This original title is reflective of many of the main themes found within the novel if only simply because First Impressions can be both flawed and perpetual; and Pride and Prejudice spends much of its time dwelling on the first impressions people have of their neighbours and acquaintances.

Pride and Prejudice is a novel that emphasises that one’s first impressions can be often incorrect and deceptive due to the fact that when people first meet they often go to great lengths to put forward their good qualities; emotional needs are therefore often perceived inaccurately causing false first impressions.

Mr Darcy is the most obvious character in the novel that challenges one’s first impressions. Upon first meetings, he alienates almost everyone he meets by his apparent pride and self-importance. These far from attractive characteristics are only further emphasized by having close by, his friend, the charming Mr Bingley, who manages to impress all within the town of Mertyon. Darcy is a prime example of why first impressions can often be misleading – to those that actually know him well, he is a kind and generous friend who wants for nothing. His future wife Elizabeth makes a hurried and is based on Darcy’s actions in situations in which he feels uncomfortable. Likewise, Darcy’s first impression of Elizabeth is also unfair as it is based largely on the more childish members of her family rather than on her own merits. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are perfect examples of how first impressions can be wildly inaccurate and that given the opportunity, can be reversed to provide more positive impressions.