Re: Please do not put words my mouth

I think Darcy was self-absorbed and arrogant, which is why he never noticed that Elizabeth wasn't interested in him. To be fair, there are several scenes where her natural teasing nature really does make her sound like she's flirting. And since Darcy obviously regarded disagreement and discussion as a way of expressing interest, then I suppose it would seem reasonable to him that she was doing the same.

Would he have gotten a raw deal if Elizabeth had accepted him the first time? Yes, all told, he probably would have. I agree with your proposition that he should not have proposed to her the first time around. I certainly think that if he loved her he should have set out to win her love in return, as men from time immemorial have done, rather than just assuming her pleasure in the match, and in that sense he literally would have been asking for it if she had married him and then treated him with contempt.

Here's what you actually said, which is in part what I was reacting to:

Quote

What did Darcy know of Elizabeth that made him think he wanted to spend a life with her? She had a snappy wit and was kind to those she liked, but let's face it -- Elizabeth could probably show a very mean side if vexed or pushed.

I am just suggesting that he had more reason to think well of her and her character than this line would seem to suggest.