Why does Elizabeth visit Pemberley?

Elizabeth's visit to Pemberley, the estate of Mr. Darcy, is a pivotal moment in the plot of Pride and Prejudice¹. It marks a significant change in her perception of Darcy, as well as a crucial test of his character. By applying the theories of Shklovsky and Propp, we can better understand how this event contributes to the development and resolution of the main conflict between the protagonists.

Shklovsky's theory of defamiliarization suggests that the plot of a story should make the familiar seem strange and the strange seem familiar, by using techniques such as repetition, variation, contrast, and distortion². This way, the plot can create a sense of wonder and curiosity in the reader, as well as challenge their expectations and assumptions. In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth's visit to Pemberley is an example of defamiliarization, as it reverses her previous impressions of Darcy and his surroundings.

Before visiting Pemberley, Elizabeth has a negative opinion of Darcy, based on his pride, his interference in Jane and Bingley's relationship, and his alleged mistreatment of Wickham¹. She also associates him with his cold and formal manners, his disdain for her family and social class, and his gloomy and oppressive house in London¹. However, when she arrives at Pemberley with her aunt and uncle Gardiner, she is surprised by the beauty and elegance of the estate, as well as by the warm and respectful welcome from Darcy's housekeeper¹. She is even more astonished when she encounters Darcy himself, who behaves with politeness, kindness, and generosity towards her and her relatives¹. He also invites them to meet his sister Georgiana, who is shy but sweet and affectionate towards Elizabeth¹.

These contrasts between Elizabeth's expectations and reality make her reconsider her judgment of Darcy, as well as her own feelings for him. She realizes that she has been prejudiced against him, and that he has improved his character since his first proposal¹. She also discovers that he has a different side to him, one that is more gentle, humble, and sincere. She begins to admire him for his virtues, his affection for his sister, and his care for his estate¹. She also feels a growing attraction for him, which she tries to suppress but cannot deny¹.

By making the familiar (Darcy) seem strange (pleasant) and the strange (Pemberley) seem familiar (inviting), Shklovsky's theory of defamiliarization helps us understand how Elizabeth's visit to Pemberley creates a turning point in the plot. It not only changes Elizabeth's attitude towards Darcy, but also prepares the ground for their eventual reconciliation and union.

(1) Pride and Prejudice - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_and_Prejudice Accessed 3/13/2023.

(2) Summary of Pride and Prejudice | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/summary/Pride-and-Prejudice Accessed 3/13/2023.

(3) Pride and Prejudice - Summary | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pride-and-Prejudice/Summary Accessed 3/13/2023.

(4) Pride and Prejudice: Full Book Summary | SparkNotes. https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/pride/summary/ Accessed 3/13/2023.

(5) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Plot Summary | LitCharts. https://www.litcharts.com/lit/pride-and-prejudice/summary Accessed 3/13/2023.

(6) Pride and Prejudice: Study Guide | SparkNotes. https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/pride/ Accessed 3/13/2023.