Social Standards Set to a Moral Bar

"The quality of humanity is to be judged by moral and humane standards, Austen suggests, not by social status; but like her own temporary snobs, Darcy and Emma, she pays full attention to their social status first" (125)

"'I do, I do like him,' she replied, with tears in her eyes, 'I love him.  Indeed he has no improper pride.  He is perfectly amiable.  You do not know what he really is; then pray do not pain me by speaking of him in such terms'" (375)

In what way does this literary strategy of "Social Status First" affect the overall feel of the novel and its characters till the end where morals become the prime judgement of character?


    Throughout Pride and Prejudice, the struggles between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are the highlight within the book.  But what effect did having the "Social Status First" on the reader and their opinion of characters such as Mr. Darcy?  At first, as I was reading, I felt the need to hate Mr. Darcy.  His abrupt opinion of Elizabeth quickly made Mr. Darcy an antagonist of many within the book.  But throughout the book, small moral details become known of Mr. Darcy that slowly makes me as the reader fall in love with him as Elizabeth does.  To me, this enhances my love for Mr. Darcy and creates the "love hate" relationship Elizabeth has for him as well.  The connection made between Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth, and the reader then becomes stronger.
    The feel of the book then becomes stronger for the reader, there is more invested in the relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.  For me, I wanted Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy to work out, but the high standards to which Mr. Darcy raised himself made it appear as if it would not be possible.  But then piece by piece, Mr. Darcy's morals started coming to light.  Mr. Darcy trying to protect Mr. Bingly, helping Lydia by securing her into a more legitimate marriage, helping Mr. Bingly get back to Jane.  All of these add up to make you want to love him more for his sincerity and then his love for Elizabeth. The use of this makes you feel as Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, wondering "wait, you actually love him? But he's awful!"  But when Mr. Bennet understands what Mr. Darcy has done for the family, he then falls in love with him as much as we have.