Elizabeth Bennet's feelings for Mr. Darcy develop gradually throughout Pride and Prejudice. It's difficult to pinpoint an exact moment when she first starts liking him, but there are several key moments that highlight the shift in her feelings.
Early Dislike
- First Impressions: Elizabeth's initial impression of Darcy is strongly negative. She finds him arrogant, aloof, and condescending.
- Darcy's Pride: Darcy's pride and prejudice against those of lower social standing, like Elizabeth's family, further fuel her dislike.
The Turning Point
- Darcy's Proposal: While Darcy's proposal is initially rejected, it's a crucial turning point. Elizabeth starts to see a different side of him, realizing his intelligence, sensitivity, and genuine affection for her.
- Darcy's Letter: Darcy's letter explaining his actions and motivations, especially his intervention in Lydia's elopement, sheds light on his true character and further softens Elizabeth's heart.
Growing Affection
- Seeing Darcy in a New Light: Elizabeth begins to see Darcy's good qualities, like his kindness, generosity, and integrity, through his actions and interactions with others.
- Mutual Respect: Despite their initial clash, Elizabeth and Darcy gradually develop mutual respect and admiration for each other's intelligence and strength of character.
The Final Shift
- Darcy's Change: Darcy's transformation, shown through his humility and willingness to change his behavior, further attracts Elizabeth.
- Mutual Understanding: Their shared experiences and conversations lead to a deeper understanding and emotional connection between them.
By the end of the novel, Elizabeth's initial dislike for Darcy has completely transformed into love and admiration. Her journey from dislike to love is a testament to the power of understanding, forgiveness, and the transformative nature of true love.
