What does the beast from Beauty and the Beast and Mr Darcy have in common? Well they are both unreconstructed males until love brings them to self knowledge and a better version of themselves. What I like about Austen’s prose though is that she is often even handed in doling out the imperfection in her characters. Elizabeth Bennet is blinded by her flaws just like Darcy; they both have a little too much pride and prejudice. In contrast, Belle is a little too perfect. And we know what Austen felt about perfection.
Austen's Guide to Happiness 