How the Wickham-Lydia Affair Affects Darcy-Elizabeth’s Relationship

Answer

Discuss how the Wickham-Lydia affair affects the Darcy-Elizabeth relationship. [NU: 2019]

In “Pride and Prejudice” (1813) by Jane Austen (1775-1817), Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy have a slow love story. At first, they misunderstand each other. Pride and prejudice keep them apart. But then comes a scandal. Lydia Bennet, Elizabeth’s youngest sister, runs away with George Wickham. Wickham is a soldier and a charming man, but he is dishonest and greedy. This event becomes a great test for Elizabeth and Darcy.

The Big Shame for Elizabeth’s Family: The news is shocking. Lydia goes away with Wickham. They are not married. At that time, this was a great shame. Society would look down on the whole Bennet family. Elizabeth knows this will hurt her sisters’ chances to marry. She says,

“She is lost forever.”

Elizabeth feels hopeless. She fears that Darcy will never want to marry into a disgraced family. She thinks his pride will stop him. She is also angry at Lydia’s foolishness. The happy moments she had with Darcy at Pemberley now feel far away. Her heart feels heavy.

Elizabeth’s Pain and Fear About Darcy: Elizabeth is worried. Before the scandal, Elizabeth had started to admire Darcy. But she had not spoken her heart. Now she realises she loves him. She believes Darcy will stay away because of family shame. This makes the shame even harder. She knows Darcy values honour and respect. She fears the Bennets’ bad name will stop his love. This pain makes her realise she truly cares for him. She feels sad not only for Lydia but also for herself.

Darcy’s Secret Help: Darcy hears about the scandal from Elizabeth. He acts without telling anyone. He searches for Lydia and Wickham in London. Wickham has no plan to marry Lydia. Darcy persuades him. He pays Wickham’s debts. He gives him money for the marriage. Mrs. Gardiner later says,

“He had done all this for a girl whom he could neither regard nor esteem.”

Darcy’s help