Mr. Bennet is one of the least mobile characters in the book. In a novel in which people are active visiting neighbors or going on trips, Mr. Bennet is rarely seen outside of his library. His physical retreat from the world signifies his emotional retreat from his family. Although he […]

Read more Character Analysis Mr. Bennet

The oldest and most beautiful of the Bennet daughters, Jane has a good heart and a gentle nature. As Elizabeth’s confidant, Jane helps to keep her sister’s tendency to be judgmental in check by offering positive interpretations of negative situations. Jane’s desire to see only the best in people becomes […]

Read more Character Analysis Jane Bennet

Darcy exhibits all the good and bad qualities of the ideal English aristocrat — snobbish and arrogant, he is also completely honest and sure of himself. Darcy is not actually a titled nobleman, but he is one of the wealthiest members of the landed gentry — the same legal class […]

Read more Character Analysis Fitzwilliam Darcy

Even in her blindest moments, Elizabeth Bennet is an unfailing attractive character. She is described as a beauty and has especially expressive eyes, but what everybody notices about her is her spirited wit and her good sense. Mainly because of that good sense, Elizabeth is her father’s favorite child and […]

Read more Character Analysis Elizabeth Bennet

Summary Lady Catherine De Bourgh unexpectedly drops by Longbourn one day to talk to Elizabeth. She has heard a rumor that Darcy and Elizabeth are or are about to be engaged and is determined to stop any romance that may exist between them. Declaring that Darcy and Miss De Bourgh […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 56-61 (Volume III, 14-20)

Summary Soon after Lydia and Wickham marry, they arrive at Longbourn. Much to Elizabeth and Jane’s embarrassment and Mr. Bennet’s outrage, the couple acts completely self-assured and unashamed. In observing the couple, Elizabeth notes that Lydia seems to be more in love with Wickham than he is with her, and […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 51-55 (Volume III, 9-13)

Summary As Elizabeth and the Gardiners rush back to Longbourn, they discuss Lydia’s situation. Although the Gardiners are hopeful that Wickham and Lydia have married, Elizabeth doubts that is the case. She knows Wickham’s mercenary nature too well to believe that he would marry someone like Lydia who has no […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 47-50 (Volume III, 5-8)

Summary Elizabeth and the Gardiners arrive at the Pemberley estate and are impressed by the beauty of the house and the grounds. As they tour the house, the housekeeper praises Darcy, saying “He is the best landlord, and the best master that ever lived.” The housekeeper also confirms that Darcy […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 43-46 (Volume III, 1-4)

Summary Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam leave Hunsford the day after Darcy gives Elizabeth the letter, and Elizabeth and Maria leave about a week later. On their way back to Longbourn, they stop at the Gardiners’ in London for a few days and Jane returns home with them. Back at home, […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 37-42 (Volume II, 14-19)

Summary Elizabeth keeps encountering Darcy during her walks through the park and is bothered when, rather than leaving her alone, he continues to join her. One day, she meets Colonel Fitzwilliam as she’s walking and they begin discussing Darcy’s character. When Fitzwilliam relates the story of “a most imprudent marriage” […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 33-36 (Volume II, 10-13)