Who Would Have Been a Better Match for Mr. Darcy: Elizabeth Bennett or Miss Bingley?

In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, the relationship between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett is central to the narrative. However, some readers often wonder about other potential pairings, such as Mr. Darcy with Miss Bingley or Miss Caroline De Bourgh. This essay delves into the characters to explore whether these matches would have been more suitable or appealing.

The Characters Involved

Elizabeth Bennett, played by Keira Knightley in the beloved 2005 film, is the spirited and intelligent heroine who initially despises Mr. Darcy. Her wit, courage, and independent spirit balance perfectly with Darcy's deep-seated pride and repressed emotions. By the end of the novel, they form a love that is mutual and enduring.

Miss Caroline Bingley is Mr. Bingley's snobbish sister, and while she is portrayed as beauty and wealth combined, her character lacks the depth and honesty required for a truly fulfilling romantic relationship. Her constant endeavor to curry favors and her relentless pursuit of comfort and status conflict with Mr. Darcy's more reserved and thoughtful nature.

The Case for Elizabeth Bennett

Mutual Admiration and Complementary Personalities: One of the most compelling reasons why Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy make a perfect match is their mutual admiration and complementary personalities. Mr. Darcy begins to recognize Elizabeth's intelligence and wit, while she sees past his initial aloof demeanor to appreciate his goodness underneath. Their relationship grows through a series of misunderstandings and revelations, leading to a deep and genuine love.

Shared Values and Mutual Growth: Both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy undergo significant character development throughout the novel. They learn to empathize with each other, respect different perspectives, and ultimately grow into mature, balanced individuals. This journey is a key component of why their union is so fulfilling and prosperous.

The Disadvantages and Unlikely Matches

The other potential matches, Miss Bingley, and potential erroneous characters mentioned, do not fare as well when examined closely.

Miss Bingley vs. Mr. Darcy: Miss Bingley's obsequious and manipulative nature make her an unsuitable match for Mr. Darcy. Her constant attempts to flatter and ingratiate herself with Mr. Darcy or her brother, Mr. Bingley, indicate a lack of genuine interest or mutual respect. Her eventual expulsion from the story as a result of her behavior further demonstrates her inability to sustain a healthy and lasting romantic relationship.

The Non-Existent Character (Caroline De Bourgh): There is no character named Caroline De Bourgh in Pride and Prejudice. Even if there were, her affection for Mr. Darcy would likely be tinged with sorrow and envy, given her deep-seated resentment towards him. Her delicate health also makes her an impractical choice for a wife in this era. Similarly, as Darcy and Caroline are first cousins, the reality of their entire family would complicate their potential union significantly, adding another layer of malaise to any relationship between them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the match between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett is both brilliant and profound. Their relationship, rooted in mutual admiration, complementary personalities, and shared values, makes them an ideal couple for the novel's ending. Any other match proposed, such as Mr. Darcy with Miss Bingley, would fall short due to the characters' incompatible personalities and motivations. Pride and Prejudice thus demonstrates why Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are the perfect match for each other.