"First Impressions"
And how it is reflected in the novel
"First Impressions"
The title "First Impressions" was the original title of the now famous "Pride and Prejudice". Austen wrote "First Impressions" between 1797 and 1798. Approximately ten years later, she changed the title to "Pride and Prejudice". However, both titles are greatly reflected throughout the novel. Below are some examples of how the title "First Impressions" is reflected in the novel.
Mr. Bingley
When Mr. Bingley first arrives, he is made out to be this handsome, rich man who would make a wonderful suitor for all of the young women living in the area. However, upon meeting this man, he only has eyes for Jane Bennet. Everybody besides her sees Mr. Bingley as rude and haughty, but Jane sees him as kind, charming, and handsome, which is why she eventually falls head over heels for him.
Jane
Mr. Bingley makes it obvious that Jane has taken his fancy by dancing with her more than any other woman at the first ball he attends. She must have made a notable first impression on him, otherwise he would not have asked her to dance a second time, or struck his fancy.
Mr. Darcy
Mr. Darcy comes across as a rude, arrogant, and antisocial man at the first ball that he attended. By calling Elizabeth unattractive, he made a bad name for himself which led to his being looked down upon by much of the community, as well as being turned down by Elizabeth. But, his bitterness intrigues Elizabeth as well.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth's first impression of Mr. Darcy sets the stage for the whole novel. When she first hears him talking rudely of her, she assumes that he's a pompous dolt who has no respect for others. This eventually causes her to turn down his marriage proposal further on in the novel.