Even the most unremarkable first encounter with another person can leave a profound impression on one’s personality, forming subconscious projections and subtly shaping a connection that might develop in the future between the two.
To explore the power of first encounters, this essay will delve into the first encounters of Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare (1597), Darcy and Elizabeth in “Pride and Prejudice” (1813), as well as Johnny and Baby in “Dirty Dancing” (1987), all three evoking certain similarities. We ask if these encounters, coincidental or not, shape someone’s destiny and identity and how they can be a way to reveal our identity before exhibiting it as a possible new path for our life.
The Unlikely Attractions
Image source: The Criterion Collection
In “Romeo and Juliet”, the elements used in the first meeting scene include long eye contact, romantic music, and a fast, intense, and sudden pace. The scene happens after Romeo and his friends crash a ball where Romeo is mesmerized by Juliet’s beauty at first sight. Juliet, in his eyes, is thought of as “divine,” too much to be human. Something sacred is present in this encounter, an instant, passionate moment described as a fated connection with mutual attraction. The prolonged exchange of words and gazes shows who they are not only to us but themselves as well: impulsive, emotional, and ruled by feeling rather than reason.
Similarly, the first encounter between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice” also takes place at a ball. This time, Darcy doesn’t “belong” there because of social hierarchy rather than family conflict. He portrays a cold and condescending character when he says Elizabeth is “tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me.” Elizabeth overhears, feels insulted, but instead of pouting, she laughs at the ridiculousness of his pride and playfully tells her friends.
Image source: ScreenRant
This moment contrasts with Romeo and Juliet’s mutual attraction. Here, there is none, only slight curiosity and irritation. Yet, this encounter results in Elizabeth forming a concrete, if not entirely truthful, impression of Darcy’s personality: proud, arrogant, and judgmental. Their first meeting reveals their personalities – his pride and her sharp yet judgmental mind, both of which will change as they get to know each other.
The Fateful Bonds
Besides revealing identity, a first encounter can also open a completely new path. In “Dirty Dancing”, the meeting between Johnny and Baby happens in a forbidden space: the staff area, in Johnny’s world, where Baby doesn’t belong. The insecurity and shyness of Baby encourages Johnny to dance with her. Through their dance, without words, attraction grows. The tension and the eye movements, a seduction strategy without speaking make her surrender without walls. She trusts him completely, letting him lead, and by the end of their dance, she embraces a new version of herself: confident, free, and passionate. This first encounter changes both their lives as she finds her independence, and he rediscovers tenderness.
In a similar way, the first encounter between Romeo and Juliet leads to a destiny neither could escape, a love so strong it challenges family hate but also ends in tragedy. One glance determines the path of their lives. In “Pride and Prejudice”, the misjudgments formed during the first encounter drive the entire plot of the novel, showing us how powerfully they can mark a person’s life.
Conclusion
A first encounter can act as both a mirror and a doorway, revealing who we truly are while opening the possibility of who we could become. Whether it’s love at first sight, displeasure that transforms into affection, or attraction that inspires growth, these first meetings in “Romeo and Juliet”, “Pride and Prejudice”, and “Dirty Dancing” all show that one moment can be enough to shape one’s destiny and identity forever.
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