Pride and Prejudice

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

Chapters 1–12: The Bennet Family and Mr. Bingley’s Arrival

The novel opens with the famous epigraph introducing the central theme of marriage and social status. The Bennet family—Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their five daughters—live in Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet is eager to marry off her daughters, especially when the wealthy Mr. Bingley rents Netherfield Park. At a local ball, Bingley is immediately taken with Jane Bennet, the eldest daughter, while his friend Mr. Darcy offends Elizabeth Bennet by refusing to dance with her, calling her merely “tolerable.” Darcy’s pride and Elizabeth’s prejudice against him begin to form.

Chapters 13–26: Wickham’s Deception and Jane’s Heartbreak

Mr. Collins, the Bennets’ pompous cousin and heir to Longbourn, visits and proposes to Elizabeth, who rejects him. He then marries her friend Charlotte Lucas. Meanwhile, Elizabeth meets the charming Mr. Wickham, who claims Darcy wronged him by denying him a promised inheritance. Bingley abruptly leaves Netherfield, devastating Jane. Elizabeth suspects Darcy influenced this decision.

Chapters 27–40: Elizabeth Visits Charlotte and Darcy’s First Proposal

Elizabeth visits Charlotte and Mr. Collins, where she encounters Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Darcy’s aunt. Darcy unexpectedly arrives and, after internal struggle, proposes to Elizabeth, insulting her family’s lower status. She refuses, accusing him of separating Jane and Bingley and mistreating Wickham. Darcy leaves her a letter explaining Wickham’s true nature—he tried to elope with Darcy’s sister for her fortune.

Chapters 41–50: Lydia’s Scandal and Darcy’s Intervention

Elizabeth returns home, only for Lydia to elope with Wickham, risking the family’s ruin. Darcy secretly tracks them down, pays Wickham to marry Lydia, and saves the Bennets’ reputation. Elizabeth learns of his involvement and begins to reassess her feelings.

Chapters 51–61: Reconciliation and Happy Endings

Bingley returns to Netherfield and proposes to Jane. Lady Catherine tries to prevent Elizabeth from marrying Darcy, but her interference only strengthens his resolve. Darcy proposes again, humbly, and Elizabeth accepts. The novel ends with the marriages of Jane and Bingley, Elizabeth and Darcy, and reflections on love overcoming pride and prejudice.

Key Ideas

• Marriage as a social and economic institution versus romantic love.
• The dangers of first impressions and unchecked pride.
• Class and gender constraints in Regency-era England.
• The importance of self-awareness and personal growth.
• Satire of societal norms and superficial judgments.

Notable Adaptations