Without any doubt, the Netherfield ball is one of the most critical scenes in Jane Austen’s famous novel Pride and Prejudice. The reason for it is that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy danced together for the first time. Both of them were dissatisfied with the result. Still, it is the first step in their difficult relationship.
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The Netherfield ball party is an event of extreme importance. Young women get their opportunity to meet a husband-to-be there. Elizabeth Bennet heads for the ball, intending to meet Wickham. He appeals to her, but he is not present to her great regret. She finds out that Wickham has not come because of Mr. Darcy. Elisabeth starts to feel contempt for Mr. Darcy because he confounded her expectations. At the same time, Mr. Darcy is amazed by Elizabeth’s personality. However, he is still not aware of his feelings towards the young woman.
Further, Mr. Darcy asks Elisabeth to dance, and she agrees without a second thought. It surely indicates that Elizabeth may already be in love with the man. Anyway, she does not realize or want to admit it. Nevertheless, after being asked to dance, she told her friend, “Heaven forbid! That would be the greatest misfortune of all! To find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate! Do not wish me such an evil.” After the dance, both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are dissatisfied but deeply touched by each other.