Pride and Prejudice
Chapters - Jane Austen
Chapter 1
Mrs Bennet excitedly informs Mr Bennet that Netherfield Park has been let to a young man of large fortune named Bingley. She urges her husband to visit him at once so their daughters might have an opportunity to meet him, but Mr Bennet teases her with evasive replies. The chapter establishes the Bennets' contrasting temperaments and Mrs Bennet's fixation on marrying off her five daughters.
On page: Mr Bennet, Mrs Bennet·Mentioned: Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Bennet, Lydia Bennet, Charles Bingley, Mrs Long, Sir William Lucas, Lady Lucas
Chapter 2
Mr Bennet reveals to his family that he has already called on Mr Bingley, having teased Mrs Bennet all day about not intending to visit. The household - including Elizabeth, Jane, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia - is astonished and delighted, and the evening is spent speculating about when Bingley will return the visit.
On page: Elizabeth Bennet, Mr Bennet, Mrs Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Mary Bennet, Lydia Bennet·Mentioned: Jane Bennet, Charles Bingley, Mrs Long
Chapter 3
At the Meryton assembly ball, Mr Bingley proves charming and dances with Jane twice, while Mr Darcy dances only with his own party and offends the neighbourhood with his proud manner. Elizabeth overhears Darcy dismiss her as merely tolerable when Bingley urges him to dance with her. She tells the story with good humour among her friends. The family returns home, with Mrs Bennet delighted by Bingley's attentions to Jane but incensed by Darcy's rudeness.
On page: Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Jane Bennet, Charles Bingley, Caroline Bingley, Mrs Hurst, Mr Hurst, Mrs Bennet, Mr Bennet, Mary Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Lydia Bennet, Maria Lucas·Mentioned: Sir William Lucas, Charlotte Lucas
Chapter 4
Jane Bennet and Elizabeth Bennet discuss Mr Bingley after the Meryton assembly. Jane expresses her admiration for him while Elizabeth teases her affectionately. The chapter introduces Bingley's background and his friendship with Mr Darcy, noting their contrasting temperaments and how Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst approve of Jane.
On page: Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Bennet·Mentioned: Charles Bingley, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Caroline Bingley, Mrs Hurst, Mr Hurst
Chapter 5
The morning after the Meryton assembly, Charlotte Lucas and her siblings visit Longbourn to discuss the ball. Mrs Bennet boasts of Mr Bingley's attentions to Jane, while Charlotte teases Elizabeth about Mr Darcy calling her merely tolerable. Mary philosophises on the difference between pride and vanity.
On page: Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Bennet, Charlotte Lucas, Mrs Bennet, Mary Bennet·Mentioned: Charles Bingley, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mrs Long, Caroline Bingley
Chapter 6
Elizabeth and Charlotte Lucas discuss Jane's growing attachment to Bingley and whether she ought to show her feelings more openly. Meanwhile, Mr Darcy finds himself increasingly drawn to Elizabeth despite his initial dismissal of her. At a party at Sir William Lucas's, Sir William attempts to pair Elizabeth with Darcy for a dance, but she declines. Caroline Bingley notices Darcy's interest and teases him about it.
POV: Elizabeth Bennet·On page: Charlotte Lucas, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Charles Bingley, Sir William Lucas, Caroline Bingley, Mary Bennet·Mentioned: Jane Bennet, Colonel Forster
Chapter 7
The chapter establishes the Bennet family's financial vulnerability - their estate is entailed away from the daughters. Kitty and Lydia become obsessed with the newly arrived militia officers. Jane receives an invitation to dine at Netherfield from Caroline Bingley, and Mrs Bennet insists she go on horseback hoping the rain will force her to stay overnight. Jane falls ill the next morning, and Elizabeth walks three miles through muddy fields to tend to her, arriving at Netherfield with dirty stockings and a glowing complexion.
POV: Elizabeth Bennet·On page: Jane Bennet, Mrs Bennet, Mr Bennet, Lydia Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Mary Bennet, Caroline Bingley, Charles Bingley, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mrs Hurst, Mr Hurst·Mentioned: Mrs Phillips
Chapter 8
Elizabeth dines with the Netherfield party while Jane remains ill upstairs. Caroline Bingley and Mrs Hurst criticise Elizabeth behind her back for her muddy walk, though Bingley defends her. The evening turns to a debate about what constitutes a truly accomplished woman, with Darcy setting such a high standard that Elizabeth declares she is not surprised he knows only six such women.
POV: Elizabeth Bennet·On page: Charles Bingley, Caroline Bingley, Mrs Hurst, Mr Hurst, Fitzwilliam Darcy·Mentioned: Jane Bennet
Chapter 9
Mrs Bennet visits Netherfield with Lydia and Kitty to check on Jane. She embarrasses Elizabeth with her loud manner, boasting about Jane and Bingley while arguing with Darcy about the merits of country life versus London. Lydia boldly reminds Bingley of his promise to host a ball at Netherfield.
POV: Elizabeth Bennet·On page: Mrs Bennet, Lydia Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Jane Bennet, Charles Bingley, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Caroline Bingley, Mrs Hurst
Chapter 10
Elizabeth remains at Netherfield while Jane recovers. Caroline Bingley vies for Darcy's attention as he writes a letter to his sister. Elizabeth and Darcy engage in witty sparring about faults and pride. When Darcy invites Elizabeth to dance, she declines with a teasing remark, and he reflects that he is in danger of paying her too much attention.
POV: Elizabeth Bennet·On page: Fitzwilliam Darcy, Caroline Bingley, Charles Bingley, Mrs Hurst, Mr Hurst·Mentioned: Jane Bennet, Georgiana Darcy
Chapter 11
After dinner at Netherfield, Elizabeth observes Mr Bingley attentively caring for Jane, while Caroline Bingley vainly attempts to capture Mr Darcy's attention. Caroline persuades Elizabeth to walk about the room, which draws Darcy into a lively exchange about pride, vanity, and character flaws. The conversation reveals Darcy's growing interest in Elizabeth, which he recognises as dangerous.
POV: Elizabeth Bennet·On page: Jane Bennet, Charles Bingley, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Caroline Bingley, Mrs Hurst, Mr Hurst
Chapter 12
Elizabeth writes to Mrs Bennet requesting the carriage, but her mother delays, hoping to extend Jane's stay at Netherfield. Elizabeth insists on leaving, and after one more day's delay, the sisters depart on Sunday. Mr Darcy is relieved by Elizabeth's departure, feeling she attracted him more than he liked. At home, Lydia and Kitty share news of the regiment, including a rumour that Colonel Forster is to be married.
POV: Elizabeth Bennet·On page: Jane Bennet, Charles Bingley, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Caroline Bingley, Mrs Bennet, Mr Bennet, Mary Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Lydia Bennet·Mentioned: Colonel Forster
Chapter 13
Mr Bennet announces at breakfast that his cousin Mr Collins - heir to the Longbourn estate - has written to propose a visit. He reads the letter aloud, revealing Collins to be an obsequious clergyman patronised by Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Mr Collins arrives punctually and proves to be a formal, pompous young man who admires everything in the household while inadvertently reminding them it will one day be his.
On page: Elizabeth Bennet, William Collins, Mr Bennet, Mrs Bennet, Jane Bennet, Mary Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Lydia Bennet·Mentioned: Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Chapter 14
During and after dinner, Mr Collins speaks at great length about his patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh, her daughter Miss de Bourgh, and the grandeur of Rosings Park. Mr Bennet enjoys drawing out Collins's absurdity, while Elizabeth shares his private amusement. When Collins offers to read aloud to the family, Lydia interrupts and he takes offence, eventually settling for backgammon with Mr Bennet.
POV: Elizabeth Bennet·On page: William Collins, Mr Bennet, Mrs Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Lydia Bennet·Mentioned: Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Miss de Bourgh, Colonel Forster
Chapter 15
Mr Collins, having shifted his matrimonial interest from Jane to Elizabeth after a hint from Mrs Bennet, accompanies the sisters on a walk to Meryton. There, Mr Denny introduces the group to Mr Wickham, a charming young officer. When Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley ride past, Elizabeth notices a striking reaction between Darcy and Wickham - both change colour. The party visits Mrs Phillips, who invites them to dine the following evening.
On page: Elizabeth Bennet, William Collins, George Wickham, Jane Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Lydia Bennet, Mr Denny, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Charles Bingley, Mrs Phillips, Mr Phillips·Mentioned: Mrs Bennet
Chapter 16
At Mrs Phillips's evening party, Mr Wickham seats himself beside Elizabeth and tells her his history with Mr Darcy - claiming Darcy deprived him of a living bequeathed by the late Mr Darcy. Elizabeth is entirely sympathetic and indignant on his behalf. Wickham also mentions Lady Catherine de Bourgh is Darcy's aunt, and that Miss de Bourgh is expected to marry her cousin. Mr Collins occupies himself with whist at Mrs Phillips's table.
POV: Elizabeth Bennet·On page: George Wickham, William Collins, Mrs Phillips, Lydia Bennet, Mr Phillips·Mentioned: Fitzwilliam Darcy, Charles Bingley, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Miss de Bourgh, Georgiana Darcy, Caroline Bingley
Chapter 17
Elizabeth recounts Wickham's story to Jane, who charitably tries to think well of both men. Mr Bingley and his sisters arrive to deliver the invitation to the Netherfield ball in person. Elizabeth looks forward to dancing with Wickham, but is dismayed when Mr Collins secures her for the first two dances.
POV: Elizabeth Bennet·On page: Jane Bennet, Charles Bingley, Caroline Bingley, Mrs Hurst, William Collins, Mrs Bennet, Mary Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Lydia Bennet·Mentioned: George Wickham
Chapter 18
At the Netherfield ball, Elizabeth is disappointed to learn Wickham has deliberately stayed away to avoid Mr Darcy. She endures two mortifying dances with Mr Collins, then is surprised when Darcy asks her to dance. Their conversation is pointed and tense, touching on Wickham. Caroline Bingley warns Elizabeth against Wickham, and Collins embarrasses himself by introducing himself to Darcy. Elizabeth is mortified by her family's behaviour throughout the evening - her mother loudly predicting Jane and Bingley's marriage, Mary singing poorly, and Collins making a speech.
On page: Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Jane Bennet, William Collins, Charles Bingley, Caroline Bingley, Mrs Hurst, Charlotte Lucas, Sir William Lucas, Mrs Bennet, Mr Bennet, Mary Bennet, Lydia Bennet, Mr Denny, Lady Lucas, Kitty Bennet·Mentioned: George Wickham
Chapter 19
Mr Collins proposes to Elizabeth after Mrs Bennet and Kitty leave them alone. He lists his reasons for marrying - including Lady Catherine's recommendation - and assures Elizabeth of his affection. Elizabeth refuses him clearly and repeatedly, but Collins persists in believing her refusal is merely feminine coyness, insisting he will raise the subject again.
On page: Elizabeth Bennet, William Collins, Mrs Bennet, Kitty Bennet·Mentioned: Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mrs Jenkinson, Miss de Bourgh
Chapter 20
Mrs Bennet rushes to Mr Bennet demanding he force Elizabeth to accept Mr Collins. Mr Bennet memorably tells Elizabeth that her mother will never see her again if she does not marry Collins, and he will never see her again if she does. Charlotte Lucas arrives during the family commotion and, while Mrs Bennet laments, Collins shifts his attentions to Charlotte. He eventually accepts Elizabeth's refusal and withdraws his suit.
POV: Elizabeth Bennet·On page: Mrs Bennet, Mr Bennet, William Collins, Jane Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Lydia Bennet, Charlotte Lucas