Pride and Prejudice Chapters 23-34 Summary

Questions and Answers

Who announces the engagement of Charlotte and Mr. Collins?

Sir William Lucas

How does Mrs. Bennet react to the news of Charlotte's engagement?

Mrs. Bennet is shocked at the news and thinks it's a mistake, believing they won't be happy together and that the engagement will end soon; she is in a state of denial.

What does Mr. Collins say in his letter?

He informed them of the rapturous expressions of his happiness in having obtained the affection of their neighbor and that he is going to Longbourn for a visit.

What did Elizabeth fear would happen to Bingley?

She feared that Bingley's sisters would be successful in keeping Bingley away from Jane by moving to London and seeing Miss Darcy. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Mrs. Bennet so angry with Miss Lucas?

Because she is convinced that Miss Lucas is only marrying Mr. Collins to take possession of the estate after Mr. Bennet dies. Signup and view all the answers

What does the letter Jane receives from Miss Bingley confirm?

It confirmed that the Bingleys and Mr. Darcy were staying in England for the winter. Signup and view all the answers

What invitation does Mrs. Gardiner extend to Elizabeth?

She was invited to join her uncle and aunt in a tour of pleasure over the summer. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Gardiner request of Elizabeth regarding Mr. Wickham?

She requests Lizzy to be on her guard with Mr. Wickham because he's not rich enough. Signup and view all the answers

What does Charlotte ask of Elizabeth?

She asks Elizabeth to visit her often. Signup and view all the answers

How does Miss Bingley behave towards Jane while Jane is in London?

She was very cold to her and did the absolute minimum to visit her. Signup and view all the answers

What causes Mr. Wickham to shift his affections to Miss King?

She will inherit 10,000 pounds. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Gardiner call Wickham?

A 'mercenary,' but Elizabeth defends him, calling him prudent. Signup and view all the answers

How does Elizabeth describe Miss de Bourgh?

'Sickly and cross.' Signup and view all the answers

What does Darcy say when he starts to propose to Elizabeth for the first time?

'My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.' Signup and view all the answers

What is Mrs. Gardiner's function throughout the novel?

The voice of reason in the novel, her criticism of Wickham counters Elizabeth's unwillingness to question his purposes. Signup and view all the answers

What does Elizabeth's defense show about her character?

It indicates that Elizabeth seems to violate her own principles when it comes to Wickham. Signup and view all the answers

Who does the visit to Rosings introduce?

Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lady Catherine de Bourgh serve as for Austen?

Another vehicle for Austen's criticism of snobbery. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the only individual that dares to stand up to haughty Lady Catherine?

Elizabeth. Signup and view all the answers

What does Elizabeth do when Lady Catherine criticizes the Bennet sisters' upbringing?

Elizabeth defends her family, suspecting herself to be the first creature who dared to trifle with so much dignified impertinence. Signup and view all the answers

How is Darcy's proposal a turning point in Pride and Prejudice?

Until he asks her to marry him, Elizabeth's main preoccupation with Darcy centers around dislike; after the proposal, the novel chronicles the slow growth of her love. Signup and view all the answers

How does Darcy allow his pride to guide him when proposing to Elizabeth for the first time?

He spends more time emphasizing Elizabeth's lower rank than actually asking her to marry him. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Mr. Collins' parish?

Huntsford. Signup and view all the answers

When Elizabeth talks to Colonel Fitzwilliam, what recent accomplishment does the Colonel report that Darcy is proud of?

Quashing a friend's romance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Engagement Announcement

Sir William Lucas announces the engagement of Charlotte and Mr. Collins, causing a stir among the Bennet family.

Mrs. Bennet's Reaction

Mrs. Bennet is shocked by Charlotte's engagement, perceiving it as a mistake and doubting the couple's future happiness, indicating denial.

Mr. Collins' Letter

Mr. Collins communicates his overwhelming joy in obtaining the affection of their neighbor and mentions his visit to Longbourn.

Elizabeth's Concern

Elizabeth fears that Bingley's sisters will successfully separate him from Jane by moving to London and introducing him to Miss Darcy.

Mrs. Bennet's Anger

Mrs. Bennet is furious with Miss Lucas, believing her marriage to Mr. Collins is motivated by the prospect of securing the estate after Mr. Bennet's death.

Jane's Confirmation

A letter Jane receives from Miss Bingley confirms that the Bingleys and Mr. Darcy will remain in England through the winter.

Mrs. Gardiner's Offer to Jane

Mrs. Gardiner invites Jane to accompany them, hoping a change of scenery will help her recover from her feelings for Mr. Bingley.

Caution About Mr. Wickham

Mrs. Gardiner advises Elizabeth to remain cautious of Mr. Wickham, warning her that he lacks wealth.

Charlotte's Request

Charlotte asks Elizabeth to visit her frequently after her marriage to Mr. Collins.

Miss Bingley's Behavior

While in London, Miss Bingley treats Jane coldly, visiting her minimally, demonstrating her disdain.

Mr. Wickham's Shift in Affection

Mr. Wickham's interest shifts to Miss King due to her substantial inheritance of 10,000 pounds.

Mrs. Gardiner's Invitation to Elizabeth

Mrs. Gardiner extends an invitation for Elizabeth to join her and her husband on a summer trip.

Mrs. Gardiner on Wickham

Mrs. Gardiner describes Wickham as "mercenary," criticizing his intentions, while Elizabeth defends him as sensible.

Elizabeth's Description of Miss de Bourgh

Elizabeth describes Miss de Bourgh as "sickly and cross," highlighting her disagreeable nature.

Darcy's Proposal

Darcy expresses his feelings to Elizabeth, declaring, "My feelings will not be repressed," signaling a pivotal moment in their relationship.

Role of Mrs. Gardiner

Mrs. Gardiner serves as a voice of reason in the narrative, balancing Elizabeth's perceptions of Wickham and societal expectations.

Elizabeth's Defense of Wickham

Elizabeth's defense of Wickham against Mrs. Gardiner's criticisms highlights her internal conflict between personal sentiment and social principles.

Introduction of Lady Catherine de Bourgh

The visit to Rosings introduces Lady Catherine de Bourgh, showcasing her authoritative and snobbish character.

Lady Catherine's Purpose

Lady Catherine represents Austen's critique of snobbery, exerting control over those around her, exemplifying aristocratic arrogance.

Elizabeth's Confrontation

Elizabeth dares to stand up to Lady Catherine, challenging her perceptions of the Bennet family's social standing.

Elizabeth's Family Defense

Elizabeth defends her family against Lady Catherine's criticisms, demonstrating her assertiveness and belief in personal integrity.

Darcy's Proposal as a Turning Point

Darcy's proposal marks a shift from Elizabeth's disdain to a gradual development of love, altering the trajectory of their relationship.

Darcy's Pride in Proposal

Darcy's proposal is tainted by his emphasis on Elizabeth's lower social rank, highlighting his struggle with pride and class prejudice.

Mr. Collins' Parish

Mr. Collins serves in the parish of Huntsford, revealing his social position and connection to the Bennet family.

Colonel Fitzwilliam's Report

Colonel Fitzwilliam shares with Elizabeth that Darcy takes pride in quashing a friend's romantic aspirations, adding complexity to Darcy's character.

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Test your knowledge of Chapters 23 to 34 of 'Pride and Prejudice' with this flashcard quiz. Each card features key events and character reactions, enhancing your understanding of the novel's plot and themes. Perfect for those studying Austen's classic work.