Upon rereading Pride and Prejudice the other day (or perhaps that should be re-re-re-re-re…reading it) I came to a most shocking realisation… The words Mr Darcy uses to propose to Elizabeth for the first time are not actually given to us in the book! We have only the first four introductory sentences of his speech. After that we are given only a summary of the proposal that so offended Elizabeth. Since it’s one of the most important scenes of the story, screenwriters have had to fill in the gaps with their own ideas. I’ve transcribed the most famous attempts to do so, from the 1940, 1980, 1995 and 2005 Pride and Prejudice adaptations. But first, here is the passage from the novel:
“In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
Elizabeth’s astonishment was beyond expression. She stared, coloured, doubted, and was silent. This he considered sufficient encouragement; and the avowal of all that he felt, and had long felt for her, immediately followed. He spoke well; but there were feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed; and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride. His sense of her inferiority–of its being a degradation–of the family obstacles which had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence he was wounding, but was very unlikely to recommend his suit.
In spite of her deeply-rooted dislike, she could not be insensible to the compliment of such a man’s affection, and though her intentions did not vary for an instant, she was at first sorry for the pain he was to receive; till, roused to resentment by his subsequent language, she lost all compassion in anger. She tried, however, to compose herself to answer him with patience, when he should have done. He concluded with representing to her the strength of that attachment which, in spite of all his endeavours, he had found impossible to conquer; and with expressing his hope that it would now be rewarded by her acceptance of his hand. As he said this, she could easily see that he had no doubt of a favourable answer. He spoke of apprehension and anxiety, but his countenance expressed real security. Such a circumstance could only exasperate farther, and, when he ceased, the colour rose into her cheeks, and she said…
So what exactly provoked Miss Elizabeth into replying with such incivility? Here are the most famous alternatives. Which do you find the most convincing, based on Mr Darcy’s character and the angry reaction it received from Lizzy?
The 2005 Pride and Prejudice Movie (screenplay by Deborah Moggach)
DARCY: Miss Elizabeth. I have struggled in vain and I can bear it no longer. These past months have been a torment. I came to Rosings with the single object of seeing you. I had to see you. I have fought against my better judgement, my family’s expectation, the inferiority of your birth, my rank and circumstances – all these things -but I am willing to put them aside and ask you to end my agony
LIZZY: I don’t understand.
DARCY: I love you. Most ardently. Please do me the honor of accepting my hand.
The BBC Pride and Prejudice 1995 TV series (Screenplay by Andrew Davies)
DARCY: In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. In declaring myself thus I’m fully aware that I will be going expressly against the wishes of my family, my friends, and, I hardly need add, my own better judgement. The relative situation of our families is such that any alliance between us must be regarded as a highly reprehensible connection. Indeed, as a rational man I cannot but regard it as such myself, but it cannot be helped. Almost from the earliest moments of our acquaintance I have come to feel for you a passionate admiration and regard, which despite my struggles has overcome every rational objection, and I beg you, most fervently, to relieve my suffering and consent to be my wife.
1980 BBC Pride and Prejudice TV series (Screenplay by Fay Weldon)
DARCY: In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. In spite of all my endeavors, I have found it impossible to conquer the strength of my feelings. The inferiority of your family; the miserable connection; the degradation; the lack of judgement I display; the harshness by which I shall rightly be judged by my own family and connections – all these count as nothing. Even the damage, for damage it must be, to my sister, and the insult to Anne de Bourgh and her mother mean nothing to me in the face of my attachment to you, Miss Bennet. I have struggled greatly and endured great pain. I hope I will now be rewarded. Miss Bennet, will you accept my hand in marriage?
1940 Pride and Prejudice Movie (Screenplay by Aldous Huxley and Jane Murfin)
DARCY: It’s no use. I’ve struggled in vain. I must tell you how much I admire and love you. Miss Elizabeth, my life and happiness are in your hands. These last weeks since I left Netherfield have been empty, meaningless days and nights. I thought I could put you out of my mind, that inclination would give way to judgement. I’ve walked the streets of London reminding myself of the unsuitability of such a marriage. The obstacles between us… but it won’t do. I can struggle against you no longer.
ELIZABETH: Mr. Darcy!
DARCY: I’ve reminded myself again and again that I have obligations of family and position, obligations I was born to. Nothing I tell myself matters. I love you. I love you.
ELIZABETH: Do you know what you’re saying?
DARCY: Yes, my darling. I’m asking you to marry me.
So there is is. For me, it’s a close-run contest between the 1980 and 1995 adaptations. I think the quality of the dialog in the 1995 version is the reason I hadn’t noticed that the speech isn’t actually in the book. For this reason, Pride and Prejudice 1995 just shades it for me. Please let me know what you think!
Your dearest friend,
Lizzy
I prefer the book’s version myself. The exact words are left to the imagination
But if I had to choose one of the alternatives it would be the 1995 version – I think it’s the ‘highly reprehensible connection’ bit that does it!
I love that he ends that part with “but it cannot be helped.” It’s like he’s blaming Elizabeth for the situation. The 1995 proposal just flows so nicely too. Andrew Davies is great at imitating Jane Austen’s style and rhythm. The 1940 proposal is just too sweet. Also, when you listen to it, it sounds like he’s saying “I lav you.” and Olivier has such a gentle manner. It’s all wrong! I have to say I think Colin Firth is a much better me.
i love colin firth’s Darcy, for me he is the only Darcy and i love his proposal the best.
The 2005 proposal isn’t as eloquent but it does look and sound great; the rain and soundtrack and a lot. If you click that link, you can see a video snippet from youtube.
All in all, for me there is no other Darcy but Colin Firth. He manages the perfect balance between coldness and passion, arrogance and sensitivity, and you can really understand why in spite of his extremely irritating behavior Lizzie finally falls for him. The 1995 adaptation is my all time favorite.
1995 version all the way! Colin Firth is the penultimate Darcy. The 2005 version doesn’t even get the most important bit of the proposal right! “You MUST allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” The 1980 version is closer, but I think its pretty clear the 1995 version is just the best adaptation possible of that book!
It’s a close call between 1980 and 1995. I can’t understand why any screenplay would paraphrase the first four sentences of such a crucial scene, therefore the other two are automatically knocked out of contention for me. I have never seen the 1980 version but I think “the insult to Anne DeBourgh and her mother mean nothing” is a very interesting comment, a more forceful slap in the face by labelling his attraction more than bad judgement: it’s an insult to his character disguised as an insult to others. Colin Firth’s characterization is wonderful because he really portrays Darcy’s attempt to remain aloof in spite of his distress, to show some control over that which he cannot control. Because I’ve not seen the 1980 version or the actor’s delivery, the 1995 version has the edge (for now!).
The reason I love reading your blog is the fact that you point out these things that I have taken for granted and you just open my eyes to them! I must have read the book like 5 times and seen the 1995 version like 100 times and it has never occured to me that in the book, the proposal was never full uttered by Darcy….so good is Andrew Davies screenplay that it almost seems seamless. Also, Colin Firth’s portrayal of the character is so awesome, the delivery and the facial and bodily expressions conveyed so much that you do understand his innermost struggle with the events that led to this moment.
well, I have not seen the 1940’s version but reading that screenplay just reminded me why I never will. That was just awful! Which Darcy is that they are portraying?!!?!? “Yes my darling, I’m asking you to marry me”?!?!?!?!? – whatever!!!
In the 1980’s version, I just couldn’t reconcile the line “…and the insult to Ann de Bourgh and her mother…” That seems out of place. I have always imagine Darcy suffered her aunt and cousin for the sake of familial duty so I find it odd that he would care much about the insult to them. He grows impatient with Lady Catherine when in her company and winces when she sets out to put down Lizzy… I know I’m conflating the book and the 1995 TV version but I think that is a correct depiction of the relationship.
In the 2005 version, I don’t see why the leading phrase had to be retooled. Also, is it me or do you find that McFadden’s Darcy seems very one-dimensional? he wears almost always the same expression on his face…I do get that Darcy is serious and reserved but he’s also charming and witty when he’s among his set. I found that very lacking in his performance
2005- no question, one of the best scenes ever!
I love 2005 version. Love Matthew’s Darcy and Keira’s Lizzi.
It does not matter how the director asked them to say, all of Mr. Darcy have expressed their feeling perfectly, because this is the best novel, all the time.
But I wish the happy ending were longer so I could taste their happiness more.
it feels like Darcy had struggled alot before he could declare his love, as he had to fight against his rank and how the society was ,and against himself and his inner pride
but all of this makes the declaration scene so powerful and exciting
i love the 2005 version Matthew makes Darcy so alive
i have seen the 1980 and 2005 depiction. i enjoy the 2005 the best. i felt that the 1980 darcy was too stiff. matthew brought darcy to life, the way he spoke, and the rain and thunder storm scenery created the mood which allowed matthew to make a beautiful delivery. After reading the numerous comments on the 1995 film i am going to rent it and let you know what i think.
I have watched and enjoyed all four versions, although the 1940 version almost seemed like an entirely different story and could almost be considered a “madcap comedy.” Those of you who comment that the 1980 and 1995 versions of Mr. Darcy were so stiff forget that that was the custom of behavior in that time period. His rank and station of life required a certain standard of behavior. In private his behavior could be a bit more lax, perhaps, such as the impromptu swim when he returns to Pemberly in the 1995 version — which was very quickly corrected upon running into Elizabeth.
For faithfulness to the book, I would have to rank them as:
1. 1980.
2. 1995.
3. 2005.
4. 1940
Just based on the pure script, I still have to say 1995 version. Reading it as if I were receiving that proposal, it’s the most uncivil and endearing. The use of “reprehensible” and the feeling I get that he finds his own attachment to her to be dispicable, is the only text that would lead to such a violent refusal. (Trying sooo hard to be objective as Firth’s portrayal is how I envision Darcy. I was SO not fond of the 2005 version.)
i watched the full version of the scene and it is not the same with what the books said and i can not believe Mr. Darcy just said that to Elizabeth. overall it was a good version of the scene. i really liked it.