Pride and Prejudice Summary

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice follows the emotional development of Elizabeth Bennet. The novel explores themes of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in Regency England.

It critiques societal pressures on women and the importance of personal growth. The story unfolds through distinct sections, detailing key events and their impact on the characters.

Volume 1: First Impressions and Growing Dislike

Chapters 1-12: Meryton and the Arrival of New Neighbours

The novel opens with Mrs. Bennet’s primary goal: marrying off her five daughters. Mr. Bingley, a wealthy bachelor, arrives at Netherfield Park, sparking her hopes.

He is immediately attracted to Jane Bennet, the eldest and most beautiful daughter. Bingley’s proud and aloof friend, Mr. Darcy, however, offends Elizabeth Bennet with his disdainful manner at a ball.

Elizabeth overhears Darcy’s insulting remarks about her appearance. This initial encounter establishes the titular ‘pride’ and ‘prejudice’ central to their relationship.

Chapters 13-23: Mr. Collins’s Proposal and Darcy’s Growing Interest

Mr. Collins, a pompous clergyman and heir to the Bennet estate, arrives to seek a wife. He proposes to Elizabeth, who firmly rejects him, despite her mother’s insistence.

Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth’s pragmatic friend, subsequently accepts Mr. Collins’s proposal. Meanwhile, Darcy finds himself increasingly drawn to Elizabeth’s intelligence and wit, despite his initial reservations.

Bingley suddenly departs Netherfield for London, breaking Jane’s heart. Elizabeth suspects Darcy and Bingley’s sisters are responsible for this separation.

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Volume 2: Misunderstandings and Unveiled Truths

Chapters 24-38: Wickham’s Slander and Darcy’s First Proposal

Elizabeth visits Charlotte and Mr. Collins at Hunsford. There, she encounters Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Darcy’s formidable aunt.

She also meets Mr. Wickham, a charming militia officer, who tells her a fabricated story about Darcy’s injustice towards him. This further solidifies Elizabeth’s negative opinion of Darcy.

Unexpectedly, Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, confessing his love. Elizabeth, angered by his arrogance and his supposed interference with Jane and Wickham, vehemently rejects him.

Chapters 39-42: Darcy’s Letter and Elizabeth’s Realisations

Following her rejection, Darcy gives Elizabeth a letter explaining his actions. He reveals Wickham’s true character as a gambler and schemer, and clarifies his reasons for separating Jane and Bingley, believing Jane indifferent.

Elizabeth rereads the letter repeatedly, slowly realising her own misjudgements and prejudices. She begins to see Darcy in a new light, understanding his integrity and Wickham’s deceit.

This period marks a significant turning point in Elizabeth’s character development, as she confronts her pride and initial impressions.

Volume 3: Reconciliation and Happy Endings

Chapters 43-50: Pemberley and Lydia’s Elopement

Elizabeth travels with her aunt and uncle, the Gardiners, to Derbyshire. They visit Pemberley, Darcy’s estate, believing him absent.

There, Elizabeth hears glowing accounts of Darcy from his housekeeper and encounters him unexpectedly. His gentle and polite behaviour surprises her, further softening her view.

However, news arrives that Lydia has eloped with Wickham, bringing shame upon the Bennet family. Elizabeth fears this event will destroy any chance of reconciliation with Darcy.

Chapters 51-56: Darcy’s Intervention and Bingley’s Return

Mr. Gardiner attempts to locate Lydia and Wickham. It is later revealed that Darcy found them and arranged their marriage, paying Wickham’s debts and securing his commission.

He did this secretly to protect Elizabeth and her family from further scandal. Bingley returns to Netherfield, and with Darcy’s encouragement, proposes to Jane, who happily accepts.

Lady Catherine de Bourgh visits Elizabeth, demanding she promise not to marry Darcy. Elizabeth refuses, demonstrating her independence and strength of character.

Chapters 57-61: Second Proposals and Double Weddings

Darcy, having heard of Elizabeth’s defiance towards his aunt, renews his proposal. Elizabeth, now understanding his true character and his selfless actions for Lydia, accepts him.

The novel concludes with the marriages of Jane to Bingley and Elizabeth to Darcy. Both couples find happiness based on mutual respect and understanding.

The Bennet family’s financial security is ensured, and Elizabeth reflects on the journey from initial prejudice to true affection.

Related Pages

• Pride and Prejudice Study Guide
• Themes in Pride and Prejudice
• Key Moments in Pride and Prejudice
• Key Quotes in Pride and Prejudice