Happy ending (Chapter 56-61)

“Elizabeth was much too embarrassed to say a word. After a short pause, her companion added, “You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever.” Elizabeth feeling all the more than common awkwardness and anxiety of his situation, now forced herself to speak; and immediately, though not very fluently, gave him to understand, that her sentiments had undergone so material a change, since the period to which he alluded, as to make her receive with gratitude and pleasure, his present assurances.”


This proposal and Elizabeth’s acceptance mark the climax of the novel, occurring in Chapter 58. The proposal and acceptance are almost a foregone conclusion by this point. Darcy’s intervention on behalf of Lydia makes obvious his continuing devotion to Elizabeth, and the shocking appearance of Lady Catherine de Bourghin the previous chapter, with her haughty attempts to forestall the engagement, serves to suggest strongly that a second proposal from Darcy is imminent.


The clunky language with which the narrator summarizes Elizabeth’s acceptance serves a specific purpose, as it captures the one moment of joyful incoherence for this supremely well-spoken character. She accepts Darcy’s proposal “immediately,” the narrator relates, but “not very fluently.” As Elizabeth allows herself to admit that her love has supplanted her long-standing prejudice, her control of language breaks down. The reader is left to imagine, with some delight, the ever-clever Elizabeth fumbling for words to express her irrepressible happiness

Dispelled misunderstanding (Chapter 50-55)

Elizabeth realizes that her opinion of Darcy has totally changed that if he proposes again, she will accepts. She feels that Darcy is “exactly the man, who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her” To Elizabeth, “she became jealous of his esteem, when she could no longer hope to be benefited by it . . . she wanted to hear of him, when there seemed the least chance of gaining intelligence.” Even if Darcy is still interested in her, the Lydia-Wickham affair serves as a reminder of Darcy’s original objection to marrying Elizabeth. And Elizabeth believes that he must consider the poor condition of her family and an example of the embarrassment that association with her family..

While Elizabeth’s hope of Darcy’s still loving her slowly grows in these chapters, and Darcy’s feelings for her have never altered. Elizabeth’s instincts tell her: “Her heart did whisper, that he had done it for her.” The happy conclusion to Bingley’s courtship of Jane suggests that Darcy no longer cares about the Bennet sisters’ low social status. As evidence that Darcy has overcome this important obstacle at least to some, he does nothing to dissuade his friend from tying himself to a disreputable family. Previously, Darcy disrupted the romance between Bingley and Jane in order to protect his friend’s social status. However now, he allows their love to triumph over their class difference, without considering Lydia’s elopement scandal, which he could easily have used as an excuse to distance himself and his friends from the Bennets.

Lydia's folly (Chapter 46-49)

After knowing Lydia’s folly, Elizabeth turns immediately to Darcy, illustrating the closeness developing between them. Their shared sense of guilt about failing to expose Wickham’s true nature aligns them emotionally and gives them a common purpose. The Bennet parents come across as highly inadequate at this point in the text—Mrs. Bennet’s stupidity and Mr. Bennet’s refusal to take responsibility of his children.
During the crisis, the Gardiners again step forward to act responsibly. It is Mr. Gardiner, rather than Mr. Bennet, who takes charge of the search in the city. On the contrary, Mr. Bennet even returns home after a time. Mr. Gardiner finds Lydia, and even pays Wickham to convince him to marry her, who is filling the adult role that the Bennet parents have vacated.

Pride and Prejudice is critical of the difficulties faced by women in English society of the period. Elizabeth, the voice of reason and common sense at this point in the novel, condemns Lydia’s behavior as “infamy” and declares that if Lydia does not marry Wickham, “she is lost forever.” The only voice of moral relativism belongs to Mrs. Bennet, who is so happy to have Lydia married that she does not care about the manner of the marriage’s accomplishment. While Lydia may have escaped social stigma, Mr. Bennet still condemns her and Wickham, saying, “I will not encourage the impudence of either, by receiving them at Longbourn.”

Visit to Pemberley (Chapter 43-45)

“They gradually ascended for half a mile, and then found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of a valley, into which the road with some abruptness wound. It was a large, handsome, stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills;—and in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal, nor falsely adorned. Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen a place where nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. They were all of them warm in her admiration; and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something!”


These lines open Chapter 43 and provide Elizabeth’s introduction to Darcy’s grand estate at Pemberley. Her visit to Darcy’s home, which occupies a central place in the narrative, operates as a catalyst for her growing attraction toward its owner. In her conversations with the housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, Elizabeth hears testimonials of Darcy’s wonderful generosity and his kindness as a master; when she encounters Darcy himself, while walking through Pemberley’s grounds, he seems altogether changed and his previous arrogance has diminished remarkably. This initial description of the building and grounds at Pemberley serves as a symbol of Darcy’s character. The “stream of some natural importance . . . swelled into greater” reminds the reader of his pride, but the fact that it lacks “any artificial appearance” indicates his basic honesty, as does the fact that the stream is neither “formal, nor falsely adorned.” Elizabeth’s delight, and her sudden epiphany about the pleasure that being mistress of Pemberley must hold, prefigure her later joy in Darcy’s continued devotion.

Elizabeth's Prejudice (Chapter 37-42)

Elizabeth can almost retell Darcy’s letter. When she thinks of the style of his address, she still feels indignation; but when she considers how unjustly she has condenmed and upbraided him, her anger turns against herself. She has sympathy on his disappointed feelings, his attachment excited gratitude and his general character respect. Hoever, she can not approve him.
After she returns back to her home, she can’t wait telling her sister Jane about Darcy’s proposal and the truth of Wickham’s former words. There was some great mismanagement in the education of those two young men. One has got all the godness, and the other all the apearence of it.

Darcy's first proposal (Chapter 30-36)

“‘In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.’Elizabeth’s astonishment was beyond expression.

She stared, coloured, doubted, and was silent. This he considered sufficient encouragement, and the avowal of all that he felt and had long felt for her, immediately followed. He spoke well, but there were feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed, and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride. His sense of her inferiority—of its being a degradation—of the family obstacles which judgment had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence he was wounding, but was very unlikely to recommend his suit.”

Darcy’s proposal of marriage to Elizabeth in Chapter 34 demonstrates how his feelings toward her transformed since his earlier dismissal of her as “not handsome enough.” While Elizabeth rejects his proposal, this event marks the turning point in the novel. Before Darcy asks Elizabeth to marry him, she feels only contempt for him; afterward, she begins to see him in a new light, as certain incidents help illustrate the essential goodness of his character. At this moment, however, Elizabeth’s eventual change of heart remains unforeseen—all she thinks of is Darcy’s arrogance, his attempts to interfere in Bingley’s courtship of Jane, and his alleged mistreatment of Wickham. Her judgment of Darcy stems from her initial prejudice against his snobbishness, just as his pride about his high social status hampers his attempt to express his affection. As the above quote makes clear, he spends more time emphasizing her lower rank and unsuitability for marriage to him than he does complimenting her or pledging his love. “He was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride,” the narrator states; Darcy must -prioritize love over his sense of superiority before he is worthy of Elizabeth’s hand.

The charactor of Elizabeth (Chapter 24-29)

Jane and Elizabeth’s attitude and opinion toward people are quite different, which represents conflict between traditional and treasonous mind.

As Elizabeth says, Jane is so good that her sweetness and disinterestedness are really angelic. She wishes to think the entire world respectable, and feels hurt if Elizabeth speaks ill of anybody. What’s more, even her sister praises her as perfect, she sets herself against it.

On the other hand, compared with Jane, Elizabeth has her own evaluation and attitude toward different people. There are few of whom she thinks much and even fewer that she loves. The more she observes of the world, the more she dissatisfies with it. Everyday life confirms her belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of either merit or sense. She also reminds her sister that “you shall not, for the sake of one individual, change the meaning of principle and integrity, nor endeavor to persuade yourself or me that selfishness is prudence, and insensibility of danger, security for happiness.”

Elizabeth’s idea doesn’t satisfy the expectation of that time. She is a modern woman who loves independent and freedom, and also hopes that her family member can have their own lives, never under the control of others. Her such character embodies obviously in the conversation between she and Lady Catherine. Being the first creature who has ever dared to trifle with so much dignified impertinence, she showed her dignity and bravery.

Mr. Collins' proposal (Chapter 18-23)

Elizabeth is disappointed that Wickhan does not attend the ball. Her unhappiness increases during two clumsy dances with Mr. Collins. However, when Darcy invites her of the next dance, she accepts. Their conversation during the music is awkward, especially when she mentions Wickham, Darcy clearly wishes to avoid.

The next day, Mr. Collins proposes marriage to Elizabeth, and Elizabeth turns him down as gentely as possible. However, Mrs. Bennet, who regards the advantages of their marriage, threatens her that if she refuses she will never see her again. In this part, her parents’ contrast is stated obviously. Mr. Bennet tells Elizabeth that “you almost be a stranger to one your parents. But I will never see you again if you do it.” Her father thinks much on her daughter’s happiness rather than benefits. Nerver forcing his daughter do what she does not want, especially on marriage. This is valuable at that time.

Elizabeth’s prejudice against Darcy survives these chapters, despite Miss Bingley’s warning. It is difficult to blame Elizabeth for not seeing the truth. Elizabeth has no reason to value her warning about Wickham more than the trust she instinctively places in him. Elizabeth’s failure to ask Darcy about the matter directly while they are dancing is less excusable, however: she brings the issue up in a manner that assumens Wickham to be telling the truth. Unsurprisingly, Darcy is unwilling to talk given those terms. Elizabeth’s “prejudice” and Darcy’s “pride” will continue..

Mistaken impression of Wickham (Chapter 13-17)

These chapters introduce Mr. Collins, the target of Jane Austen’s greatest satire, and Wickham, the novel’s most villainous character. Collins, serves as a vehicle for criticism of the practice of entailment, by which the law forces Mr. Bennet to leave his property to such a ridiculous man instead of his own daughters.


Collins functions as another example of Austen’s criticism of snobbery. And in order to receive benefits, even though only the second helpings of its benefits, he must toady himself to Lady de Bourgh. He judges by class and the value he can get that he is full of self-importance because he has a noble woman as his patroness. Additionally, Collins’s long, foolish speeches makes him a prime example of Austen’s talent for making stupidity comical.


Wickham himself is described as being extremely good-looking: his appeal exists only on the surface, which is an attractive surface. This superficial appeal is crucial because it makes his story about Darcy’s mistreatment of him believable, at least to Elizabeth. Darcy’s pride has been obvious from his first appearance in the novel, but Elizabeth’s decision to trust Wickham introduces her “prejudice” into the story. She dislikes Darcy the first time she meets him. In contrast, she is attracted by Wickham at their first acquaintance, leading her to believe his story even without hearing Darcy’s side of it, and against Jane’s greater sensibility.

Elizabeth’s visit to Netherfield (Chapter 9-12)

The continuation of Elizabeth’s visit to Netherfield accentuates the respective attitudes of Miss Bingley and Darcy toward their guest: jealousy on the part of the former, admiration on that of the latter. Elizabeth poses a separate threat to each of them. Miss Bingley fears her as a rival for Darcy’s affection, and Darcy fears that he will succumb to his growing attraction to her despite the impracticality of marriage to one of such inferior rank and family.



Darcy, concerned that he may affect his own reputation by linking it to the poor reputation of another, tries to avoid talking to Elizabeth entirely on the final day she spends at Netherfield. He must tie himself up in a sort of logical knot; class-consciousness transforms Elizabeth, who is perfect for him, as something to be feared. Miss Bingley demonstrates how, once a class system develops, it maintains its coherence. Miss Bingley feels threatened by Elizabeth and knows she cannot compete with Elizabeth on the basis of her virtues or talents. She now uses the entire social institution of class to maintain her superiority, even though all logic and experience show that superiority to be a lie.



Bingley’s sister spends her energy attempting to conform to what she perceives to be Darcy’s idea of a perfect woman. Her embarrassingly obvious flirtation makes her a figure of amusement for the reader—she is a parody of the man-hungry, snobbish, upper-class woman. By toadying up to Darcy, she ends up losing him to Elizabeth, despite the fact that Elizabeth does not make any attempt to appeal to him. By showing Miss Bingley as a scheming rival for Darcy’s love whose tactics are uninspired, the novel highlights Elizabeth’s originality and independence of spirit, and suggests that these, not the laundry list of accomplishments that Darcy gives, are the qualities that Darcy truly desires in a woman.

The invitation form Netherfield (Chapter 5-8)

The Bennets' neighbours are Sir William Lucas, his wife and their children. Charlotte, the eldest child of Lucus family, is Elizabeth’s closest friend. The next morning after the ball, the women from the two families get together and discuss about that exciting evening. They hold identical views that although Mr. Bingley danced with Charlotte first, he considered Jane to be the prettiest of local girls. The discussion then turns to Mr. Darcy. Everyone agrees that Darcy, despite his family and fortune, is too proud to be likable. Elizabeth even claims that she will never dance with him again.

Bingley's sisters exchange visits with the Bennets and attempt to befriend Elizabeth and Jane. Meanwhile, Bingley continues to pay attention to Jane, and Elizabeth decides that her sister is “in a way to be very much in love” with him but is concealing it very well.

One night, while the Bennets are discussing the soldiers over dinner, a note arrives, inviting Jane to Netherfield Park. Knowing that it will rain and then she can spend one night at Mr. Bingley's house, Mrs. Bennet insist that Jane should go there on horse back. As they planned, Jane is soaked and falls ill. Worried about her elder sister, Elizabeth decides to watch her on foot.

There, she meets Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. After he and Bingley list the attributes that such a woman would possess, Elizabeth declares that she “never saw such capacity, and taste, and application, and elegance, as you describe, united”, implying that Darcy is far too demanding.

New Neighbours (Chapter 1-4)

The opening sentence of Pride and Prejudice—“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife”—establishes the centrality of advantageous marriage, a fundamental social value of Regency England.

The news that a wealthy young gentleman named Charles Bingley has rented the manor known as Netherfield Park causes a great stir in the neighboring village of Longbourn, especially in the Bennet household. Mrs. Bennet insists that they should have a visit to their new neighbor. When Mr Bennet reveals to his wife and daughters that he has made the new neighbor’s acquaintance, they are overjoyed and excited.

In the beginning of the ball, when an eye contact happens between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, love seems appear, which may be winding. Within Elizabeth’s hearing, Bingley exclaims to Darcy that Jane is "the most beautiful creature" he has ever beheld. He also suggests that Darcy dance with Elizabeth. However, Darcy refuses, saying, "she is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me." He proceeds to declare that he has no interest in women who are "slighted by other men". Hearing that, Elizabeth developes an immediate and understandable disliking to Darcy. She regards him as an arrogant and uneasy-going man. Their first impression to each other is not very well.

Value of 19th Century England

Character is an expression of what people value. Social character expresses the values of the current society. The story occurs at a time when traditional ideas about status and class distinctions are beginning to give way to money as the dominant value in society. Status is still valued higher than achievement. That is why all the moneyed people renounce work in favor of leisure activity. After being knighted, Sir Lucas gives up business for a life of socializing. Bingley prides himself on his lack of exertion. Mr. Bennet's favorite occupation is reading in his library.



Truthfulness is one of the high values of the upper classes in this society. Wickham is the only person who boldly lies with abandon. Darcy feels culpable for concealing Jane's presence in London from Bingley. Eliza takes for granted that Fitzwilliam would not lie just for the sake of his cousin Darcy. A person's word is to be honored at all costs. Therefore, Eliza and Jane refuse to press even shameless Lydia to break her promise of secrecy about Darcy's presence at her wedding. Frankness in speech is respected, as both Darcy and Lady Catherine proclaim; but true sincerity in the sense of speaking and behaving as one really feels is not expected or appreciated. Behavior should conform to social expectations, not the dictates of conscience or personal preference.



Education was valued by this society only as a cultural endowment, not as a qualification for practical accomplishment. Thus, Darcy says an accomplished woman should not only be able to sing, play and sew, but also be well read. Hard work, individual capacity, accomplishment and intelligence were not at all regarded with the esteem accorded them by present day society. There is also no evidence that goodness, generosity or self-giving were revered as social ideals, except to the extent that a wealthy landowner such as Darcy should be generous and benevolent to the lower classes economically dependent on his estate.



Money was an increasingly important value in the English society of the time. But like other social values, its importance depended on the character of the individual. Money was all-important for Wickham. For him, money represented a passport to social status and the better things in life. Money alone determined in that end that he would marry Lydia. Wickham was raised near wealth and aspired for it. He wanted to fill the gap between his present position and his aspiration by marrying for money. He lacked the character, willingness for work and achievement needed to acquire it. Money was also an important value for Charlotte. In her case, money represented security, which was her primary drive. Marrying a man of property and wealth was an ideal she aspired for. Social status rather than money was the primary value for Darcy. Money value made Bingley acceptable to Darcy as a friend, even though Bingley's father earned his wealth in trade. But lack of money did not deter Darcy from proposing to Eliza. It was primarily the low behavior of her family, partially their business connections (class status) that deterred him. Darcy chose Eliza for her character, not her money or status.