Pride and Prejudice (Austen)
Short Summary
In the English countryside during the Regency era, the arrival of wealthy bachelor Mr. Bingley at Netherfield Park set the surrounding families abuzz with matchmaking schemes. Mrs. Bennet, in particular, was determined to see one of her five daughters married to him.
Bingley was soon captivated by Jane Bennet, the eldest daughter. Meanwhile, his friend Mr. Darcy, initially judged to be proud and aloof, found himself increasingly drawn to Elizabeth Bennet, the second daughter. Elizabeth, however, developed a strong prejudice against Darcy after overhearing his disparaging remarks about her and witnessing his interference in Jane and Bingley's budding romance.
Elizabeth's dislike intensified when she befriended Mr. Wickham, a charming militia officer who portrayed Darcy as a cruel and unscrupulous man. Darcy, stung by Elizabeth's rejection of his first proposal and eager to clear his name, wrote her a letter revealing Wickham's true character as a deceitful fortune-hunter. He also explained his reasons for separating Bingley and Jane, citing concerns about her family's impropriety and believing Jane's affections to be unengaged.
Shaken by Darcy's revelations, Elizabeth re-evaluated her judgment and began to see him in a new light. Further events, including Lydia's elopement with Wickham and Darcy's instrumental role in securing their marriage, solidified Elizabeth's growing regard for him. She realized the depth of his integrity and generosity, and her feelings towards him transformed from prejudice to gratitude and admiration.
When Darcy, encouraged by a visit from his interfering aunt, made a second proposal, Elizabeth accepted. He declared, "My affections and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.”
My affections and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.”
Detailed Summary
Chapter divisions do not correspond to the original structure.
Netherfield Park and New Arrivals
The arrival of Mr. Bingley, a wealthy bachelor, at Netherfield Park near Longbourn, the Bennet family estate, caused great excitement. Mrs. Bennet, whose primary goal in life was to see her five daughters married, was particularly enthusiastic, viewing Bingley as a prime matrimonial prospect. "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." At a ball, Jane, the eldest and most beautiful Bennet daughter, and Bingley quickly formed a mutual attraction.
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
Bingley arrived with his two sisters and his friend Mr. Darcy. While Bingley charmed everyone with his easygoing nature, Darcy appeared proud, aloof, and condescending, making a negative first impression. He offended Elizabeth, the second Bennet daughter, by declaring within her earshot, "She is tolerable: but not handsome enough to tempt *me*." This sparked Elizabeth's initial dislike of him.
She is tolerable: but not handsome enough to tempt *me*.
Jane's Illness and Darcy's Interest
Jane's frequent visits to Netherfield, encouraged by her mother, led to her catching a severe cold and being forced to stay there to recover. Elizabeth, demonstrating her independent and caring nature, walked three miles to Netherfield to tend to her sister. During her stay, Elizabeth and Darcy had several more encounters. While she continued to find him disagreeable, Darcy found himself increasingly intrigued by her intelligence and wit. Meanwhile, Mr. Collins, a pompous and obsequious clergyman who was Mr. Bennet's cousin and heir to Longbourn, arrived with the express intention of marrying one of the Bennet daughters. He initially targeted Jane, but Mrs. Bennet, believing Jane was close to securing Bingley, steered him towards Elizabeth.
Wickham's Deception and Darcy's Proposal
Elizabeth met George Wickham, a charming militia officer, and was immediately captivated by his agreeable manners and his account of Darcy's supposed cruel treatment of him. This deepened Elizabeth's prejudice against Darcy. Mr. Collins formally proposed to Elizabeth, but she firmly rejected him, much to her mother's dismay. Shortly thereafter, Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth's pragmatic friend, accepted Mr. Collins's proposal, prioritizing financial security over romantic love.
To Elizabeth's astonishment, Darcy proposed marriage to her. "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." While confessing his love, he also spoke of the degradation of connecting himself with her family. Elizabeth angrily refused, accusing him of interfering in Jane and Bingley's relationship and of ruining Wickham's prospects. "And this is all the reply which I am to have the honour of expecting! ... I might, perhaps, wish to be informed why ... I am thus rejected." She declared that he was the last man she would ever marry.
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.
And this is all the reply which I am to have the honour of expecting! ... I might, perhaps, wish to be informed why ... I am thus rejected.
Darcy's Letter and Elizabeth's Regret
The next day, Darcy gave Elizabeth a letter. In it, he explained his actions regarding Jane and Bingley, asserting that he believed Jane indifferent to Bingley and that he had acted to protect his friend from an unsuitable connection. He also revealed Wickham's true, deceitful character and mercenary motives, detailing Wickham's attempts to elope with his young sister, Georgiana Darcy, for her fortune. Elizabeth was forced to confront her prejudices and realized she had been wrong about both men. "Till this moment, I never knew myself." She deeply regretted her hasty judgment and harsh words to Darcy.
Till this moment, I never knew myself.”
Lydia's Elopement and Darcy's Intervention
Lydia, the youngest Bennet sister, eloped with Wickham, causing a scandal and great distress for the family. Elizabeth feared the worst, believing Wickham had no intention of marrying Lydia. Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner went to London to search for them. News arrived that Darcy had found Wickham and Lydia and, despite his strong dislike of Wickham, had ensured their marriage by paying off Wickham's debts and providing Lydia with a settlement. Elizabeth was deeply grateful for Darcy's intervention, recognizing the depth of his character and the sacrifice he had made.
Bingley's Return and Lady Catherine's Visit
Bingley returned to Netherfield, and soon after, proposed to Jane, who joyfully accepted. Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Darcy's aunt, paid a visit to Longbourn. She haughtily interrogated Elizabeth about her supposed engagement to Darcy and demanded she promise never to marry him. Elizabeth firmly refused, asserting her independence and right to choose her own husband.
Elizabeth and Darcy's Reunion and Engagement
Darcy returned to Longbourn with Bingley. Elizabeth took the opportunity to express her gratitude for his intervention in Lydia's affair. He, in turn, confessed that his affections had not changed since his proposal. "My affections and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever." Elizabeth admitted her change of feelings and accepted his renewed proposal. They learned that Lady Catherine's interference, by relating Elizabeth's spirited refusal to her, had actually strengthened Darcy's hope that Elizabeth's feelings might not be entirely against him.
My good opinion once lost is lost for ever.”
Weddings and New Beginnings
Jane and Bingley, and Elizabeth and Darcy, were married. The Bennet family's social standing was greatly improved by these advantageous matches. Bingley and Jane eventually moved to an estate near Pemberley, Darcy's magnificent estate in Derbyshire, much to the satisfaction of Bingley's sisters, who had hoped he would marry Georgiana Darcy. Kitty benefited from spending time with her older, married sisters, and her character improved. Lydia and Wickham, however, continued their imprudent ways, frequently relying on financial assistance from their families. "You are too sensible a girl, Lizzy, to fall in love merely because you are warned against it; and, therefore, I am not afraid of speaking openly." Despite Wickham's continued attempts to exploit their connection to Darcy, Darcy, for Elizabeth's sake, provided him with some further assistance. Lady Catherine, after expressing her extreme displeasure, eventually reconciled with her nephew and his new wife. Elizabeth and Darcy were grateful to the Gardiners for bringing Elizabeth to Derbyshire, which had ultimately led to their union.
You are too sensible a girl, Lizzy, to fall in love merely because you are warned against it; and, therefore, I am not afraid of speaking openly.