Deserving or Disguised: Pride and Prejudice, part 1

I have decided to start a mini series on the wonderful Jane Austen book, Pride and Prejudice.  There are so many themes in Pride and Prejudice, that I will spend several days and blogs on different themes.  Today, however, I wanted to spend some time on two of, on first meeting, the most affable characters in the book.  Later, the distinction becomes quite evident, as their deeper nature becomes known.  These are the characters of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Wickham.

The descriptions as the Bennet sisters meet these characters are strikingly similar.  "Mr. Bingley was good looking and gentlemanlike; he had a pleasant countenance, and easy, unaffected manners...Mr. Bingley had soon made himself acquainted with all the principal people in the room; he was lively and unreserved, danced every dance..."  Not so different from "...the young man wanted only regimentals to make him completely charming.  His appearance was greatly in his favor; he had the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and a very pleasing address.  The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation––a readiness at the same time perfectly correctly correct and unassuming..."  It is clear that both Bingley and Wickham are more than friendly; one might go as far as to call them charismatic.  In addition to their affable natures, they have the bonus of excellent looks on their side.  The two combined is a dangerous combination.  

As Elizabeth demonstrates, once the acquaintance is formed, the trust is absolute.  One is certain that she knows the inert qualities of the person, rather than the surface ones he demonstrated at the meeting.  Of course, Elizabeth is forced to eat her words when first she hears of how Mr. Wickham squandered the money left him by Mr. Darcy's father and then tried to elope with Mr. Darcy's little sister, and, even worse, when Wickham elopes with Elizabeth's little sister Lydia.  

However, it is not all face value. All the qualities Bingley shows upon meeting only deepen and grow. He is loyal and true, very much in love with Jane Bennet and marries her.  

The question, then, is how does one tell the difference?  This is a running theme in Pride and Prejudice-in fact, it is stated in the name.  Generally when one thinks of this theme, one thinks of the unapproachable Mr. Darcy, however it is very true here as well.  

So how does one tell the difference?  Perhaps the answer is best said by Elizabeth Bennet's aunt, in reference her meeting Mr. Wickham and viewing Elizabeth's preference for him, "–you must not let your fancy run away with you.  You have sense, and we all expect you to use it..."