The first ball shows us financial and social status were of the utmost importance in society. The first thing that is mentioned of the newcomers is how much money they make. The people of Meryton are obsessed with money and status. They immediately judge both Darcy and Bingley, a point that Austen is obviously not a proponent of as she originally called the novel 'First Impressions.' This suggests that she is largely opposed to how much we judge a person based on their appearance, their wealth, and their birth.
Fitzwilliam Darcy (no wonder they call him "Darcy") Here is an article if you would like further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_and_Prejudice also try www.republicofpemberly.com
The first party they both attended was the assembly ball in Meryton.
First, it is noted that Darcy only danced with two young ladies, the sisters of his friend, Bingley. He declined to be introduced to any other girls. He is characterized as being proud and dismissive of those around him. He offends Elizabeth during a conversation he has with Bingley. Elizabeth, sitting nearby (she has had to sit out a few dances because there weren't that many men and none of them had asked her to dance) overhears them. Bingley encourages Darcy to dance, but Darcy refuses, saying that Bingley is dancing with the most beautiful girl in the room (Jane Bennet). Bingley points out Elizabeth, telling Darcy that he should dance with her as she is Jane's sister and is also very pretty. Darcy says, "She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me" and that he doesn't want to dance with a girl that no other men want to dance with.
Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy dance to a minuet in the novel Pride and Prejudice.
In "Pride and Prejudice," the arrival of Mr. Bingley in Netherfield is one of the first major events, which sets the story in motion. This is followed by the Meryton ball where Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet first meet and form their initial perceptions of each other.
The Meryton ball in Pride and Prejudice is in Chapter 3. At the ball, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy make their first appearance and attract the attention of the locals, including the Bennet sisters.
At the Netherfield ball, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth talk about music, dancing, and their respective opinions on the behavior of the guests. Mr. Darcy compliments Elizabeth's eyes and sparks their ongoing conflict due to misunderstandings and prejudices.
Elizabeth is embarrassed at the Netherfield ball because of her mother Mrs. Bennet’s behavior, which is considered loud and inappropriate by the high society guests. Additionally, Mr. Darcy's comment about her appearance, overheard by Elizabeth, adds to her embarrassment and discomfort during the event.
Elizabeth was cross because Wickham was not at the ball, and because Wickham's absence resulted from the fact that Darcy was there. Elizabeth, at that time, believed Wickham had been injured socially and financially by Darcy and had no idea that Wickham was actually avoiding Darcy because he did not what his own guilty past exposed.
Elizabeth was offended by Mr. Darcy at the Merryton Ball because she felt he was acting snobbish by refusing to dance with any of the ladies at the ball. Also, he made a comment to Mr. Bingley which Elizabeth overheard in which he basically said she was plain and that Jane was more attractive.
Mr. Darcy conducts himself at the ball with a sense of pride and aloofness, appearing reserved and unapproachable to others. He mostly keeps to himself and seems disinterested in socializing with the other guests. His behavior comes across as arrogant and judgmental to some at the ball.
Charlotte mentions Mr. Darcy's wealth and status, describing him as a desirable match due to his social position and financial stability. She implies that he is a catch in terms of marriage prospects.