How would you discuss the proposal scene between Darcy and Elizabeth?

I assume you are referring to the first proposal, in
Volume II, Chapter 11. Because this scene represents the height of misunderstanding
between Elizabeth and Darcy, it promises to yield much of thematic
importance.

1. One possible topic could involve how both
Elizabeth and Darcy demonstrate the qualities of pride and
prejudice in this scene; how Elizabeth’s prejudice and Darcy’s
pride fuel the hostility of the encounter and the near destruction of their chance for
happiness.

Elizabeth and Prejudice:  It is important to
take note of Elizabeth's state of mind just before Darcy's proposal.  Because of Colonel
Fitzwilliam’s earlier revelation that Darcy had intervened and effectively ended the
courtship between Bingley and Jane, Elizabeth is more disposed than ever to despise
Darcy—to be guilty of prejudice.  She is also blinded by prejudice because of her
ignorance—some might say willful ignorance—of the truth about Wickham’s character.  Near
the end of the scene she admits that “from the very beginning” she had been convinced of
Darcy’s faults and had formed a “ground-work of disapprobation.”  Elizabeth’s prejudice
for him has prompted her to “willfully misunderstand” Darcy, a charge he correctly makes
earlier in the novel.

Darcy and Pride: In this scene,
Darcy’s pride is most evident in his repeated remarks about the inferiority of
Elizabeth’s family.  His confidence that Elizabeth will accept him, despite his
insulting remarks, demonstrates a surfeit of both pride and arrogance.  Moreover, he is
unaware of his own hypocrisy: while accusing Elizabeth of reacting to him out of injured
pride, he goes on to boast about his superior place in
society.

2. After a close reading, you may discover that
neither character is guilty of possessing only one of the flaws alone.  How is each
character guilty of the same fault with which they earlier denounced the
other?

Elizabeth and Pride: Elizabeth’s pride in her own
judgment and wisdom has fed her dislike for Darcy throughout the novel.  It enables her
to carelessly show off her intelligence and to feel justified in aiming her sharp wit at
Darcy, often unfairly.  Elizabeth’s confidence in her judgment also leads to her
unthinking acceptance of Wickham’s story of his treatment by Darcy. In this scene,
notice how Elizabeth’s pride is wounded throughout.  Although her anger is
understandable, observe how it leads to her devastating declaration of rejection near
the end. (Only a short time later, she perceives how premature and reckless some of her
impressions have been, and she continues to make this discovery throughout the rest of
the novel).

Darcy and Prejudice: Darcy’s pride in his
superiority of his situation and character is no doubt grounded in his prejudice against
people beneath his rank. Up until this point in the novel, we have witnessed him
denounce Meryton and its inhabitants on many occasions.  He seems unable to acknowledge
the value of people below his station (except for his own intimate family servants).  In
this scene he seems unable even to credit Elizabeth with the sensitivity to be hurt by
the more offensive features of his proposal.  Not until she makes the accurate
observation that Darcy had failed to act in a “gentleman-like manner” does he seem
cognizant of any wrongdoing on his part, much less the degree to which his words had
provoked her.