The scene with the conversation between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in the rain communicates the main idea of the piece adapted in the film. Elizabeth Bennet refuses to accept Mr. Darcy’s proposal. She demonstrates that she, as a strong person, wants to engage in marriage only on the terms of equality and pure feelings.
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Pride & Prejudice is a film adaptation of the feminist piece written by Jane Austen in 1813. The novel speculates on the female place in the patriarchal society. Austen also pays special attention to the concept of marriage. At the Regent Era, it was seen as an economic move that guaranteed financial well-being. Austen transforms this belief with the help of her strong female character – Elizabeth Bennet. The film creators admit that they did not try to create the pure picture. Nevertheless, they tried to stick to the original book and to keep the dialogues. Thus, the analysis of the rain scene is essential for understanding the book as well.
The drama of the scene creates tension. That is the moment when Mr. Darcy, a very confident man, accepts the refusal of his proposal. It surprises him, but Elizabeth is sure of her decision. She does not want to get married because of wealth. She seeks love and a partner who would be as far from the Regent Era conventions as she is. That is why, at the end of the story, after Mr. Darcy proves that he became closer to her mindset she accepts his proposal.