Over at Goodreads, on the discussion boards, we've got a nice thread going about the on-going popularity of the novel, and Darcy's legendary status in particular. There have a been a large number of really insightful, helpful comments, here are just a few.

From Margaret:

Darcy is not perfect, as we hope no one ever will be, as they would then be a very boring person. Darcy is a rich snob; but at heart he has a kind heart, honesty and sterling principles. There is no more powerful scene in English literature than when Elizabeth confronts Darcy with the result of his snobishness.

From J:

We see the most demonstrable growth in Darcy's character - Elizabeth has a change of heart, but her behavior is pretty much the same; Darcy, on the other hand, exhibits a definitive change in his conduct, an emergence of a chivalry that had been part of his early training, had been overshadowed by pride, but ultimately loses out to his love for Elizabeth, and his own natural gallantry.

From Sarah:

Women love P&P because it's our gender's favorite fantasy: a man is humbled by a witty woman and they fall in love and live happily ever after. This man "rescues" her and gives her a life fit for a princess. A Jane Austen novel is a world that seems like it could have been a real place in history, so much so that the reader doesn't feel guilty for wishing he/she was one of the leads.

More to come.