How does darcy's letter change our understanding of Wickham?

Answer 1

Mr. Darcy explained to Elizabeth his reasons for denying Mr. Wickham the living which was willed to him by his (Mr. Darcy) late father. His father believed Mr. Wickham wanted to go into the church and willed him the rectory along with one thousand pounds. He also stated that if he chose a different profession that the current Mr. Darcy should do everything in his power to advance him in that position as well as to provide to him a valuable living. After a while, Mr. Wickham stated that he was absolutely certain of his not wanting to go into the church (rather that the law was a profession better suited to himself) and thought it was reasonable of him to demand the sum of the living which he was to receive, which Mr. Darcy promptly gave him. Mr. Wickham then cut off all communication with Mr. Darcy until three years later after he had spent all his money living idly in London. He then wrote to Mr. Darcy asking for the living he had been willed as it was now his inclination to join the church, but Mr. Darcy denied his request several times. Once again Mr. Wickham cut off all communication. During that time, he went to Ramsgate (where Miss Darcy, Mr. Darcy's sister was living) and convinced her that she was so in love with him that she very nearly eloped with him. It was only by the surprise visit of Mr. Darcy that the elopement was called off. He believed Mr. Wickham wanted to marry Miss Darcy for her inheritance of thirty thousand pounds. Mr. Darcy then added that his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam would corroborate his story as he was there for all of it and that he did not know what falsehoods Mr. Wickham had told Elizabeth.

Answer 2

Darcy's letter reveals Wickham's true character as deceitful and manipulative, highlighting his past wrongdoings and explaining the reasons behind Darcy's negative opinion of him. It uncovers Wickham's true motives in his interactions with Elizabeth and his history of taking advantage of others for personal gain.