Our Daily Biscuit: Blog 67: 5 Reasons to Love Mr. Darcy

A lot of men probably don't understand what women see in him. A lot of men react to my Austen addiction like this:

For this reason, I have taken it upon myself to explain. I think I will always love Pride and Prejudice (the book and the movie). It's in my blood now. Not only is Elizabeth Bennett one of my favorite literary heroines with her sassiness, intelligence, and pig-headedness, but she has a worrisome, affectionate mother and a very calm father with a kindred spirit (sorry, Mama, but I can relate--haha). The hero in the story, however, is what keeps many of us ladies coming back. It isn't just the romanticism of the time period, the attractive wardrobing, or the beautiful accents (although for some reason, I think a man in boots is a hot man, indeed). It's the content of his character that is so absolutely bewitching. So I started thinking: why is he such a dreamboat?

Well, that's a good chunk of it.

1. LOYALTY: No matter what damage it does him, he stands by the people he loves. He urges Bingley away from an "imprudent" situation, knowing it will remove him from the person's society he most craves. He patiently tolerates the pernicious personality of Caroline Bingley and her behavior devoid of subtlety. Even after Elizabeth humiliates him, assumes the worst of him, accuses him of heinous crimes of decency without knowing any of the facts, and derisively spurns his affections; he still loves her. He still admires her wit and courage. He still can be kind to her family, though their impropriety goes against some of his most treasured values.

This has nothing to do with loyalty, but wouldn't it be nice?

2. HONESTY: Darcy doesn't mince words. He is direct even when it is difficult for him. He tells Elizabeth what he feels, good and bad. He doesn't have to be pressed and nagged for it. His word is bond, and there's no reason to doubt him. It isn't always fun to tell the truth, but Darcy does it with a halting grace. He fears being false over being the object of anger or offense. The only time he does "bend the truth," it is absolutely forgivable. He says that Lizzie plays the piano quite well, though we all know how terrible she is at it.

^How I react to most men.

Even his actions are honest. This, of course, was a subtle way of saying "I want you to have my babies."

3. DECISIVENESS: He is a man of action, not merely of words. When Lizzie is in trouble, he doesn't wring his hands and fawn over her with useless phrases. He doesn't apologize for her distress and make empty promises. He leaves her company almost immediately and sets about finding a solution. If it weren't for him, the whole family would have been ruined by Lydia's scandalous elopement. He pays for everything and puts Wickham in his place. He even acts as a witness at the wedding, which again grates against his own values. Almost immediately, he brings Bingley back to the country and helps him work up the nerve to propose to Jane.

Ironic, indeed.

4. MODESTY: This one is a bit ironic, as Lizzie mistakes his stubborness for pride (although it is a quality she also possesses). Darcy requires no praise. He asks Lydia to keep his generous involvement in patching up the wedding with Wickham a secret. He doesn't ask for thanks or put himself forward to Lizzie's father--even as he asks for her hand. His actions speak for themselves. He does what he does out of love and however generous or strong or supportive he is, he doesn't try to recommend himself with it--even when he still believes Elizabeth indifferent to his affections.

5. MORALITY: Though Darcy's sense of propriety causes some misunderstandings, it is unyielding. He does not sacrifice his values for popularity or attractiveness. He believes in doing things the right way. He believes in truth, justice, and all of the qualities listed above. He is upright and content to remain so. Pardon the vulgarity, but even when Caroline keeps tossing her snatch at him, he remains aloof. You have to love a man who can say no. So few do these days. They blame it on the offer, rather than their own deficiency of character. Not our Darcy. No, not him.