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.
I would like to say that 2005 version is my favorite …Keira as lizzy was awsome and Mathew as Mr Darcy 2 … i watch the 1995 version and also loved it the old ones im not even gonna bother
i guess that every version they do it doesnt matter to me cause i loved the book so much i dont care about it … they could do 3 movies and still im gonna love em all!! just because its pride and prejudice….
PS: the modern version twist they tried to make i hated it thats the only one LOL
Jane was latin and looked like a tranny and lizzy was blonde (weird Movie)
I equally like the 1995 and 2005 versions. I also equally like Colin and Matthew.
Oh my gosh, how true! I did realise that part of Darcy’s proposal is summary, but I never did realise the actual thing, the “Will you marry me?” never did come out straight. It didn’t either in his second, but it was there.=)
I love all the P&P productions, they’ve all been just wonderful. The BBC certainly rules, it flows in smoothly with Austen’s original, but I have to say, ever since Matthew macFayden, in the rain and all that, my, I’m completely in love with the new one.
luv the 2005 version and Matthew MacFadyen as Darcy and Keira Knightley as Lizzie
The 2005 movie was my favorite, but the proposal in the 1995 movie seemed to me the most faithful in following the spirit of the novel.
Really most lovable scene. A must for every man to watch for this is the soffest way of proposing to a woman, especially at the end when he says, “forgive me for taking much of your time”. It made me feel sorry for darcy when lizzy rejected.
I prefer the 2005 movie the best. The scene was just perfect and made the movie. Yes, the movie didn’t follow the book exactly but that is what an adaptation means. Twisting the novel so that it seem fresh and new to suit the big screen but stay close enough to the story to capture what we love. 2005 movie all the way!
i have got to say that the 2005 version is the best one out there. matthew macfayden plays a wonderful mr. darcy. his character is so mysterious and enchanting. and keira knightley does an amazing job as well. keira is great at everything she does though. GO 2005!!!!!!!
I live the 2005 one best but I think the 1995 version comes very close at this very moment I am re re re re reading the book Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book of all time and no I am not lying my name is Elizabeth B. maybe that is one reason I love this book. But also because Ms. Jane Austen is a wonderful writer know from generation to generation. -Sincerly Elizabeth B.
I ment love at the begin sorry it is hard to type on an iPod touch
I have read most of the comments above, and the exact words for each of the proposals, and first of all, I think Colin Firth is too goofy to be Darcy. Macfadyen just has a very proud, strong, presence in the movie. Out of the different proposals, I think definately the 1940 one was not at all the way Jane Austen intended it to be. The 1980 and the 1995 ones I do not think the words came out very well. I have only seen the 2005 movie, and pieces of the 1995 version, but just reading them, makes it sound overly awkward and the words don’t seem to flow. Whereas the 2005 seems more realistic. After all, Darcy has been thinking of that moment for a long time, and how it would end up. Also, “Will you be my wife” doesn’t seem like it belongs in that time frame. “Will you do me the honor of accepting my hand” seems more the right time. That’s just my opinion.
Thought I most preferred the 2005 version until I finally got around to watching BBC 1995 version, took me a while to get into it, but wow, am now completely taken by it, have seen it twice already
2005 Darcy all the way. The rain and the setting makes it perfect. And Mathew is what I would think a lord would be like. Trying to be emotionless and a blank slate. And I love Keira in all her movies, but she makes a wonderful Lizzie. Forceful and very opinionated.
The 1995 version….I love how Colin plays it….his passion, his struggles, his voice, his expressions…
you can feel all this things watching it….you are bewitched by it…
and when he goes away asking for begging…he’s so sweet that you want to run after him and just trying to make him smile again…
the 1995 one is the best by far! the way its written is the closest to the time and the words show the feeling if darcy the best!
ps you just helped me immensely with a uni assignment as i could not for the life of me find that quote!
ohhh!!! the 2005 version for sure is the best. Mathew is my Mr Darcy i love that scene the most all the rain and the way he says “I LOVE intake of breath LOVE YOU. i still greatly enjoyed the 1995 version
I watched both the 1995 and 2005 versions. Although, for me, the 1995 version was closer to the book and I love Colin Firth I love love loved the 2005 version most! Both Colin and Matthew are good but I found Matthew’s portrail more authentic and serious. His Darcy is standoffish, awkward and unsocial but sincere. He is just that way and cannot help it. It felt like he wanted to be better and more charming and Elizabeth (Keira) brings him to life (makes him want to be a better man
). Really awesome. Especially the proposal scene in the rain. His facial expressions showed his astonishment at her rejection and made him realize his own shortcommings and prejudice against her class and family. And then she broods over it the whole day, as does he because he cannot express himself in person that well, he writes her the letter and drops it off in a proud huff. Very romantic movie, especially the end when they meet in the early morning mist! Oh and Donald Sutherland was so funny!
For me, the 1995 version was most true to the book and as others have pointed out, Andrew Davies has picked up the rhythm of Jane Austen’s prose in the speech he writes for Darcy. Colin Firth’s delivery shows him wrestling with his own emotions, and taking for granted that Lizzy understands his inner struggle. While I enjoy the romanticism of the 2005 film, I don’t understand why any screenwriter would need to alter Jane Austen’s words by changing Darcy’s opening statement- they are so beautifully written. The rain and storm heighten the drama and romanticism (and I love watching it), but make it more reminiscent of Wuthering Heights, and rather less like an Austen novel. At times, the 2005 film hardly seems like Pride and Prejudice, adding to the list of adaptations which have insisted on trying to improve the original
I have seen all the movies mentioned and forgetting about the actors involved, I feel that the 1995 screen play was the closest to Mr Darcy’s proposal described in P&P. That being said, my favorite Screen Darcy is Matthew MacFayden. His feelings can be seen on his face without the need for words. Very romantic! Colin Firth comes in second, but at times he came across as too sarcastic. David Rintoul just did not fit the Darcy image in my mind and came across cold even at the end when they united. Laurence Olivier…well, that movie was not P&P! It was 1940 Hollywood. Now, if you were to combine the 2005 & 1995 adaptions, I think that would make a powerfully romantic movie.
Hi everyone!
I enjoy reading the blog and I am pleasantly surprised by how many people share the love for Jane Austen, and especially P&P. My wife and I are in love with the book and with the 1980’s production. From all read by now I can say that to me it looks that everyone likes the best the one movie they have seen first./Excluding maybe the 1940’s which I haven’t seen. English not being my first language, I don’t claim I am an expert in which version is closest to the book, however to me 1980 is the best with all it’s weaknesses and mishaps. And i disagree that Rintoul ’s Darcy is too stiff. That is what Darcy is suppose to be. Stiff, proud, emotionless. Until he is touched by Elizabeth’s personality and his all world is transformed continuously /not immediately, of course/, to finally bring him to change his worldview and his attitude, thou not drastically, which would seem unusual and artificial. Let’s not forget that the original title of the book/and it’s subtitle/ is “First Impressions”, and that is the idea of Austen. Lizzy was quick to judge the people by her first impressions, which led her to believe Darcy was the “most disagreeable man”, while Mr. Wickham was charming and conversed with ease and she almost fell in love with him.
About Darcy’s proposal, 1980 and 1995 are both the best and I will not give a preference to any of them because I believe the two movies have their own beauty and should not be compared.
Again, for me David Rintoul is the best Darcy and Elizabeth Garvie – the best Lizzy. My opinion.
Personally, I prefer th 1995 version. It flows so nicely. Darcy is so proud it makes itdramatic.also I just luv colin firth
Pride and Prejucide is my favorite book. I also love Colin Firth. He was perfect in both P and P and Brigit Jones’ Diary. But people please, Laurance Olivier was not only an amazingly handsome Darcy, in this particular scene his devastation when Elizabeth rejects him is the most heart breaking of all four movies, Colin being second. And Greer Garson’s Elizabeth is the closest to Austin’s intellectual and mature version. But I have to say I loved them all.
In my opinion the 2005 version is the best… Why? I think that in this version you can clearly see the fillings…. The 1995 version is more close to book but when I watch it sometimes I have filling that something is missing, even in the proposal, but when I watch 2005 version and listen to Darcy’s proposal I feel what he felt and Keira’s Lizzy is just perfect… Unfortunately I haven’t seen the 1980 version… Can you tell me where I can find it? It never been in television in my country and i really want to see it.. I have searched in the web but i couldn’t find it…
In answer to Nino: if you live in Europe you can buy both the 1980 and the 1940 versions (Region 2) through amazon.co.uk
If you live in North America (Region 1) it’s available through amazon.com. I highly recommend viewing all versions!
In answer to Terry: thanks…
I’ll check it… I know all versions, but 1980 and I have read the book thousand times 
I am huge fan of P&P… I live in Europe so I’ll buy it… Thank you…
no english pero amo a matthew en la version del 2005
Hola Ada, gracias por tu mensaje y por visitar a nuestro sitio. A mí también me gusta Matthew MacFadyen, pero prefiero Colin Firth.
Por cierto, gracias for la oportunidad para practicar español. Este año me mudaré a España, asi que tengo que estudiar mucho…
These were not the very traditional words to utter upon proposing (2005). No wonder why Elizabeth rejected Mr. Darcy at first. Not counting the fact that he allegedly separated Jane and Bingley. The 2005 adaptation was lightest and most engaging.
This is one of the reasons I don’t really like the movies too much, and I think you all are missing the point as to “what exactly provoked Miss Elizabeth into replying with such incivility”. The reason that the proposal is relayed in a second-hand paraphrasing is because Darcy’s exact words don’t matter. Elizabeth already resents Darcy, and regardless of what he actually said, she interprets it as him being haughty and insufferable. It’s an element that you can’t really convey in film, and its one that is extremely important to the overall reading of the book.
It absolutely between Olivier and MacFadyen! The ‘80 and ‘95 versions are really good as a pure literature which is why it would not be obvious that the speech is not in the book. However, I think Deborah Maggoch reeeeeally conquers the moment and the spirit of Mr. Darcy. At this point, Darcy is at his wits end and he’s become restless, not being able to wait any longer to Lizzie he loves her. I think it’s perfectly 17th century formal but at the same time it gives it a real world feel instead of the stuffiness that most adaptations give it. It’s much more realistic than any of the others. I think the 1940’s version is really close though!
Methinks Greer Garson was the best Lizzy, especially if she had been around in the 80s for the BBC version. That would have ROCKED!!! Colin Firth epitomised gentility to the T, I think. MacFadyen was all right but I thought he was too “2005″ – i.e. very cutesy and filmy – unlike Firth. And while I can stand K. Knightley in some other works, she MUST NOT do period films especially if they are based on literary works. She is too skinny, too scrawny, overdoes her “pout” (eeuuwww) and does not act like a lady back-in-the-day would (I refer to acting a role in the movie, as opposed to behaving badly). She is no “old english” rose, when the women were expected to be “light and pleasing” but have womanly curves without too many bones protruding – but she is certainly sufficient for these modern times. Please understand I do not mean to offend – these are just my views on the matter. It is tough to compare movies/ book adaptations with one’s own imaginations.
I think the 2005 version was way too modern for my liking and apart from MM, Rosamund Pike and the person who played Caroline Bingley, I thought everyone else was ill-suited to the roles, or were miscast. 2005’s Bingley is HORROR!
The proposal? 1980 and 1995 were best! 2005 was very romantic but it killed my expectations of poetry, affection, ego, pride, confusion, attraction and helplessness all combined together, that I was waiting for. 1940 is the comedy version of the romantic book, IMO.
I’ve said it before, Pride & Prejudice is just a wonderful story, no matter what Darcy or Lizzie you prefer, they all are great and bring Jane Austen’s characters to life. If you are truly a fan of P&P give a glance at the BBC versions of Sense & Sensibility, Emma, Mansfield Park, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. They are wonderful adaptations of Austen’s books and you will quickly become a fan for life!
I prefer the 2005 script nonetheless. I think the proposal in 2005 film are actually the one that give me the impression of Mr. Darcy’s proposal the most. It doesn’t seems too much like he’s asking her whether she wants to marry him or not, it’s more like he is expecting her to marry him as he blames her for being the reason to cause him pain. And Matthew MacFadyen had brought Mr. Darcy’s character to life. Even in the film his facial expression are the same most of the time, his eyes bring all the emotions out for us to see. When I go back and watch the scene from different version of Pride and Prejudice and I notice that in 2005 film Mr. Darcy has this compose expression on his face, his words are accusing of Elizabeth for causing him to suffer. But when he said that he love her, his expression changed into a hopeless kind of way, like he doesn’t know what else to do to stop his suffering, except to ask for her to marry him. I can see the contrast of when he said he love her and he was blaming her. So, I think it’s the best. However, in other version like in the 1995 film. I wasn’t convinced that Mr. Darcy actually love Elizabeth. So, yeah, I like the 2005 more. It’s just an opinion.
Ilove Mathew Mc Fayden. He´s eyes transmitted passion & insecurity as well. He´s my dreamed Darcy
I kind of agree with an earlier post that suggests people probably prefer the one they saw first. I love the proposal scene in the 2005 version. Every time I watch it, I have to DVR back through it again and again when I get to that part. I think the passion that Darcy feels is so evident especially after she tells him he’s the “last man in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry” and they are silently watching one another, he sways toward her while looking at her lips. Even after she’s turned him down so intensely, you can tell he wants to take her in his arms and kiss her. VERY HOT!!!