What If Elizabeth Bennet Had Said No?

In Pride & Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet is a smart, independent young woman who meets the rich and aloof Mr. Darcy. Though he initially appears prideful and rude, Elizabeth learns there is more to him than meets the eye. They both struggle with misunderstandings, but by the end, they fall deeply in love.

A fan theory suggests that Mr. Darcy’s pride wasn’t just about his wealth or social status, but his deep fear of being rejected. What if Elizabeth had said “no” when Mr. Darcy proposed? Would he have tried to win her back, or would he have given up on love?

One of the key moments in the film is when Elizabeth reads Mr. Darcy’s letter, which reveals his true feelings and intentions. It completely changes how she views him, sparking the beginning of their romance.

An unresolved mystery is why Mr. Darcy was so hesitant to show his feelings earlier. Imagine an alternate ending where Elizabeth and Darcy never get together—perhaps they both end up with other people, learning different lessons along the way. Or imagine a prequel, showing the struggles Darcy faced growing up, and how his pride became a defense mechanism!