Did Mr. Darcy's Feelings for Elizabeth Change After He Discovered She Was the Daughter of an Aristocrat?

The premise of your question is incorrect. In the novel Pride and Prejudice, it is clearly established that Elizabeth Bennet is not the daughter of an aristocrat. She explicitly states this herself, and the novel further reinforces this fact. Her mother is the daughter of a country lawyer, a status much lower than that of her father, who is a gentleman. Therefore, Darcy could not have discovered any such fact.

Parentage and Social Status

In Pride and Prejudice, the characters' feelings and actions are deeply influenced by social status and class. However, Mr. Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth are primarily based on her personality and intelligence, rather than her parentage or social status.

When Darcy first encounters Elizabeth, his initial judgments are colored by his own preconceptions about her family. He misunderstands her character and believes that her family's lower status diminishes her value. However, as the novel progresses, Darcy's perceptions and feelings evolve significantly.

Development of Darcy and Elizabeth's Relationship

Both the protagonists undergo significant changes in their feelings towards each other. Initially, Elizabeth's associations with people of lower social standing and her family's status make her the target of Darcy's disdain. Elizabeth, on the other hand, is initially prejudiced against Darcy and his social clique.

However, as the story unfolds, Elizabeth's growth in understanding the deeper meanings of Darcy's actions and his character reveals a man of genuine kindness and integrity. Darcy, on the other hand, learns the value of acknowledging and changing his own prejudices. By the end of the novel, both have transformed their feelings, with Darcy becoming more open and understanding, and Elizabeth learning to see beyond surface appearances.

The Role of Elizabeth's Uncle

Pride and Prejudice also highlights the role of Elizabeth's uncle, Mr. Gardiner, in her life. Mr. Gardiner is described as more understanding and accommodating of Elizabeth's interests and personality, suggesting that some of Darcy's positive feelings towards Elizabeth might stem from this influence, rather than any misconception about her parentage.

When Mr. Darcy later becomes engaged to Elizabeth, he is particularly fond of her uncle. This preference might indicate that Darcy values Elizabeth's character and qualities more than her perceived social status. The novel emphasizes that in the end, it is Elizabeth's own personality that wins Darcy's heart, rather than any glimmer of aristocratic lineage.

Conclusion

Mr. Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth are fundamentally based on her personality, not her parentage. His initial misjudgments about her family’s status did not affect his eventual deep and genuine affection for her. By understanding and appreciating Elizabeth's true self, Darcy evolves from a man of social obligations to a person who acknowledges and values true character.