The Height of a Hero

When Mr. Bingley draws upon his friend’s height and the importance it plays in why he considers Mr. Darcy a friend. Mr. Bingley: “I assure you that if Darcy were not such a great tall fellow, in comparison with myself, I should not pay him half so much deference. I do not know a more aweful object than Darcy, on particular occasions and in particular places…” (Austen 34). It seems to reflect the weight of his role as a hero. The presence of his physical appearance is reminiscent of the affect George Washington’s statuesque figure had on the perception we encounter of him in history books. The regal appearance of height allows the reader to perceive Darcy as a natural-born hero. Darcy stands (pun intended) for the authority figure in the novel, who always looks down upon the “country neighborhood” of Meryton in lacking propriety or morality. The first encounter Darcy has with the people of Meryton, he becomes lost in his thoughts in order to grasp the character of the assembly as a whole. On the outside Darcy, comes off as arrogant and prudish because of his aloof demeanor. He rapidly loses the rave reviews formulated by the party. The odd direction the story begins to develop into a despised hero, Darcy, although  he continues to rise as a respected character. The dark shadow as a prideful man stays in place while the narrator acknowledges the influence he has as a hero. Elizabeth is a perfect example of the influence Darcy begins to generate in the heroine’s mind and feelings. She becomes enamored with Darcy’s pride as the novel progresses. Mr. Bingley understands the power and influence Darcy has over him and glorifies his pride in complimentary fashion.  His accountability as hero is not hindered by his coldness. Darcy is able to act rude in different parts of the novel and still hold onto his gentility. Why does Darcy come off strong as the story progresses, when half of Meryton decides, he is the proudest of men? Does power (money) or influence have anything to do with Darcy’s elected authority?