Pride and Prejudice #2

"I never saw such a woman.  I never saw such capacity, and taste, and application, and elegance as you describe, united" (Austen 35).

As Mr. Darcy expresses his ideal characteristics of a woman, Elizabeth is vexed by his speech.  She proclaims that she has never seen a woman that meets his requirements.  His assertion demonstrates that Mr. Darcy has high expectations for women.  Austen utilizes the repetition of "I never saw" to demonstrate Elizabeth's disgust towards Mr.Darcy.  She symbolizes women in general, showing how she does not agree with these characteristics because she exceeds them.  The reader can assent that the emphasis on the word "I" shows the banter between a female and a male. Women were thought to be taciturn and laconic because they were basically bound to their fathers and husbands.  Women had to put a lot of effort in order to get society's respect.  The fact that Elizabeth quarrels with Mr.Darcy shows that she can overcome society's prejudice and speak up for herself.  She knows that Mr.Darcy's list means nothing to her; all that matters is her own thought on what makes a perfect woman.