“Authors often lead their protagonists on a journey of self-discovery which usually results in a transformation.” In light of the two texts you have studies how far do you agree with this statement?
Both authors of ‘Things Fall Apart’ and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ lead their protagonists on a journey which alters their character. Austen allows Elizabeth to realise her own flaws which often clouded her judgement and enabled her to transform from a prejudice character to developing more empathy. Chinua Achebe on the other hand leads Okonkwo on a path of self-realization and it is his inability to adapt to his changing surrounding that leads to his inevitable demise.
Significantly, in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ when we are first introduced to Elizabeth we are made aware of her bold character, “there is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others.” Similarly, in chapter three, when the Bennets attend Mr Bingly’s ball, Austen further demonstrates Elizabeth’s persona as we given an insight into her prejudice nature, “he was discovered to be too proud, to be above his company, and above being pleased.” Elizabeth is shown to judge Darcy primarily on his appearance and manners and a she prides herself of her judgement of character, her opinion remains the same for the most of the novel, viewing him as “the proudest and most disagreeable man in the world.” Moreover, Elizabeth’s prejudice attitude and self-righteous nature also results in her believing Wickham’s deceitful story regarding Darcy and rejecting his proposal, “you have reduced him to his present state of poverty – comparative poverty…” Austen uses an accusatory tone in Elizabeth speech to enhance her self-righteous nature and display how easily she was fooled by Wickham. Moreover, Elizabeth is also shown to be unable to move past first impressions as she tells Darcy in chapter 34,