Have You Met Your Mr. Darcy?

It all began several years ago when one of my dear law school friends, in our many adventures and misadventures, suggested that we watch the movie, “Pride and Prejudice,” with Kiera Knightly and Matthew McFadden. Having lived with a roommate during law school who would tug that very novel everywhere, along with her many casebooks, I was surely intrigued to finally sit down and understand the story that has captivated so many. I agreed and we set a date.

Today, I can still recall that day with such clarity. We were in San Francisco, my favorite city inthe world, and we had dinner at Nordstrom Café close by in downtown. It was a good meal, and thereafter, we met another friend headed to the theater. There were giggles and sighs throughout the movie. At the end, we sat speechless. Although we thoroughly enjoyed the movie, one question persisted in each of our minds – “Will I ever meet my Mr. Darcy?” Or in my case, given I am married to a dashing young professional (he reads my blog on occassion!), “Have I met my Mr. Darcy?” We had a down and out post-screen discussion regarding Mr. Darcy and Lizzie, we all talked about our ideal mate, our current mates (whether married or not), and how they all may never measure up to Mr. Darcy . . .

How has Jane Austen so successfully written a character who continues to intrigue the psyche of so many women hundreds of years later? I recently watched the 1995 BBC version of the movie on Masterpiece Theater which is the version I prefer. Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, in my opinion, prove a better Lizzie and Mr. Darcy. The characters continue to intrigue. However, I do not think it is all about the main characters and how fabulous and sweet their romance is. When I searched for fan sites and blogs on Jane Austen and her most famous novels, I unearthed so many wonderful sites with a focus clearly on the romance. Yet, for me, the intrigue evolves from the time and place of the story. To begin with, I love period pieces -- I love (love!) the clothes, the apparent gentle manners of people of that time, and just how life was so leisurely. But the other questions I have are not, “Where is Mr. Darcy?” or “Have I met my Mr. Darcy?” But really, my questions are these:

1. Why must a woman feel as though she needs to find a Mr. Darcy?
2. Why must women feel they should be rescued by a Mr. Darcy?
3. Was marriage that much of a focus for young women of that time?
4. If so, what was Jane Austen’s predicament when she became a spinster?
5. What is so appealing about Mr. Darcy? His money? His rescue of the Bennet Family?

Clearly, I don’t have the answers. But it is entertaining for one to try to them. Afterall, isn’t that what the good Jane Austen wanted?