The painting offers her time to contemplate Darcys true character. Furthermore, the frozen image creates a outgo from which Elizabeth may consider Darcy without the interference of her intense emotions.When Elizabeth is face to face with Darcy, she mustiness engage him in conversation, but when she examines the portrait, she does not have to speak she can look at the painting for several momentsin earnest reflection and even return to it again before leaving (162). Socially, great splendour is placed on witty dialogue and polite conversation. At the showtime ball, the newly arrived Mr. Darcy is criticized for his reserve rather than extend himself to form new acquaintances, he speak s only occasionally to a lady of his own party (8). Yet by refraining from stodgy conversation, Mr. Darcy is able to form sound opinions. When he wishes to know more of Elizabeth he first attends to her conversations with others before directly engaging her in dialogue (17). He even advises Elizabeth to take her time in getting to know him, prodding I could wish, Miss Bennet, that you were not to sketch my character at the bewilder momentthe performance would reflect no credit on either.