Other scenes in the novel are also famous. For example, the first time the reader encounters Mr. Darcy, when he rudely dismisses Elizabeth, the novel's spirited heroine, sets the tone for how the reader feels about Mr. Darcy. The other two scenes are famous because they bring the story to a much-hoped-for conclusion -- the second time Mr. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, and of course, the final scene that gives you a glimpse of the "happily ever after" marriage that readers have all desired for Elizabeth and Darcy. Despite these other possibilities, however, the title of "most famous" must be reserved for the scene in which Darcy proposes to Elizabeth the first time. This scene is completely unexpected, changes the direction and tone of the story, and changes the reader's feelings about Mr. Darcy.
The scene in which Darcy proposes to Elizabeth comes as a complete surprise to both the reader and Elizabeth. As the main focus, it is often Elizabeth's perspective that you get, and like her you see Mr. Darcy as proud, arrogant and cold -- a man who looks down on Elizabeth because she is from a different social class than Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth believes that Darcy hates her, and so his appearance at her friend's home with the sole purpose of inquiring after her health surprises her greatly. Even more surprising is his declaration of "how ardently [he] admire[s] and love[s] [her]." The shock value alone of this scene is enough to qualify it as the most famous.
In addition to the shocking nature of the scene, this scene is also famous because it changes the direction and tone of the novel. Until this scene, you are not necessarily sure what type of novel you are reading. Is it a treatise on marriage? Is it a comedy of manners? Is it a study in social mobility? "Pride and Prejudice" contains all these elements as well as romance. This scene brings together all of these themes but focuses the reader's attention on the romantic elements. It changes the direction of the novel as the reader begins to consider Darcy as a serious love interest for Elizabeth.
This scene also changes how you see Darcy's character. Just recognizing Elizabeth's special qualities, as the reader already has, endears him to the novel's fans. Additionally, the scene is extraordinarily romantic -- Darcy's awkwardness, his effusive language and his genuine feelings make the reader see him in a more positive light. It also makes the reader go back and reevaluate all of Darcy's previous actions. What you once saw as pride and disdain, you now see as dignified reserve and even the shyness that comes from being in love. This scene changes how readers see Darcy as a character and makes him almost as much of a favorite as Elizabeth.