Final answer:
Elizabeth Bennet rejects Mr. Darcy's initial proposal due to his haughty delivery, his role in Jane and Bingley's separation, his treatment of Wickham, and her commitment to marrying for love, none of which she associates with Mr. Darcy at the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reasons for Elizabeth's Rejection of Mr. Darcy's Proposal
In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet rejects Mr. Darcy's initial proposal for several reasons. Elizabeth perceives Mr. Darcy's proposal as being delivered in a haughty and conceited manner, which offends her pride. He enumerates the social obstacles he has had to overcome to propose to her, which she finds insulting. Moreover, Elizabeth has formed a negative opinion of Mr. Darcy due to his role in separating her sister Jane and Mr. Bingley, as well as his treatment of Mr. Wickham. Her ideals of marriage based on love also play a crucial role; she doesn't harbor any affection for Mr. Darcy at this point in the story. These factors contribute to her staunch decision to decline Mr. Darcy's hand in marriage.