Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

The central action of the novel revolves around the increasing perception and self-realisation of Darcy and Elizabeth. Both characters are guilty of harbouring illusions about the other, and it is when these misguided notions are replaced, that they gain a clear understanding of each other.
In the cottage at Hunsford both characters perceptions of each other, and indeed themselves, change. Elizabeth after having attacked Darcy for his faults becomes ?absolutely ashamed of herself? and admits to being ?blind, partial, prejudiced, absurd? (Chapter 36) as a result of her attraction to George Wickham. She realises that preconceptions and ?ignorance? have ?driven reason away?(Chapter 36). Elizabeth acknowledges that ?Till this moment, I never knew myself?(Chapter 36).
Darcy too is awoken to his prejudice and conceit when his confidence in gaining a positive reply to his proposal to Elizabeth is shattered. Her accusations shock him greatly and he appreciates that he must shed all his forme...