Summary Flashcards
(31 cards)
ch 1-2
Charles Bingley, a wealthy young gentleman, rents Netherfield Park.
The Bennets have five unmarried daughters, making Bingley a good match.
Mrs. Bennet hopes he will marry one of them.
She insists Mr. Bennet visit him.
Mr. Bennet secretly visits and later tells his family, exciting Mrs. Bennet.
ch3-4
Bingley visits but doesn’t meet the Bennet sisters.
The Bennets invite him to dinner, but he’s called away to London.
Bingley returns with his sisters, brother-in-law, and friend, Darcy.
At a Meryton ball, Jane dances with Bingley, who admires her beauty.
Bingley suggests Darcy dance with Elizabeth, but Darcy refuses rudely.
Darcy insults Elizabeth, calling her “tolerable” but not pretty enough.
The Bennet women discuss the ball; Jane likes Bingley’s sisters, but Elizabeth dislikes them.
Bingley inherited £100,000 but rents his home, despite his sisters’ objections.
Bingley is friendly, while Darcy is critical and reserved.
ch 5-6
Charlotte Lucas is Elizabeth’s closest friend.
Bingley’s sisters visit the Bennets, trying to befriend Elizabeth and Jane.
Bingley continues to show interest in Jane, and Elizabeth believes Jane likes him too.
Charlotte warns that if Jane hides her feelings, Bingley may lose interest.
Elizabeth values patience in love, while Charlotte believes ignoring a husband’s faults is best.
At a party, Sir William Lucas encourages Elizabeth and Darcy to dance, but she refuses.
Darcy later admits to Bingley’s sister that Elizabeth has caught his attention.
ch 7-8
Mr. Bennet’s property is entailed, so it must pass to a male heir, not his daughters.
Kitty and Lydia visit their aunt, Mrs. Phillips, and gossip about the militia.
Jane is invited to Netherfield for a day.
Mrs. Bennet ensures Jane travels by horse, hoping rain will keep her there overnight.
Jane falls ill after getting soaked and must stay at Netherfield.
Elizabeth walks to visit Jane, arriving with muddy stockings, shocking the Bingleys.
That evening, the Bingley sisters mock the Bennets, but Darcy and Bingley defend them.
Darcy admits he wouldn’t want his sister to walk in the mud and sees the Bennets as poor marriage prospects.
The conversation turns to Darcy’s library at Pemberley and his views on an “accomplished woman.”
Elizabeth sarcastically remarks that no woman could meet Darcy’s high standards.
ch 9-10
Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, and Catherine visit Jane at Netherfield.
Mrs. Bennet embarrasses Elizabeth by urging Bingley to stay at Netherfield and praising Jane’s beauty.
Lydia asks Bingley if he will hold a ball; he agrees to wait until Jane recovers.
In the evening, Miss Bingley flatters Darcy as he writes to his sister.
Miss Bingley plays the pianoforte; Elizabeth refuses to dance with Darcy again, increasing his admiration.
Darcy acknowledges his growing attraction but worries about Elizabeth’s inferior connections.
Miss Bingley, jealous of Elizabeth, mocks her family and tries to win Darcy’s favor.
She imitates Darcy’s reading habits but quickly loses interest.
ch 11-12
Miss Bingley continues trying to attract Darcy’s attention by reading, criticizing balls, and walking around the room.
Darcy only looks up when Miss Bingley asks Elizabeth to walk with her.
Elizabeth and Darcy discuss his character; he claims his main fault is that his “good opinion once lost is lost forever.”
Elizabeth jokes that it is difficult to laugh at someone who “hates everybody.”
Miss Bingley, jealous of Elizabeth’s hold on Darcy’s attention, insists on music.
The next morning, Elizabeth writes to Mrs. Bennet, saying she and Jane are ready to return home.
Mrs. Bennet refuses to send the carriage, hoping Jane will stay longer with Bingley.
Elizabeth insists on borrowing Bingley’s carriage, and she and Jane leave Netherfield.
Darcy is relieved at their departure, as he is drawn to Elizabeth more than he likes, given her unsuitable social standing.
ch 13-14
Mr. Bennet informs his wife that Mr. William Collins, his heir, will visit soon.
Mr. Collins is a clergyman (priest) under the patronage (financial support) of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Upon arrival, he apologizes for inheriting Longbourn but admires the estate.
Asked to read to the girls, he refuses novels and reads sermons instead.
Lydia interrupts with gossip about the soldiers, offending Mr. Collins, who abandons the reading.
Mr. Collins seeks a wife and, upon learning Jane may be engaged, turns his attention to Elizabeth.
The next day, he joins the Bennet sisters in Meryton.
Wickham, a new officer in the militia, charms the young women.
Darcy and Bingley pass by, and Elizabeth notices tension between Darcy and Wickham.
The group visits Mrs. Phillips, who invites them and Wickham to dinner the next night.
ch 16-17
At the Phillips’s dinner party, Wickham becomes the center of attention, while Mr. Collins fades into the background.
Wickham tells Elizabeth his story: he planned to join the ministry but lacked money.
He claims Darcy’s father intended to provide for him, but Darcy exploited a loophole to keep the inheritance.
Elizabeth, instinctively trusting Wickham, believes his story without question.
Elizabeth leaves the party thinking only of Wickham and his story.
She concludes that Darcy deserves nothing but hatred.
ch 18
Wickham does not attend the Netherfield ball, disappointing Elizabeth.
Mr. Denny claims Wickham avoided the ball because of Darcy’s presence.
Elizabeth suffers through two awkward dances with Mr. Collins.
She then dances with Darcy, leading to an uncomfortable conversation, especially when she mentions Wickham.
After the dance, Miss Bingley warns Elizabeth against trusting Wickham, but Elizabeth dismisses her as spiteful.
Mr. Collins realizes Darcy is Lady Catherine’s nephew and insists on introducing himself despite Elizabeth’s protests.
Darcy treats Mr. Collins with disdain, but Collins remains oblivious.
At supper, Mrs. Bennet loudly speculates about Jane and Bingley’s marriage, embarrassing Elizabeth.
Elizabeth notices Darcy overhearing, but Mrs. Bennet ignores her warnings.
Mary performs a dreadful song, and Mr. Collins delivers an absurd speech.
Elizabeth feels her family has completely humiliated itself.
ch 19-21
Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth, assuming she will be thrilled.
Elizabeth declines politely, but Mr. Collins insists she will change her mind.
Mrs. Bennet is furious and demands Elizabeth accept, threatening to disown her.
Mr. Bennet, amused, tells Elizabeth that if she marries Mr. Collins, he will disown her instead.
A few days later, Elizabeth meets Wickham in Meryton, where he apologizes for missing the ball.
Jane receives a letter from Miss Bingley stating that Bingley’s party has left for London indefinitely.
The letter implies Bingley intends to marry Darcy’s sister, Georgiana.
Elizabeth comforts Jane, insisting Miss Bingley is manipulating events and that Bingley will return.
ch 22-23
News arrives that Mr. Collins has proposed to Charlotte Lucas, and she has accepted.
Elizabeth is shocked, but Charlotte explains that the match is the best option she could hope for.
Mrs. Bennet is furious with Elizabeth for not accepting Mr. Collins, seeing it as a missed opportunity.
As days pass with no word from Bingley, Jane’s prospects of marriage also begin to seem uncertain.
ch 24-25
Miss Bingley sends another letter praising Darcy’s sister and stating that Bingley will stay in London all winter.
Elizabeth is upset, complaining about the lack of “merit or sense” in people like Bingley (for abandoning Jane) and Charlotte (for marrying Mr. Collins).
Mrs. Bennet’s brother, Mr. Gardiner, arrives, and Jane’s sadness is immediately noticeable.
The Gardiners invite Jane to join them in London, hoping a change of scenery will cheer her up and possibly give her a chance to see Bingley.
In London, Mrs. Gardiner notices Elizabeth and Wickham have a definite preference for each other, though it’s not serious love.
Mrs. Gardiner sees Wickham’s lack of money as a problem for Elizabeth’s future.
26
Mrs. Gardiner warns Elizabeth that Wickham’s lack of money makes him an unsuitable match and advises her not to embarrass her father by becoming attached to him.
Elizabeth agrees to keep Wickham from falling in love with her and assures Mrs. Gardiner that she will do her best not to upset her father.
After Jane and the Gardiners leave for London, Mr. Collins returns and prepares for his wedding.
Elizabeth reluctantly promises to visit Charlotte after her marriage.
Jane’s letters from London describe how Miss Bingley treated her coldly, believing Jane is an obstacle to Bingley’s marriage to Georgiana Darcy.
Mrs. Gardiner asks Elizabeth about Wickham, and Elizabeth replies that Wickham’s attentions have shifted to Miss King, who has inherited a large fortune.
Elizabeth concludes that she was never truly in love with Wickham.
27-29
Elizabeth travels with Sir William Lucas to visit Charlotte and Mr. Collins.
They stay a night in London with Jane and the Gardiners.
Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner discuss Wickham’s pursuit of Miss King, with Mrs. Gardiner criticizing him and Elizabeth defending him.
The Gardiners invite Elizabeth on a tour to the lake district, and she happily agrees.
In Hunsford, Elizabeth is greeted warmly by Mr. Collins and Charlotte.
Elizabeth sees Miss de Bourgh from a window and finds her sickly and cross, imagining Darcy marrying her.
Miss de Bourgh invites them to dine at Rosings, a grand mansion.
At dinner, Lady Catherine dominates the conversation, criticizing the Bennet sisters’ upbringing, lack of a governess, musical/artistic shortcomings, and Elizabeth’s arrogance.
ch 30-32
Sir William leaves after a week, happy with Charlotte’s happiness.
Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam visit Rosings soon after.
Colonel Fitzwilliam gives special attention to Elizabeth during dinner.
Elizabeth plays the pianoforte and jokes about Darcy’s refusal to dance with her at the Meryton ball, prompting Lady Catherine to lecture her.
Darcy visits the parsonage the next day, informing Elizabeth that Bingley is unlikely to return to Netherfield.
Their conversation is awkward, and Darcy leaves, making Charlotte suggest he might be in love with Elizabeth.
Over the following days, both Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam visit frequently, leading Charlotte to think Colonel Fitzwilliam might be interested in Elizabeth.
ch 33-34
Elizabeth often meets Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam during her walks.
Colonel Fitzwilliam mentions Darcy recently saved a friend from an improper marriage, which Elizabeth believes refers to Bingley and Jane.
Elizabeth starts blaming Darcy for her sister’s unhappiness.
Darcy unexpectedly enters and proposes marriage.
Darcy’s proposal emphasizes her social inferiority, which angers Elizabeth.
Elizabeth rejects him politely, then accuses him of interfering in Jane and Bingley’s relationship, which Darcy admits.
Elizabeth repeats Wickham’s accusations and criticizes Darcy for being proud and selfish, declaring marriage to him inconceivable.
ch 35-36
The next day, Elizabeth encounters Darcy, who hands her a letter.
Darcy admits in the letter that he interfered in Jane and Bingley’s romance but justifies his actions, claiming Jane’s attachment was not strong.
Darcy explains he didn’t want Bingley to marry into the Bennet family due to their lack of wealth and propriety.
Darcy reveals he had provided for Wickham after his father’s death and explains their conflict arose from Wickham’s attempt to elope with Darcy’s sister, Georgiana, for her fortune.
Elizabeth is shocked by the letter’s revelations.
Darcy’s account of Wickham causes Elizabeth to reconsider her trust in Wickham and her feelings toward Darcy.
ch 37-39
Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam leave Rosings, and a week later, Elizabeth departs as well.
Elizabeth and Jane return home after a short stay with the Gardiners in London.
Lydia and Kitty greet them eagerly, talking about the soldiers and hoping to convince their parents to spend the summer in Brighton.
Lydia mentions that Wickham is no longer interested in Miss King, who has gone to Liverpool to stay with her uncle.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet welcome their daughters home, and the Lucases come for dinner.
Lydia excitedly insists on going to Meryton to see the officers, but Elizabeth, not wanting to encounter Wickham, refuses.
ch 40-42
Elizabeth tells Jane about Wickham’s true character, but they decide not to expose him.
Mrs. Bennet continues to complain about Jane’s lost match with Bingley and Charlotte’s marriage to Mr. Collins.
Lydia is invited to spend the summer in Brighton with Colonel Forster’s wife, and Mr. Bennet agrees, assuming she’ll be kept in check.
Elizabeth speaks with Wickham one last time before the regiment leaves, but avoids mentioning what she’s learned.
Kitty is upset by the soldiers’ departure and Lydia’s summer plans.
Elizabeth joins the Gardiners for a tour of Derbyshire and visits Darcy’s estate, Pemberley, when she hears he’s away.
43
While touring Pemberley with the Gardiners, Elizabeth imagines being the mistress of the estate as Darcy’s wife.
The housekeeper speaks highly of Darcy, describing him as generous, kind, and a wonderful master, which surprises Elizabeth.
Darcy unexpectedly arrives and joins them on their walk, being polite and courteous. Elizabeth is embarrassed.
Darcy mentions that he is preparing Pemberley for guests, including the Bingleys and his sister, Georgiana, and invites Elizabeth to meet her.
After Darcy leaves, the Gardiners comment on his good manners and appearance, which differ greatly from Elizabeth’s earlier negative views.
ch 44-45
The next day, Darcy and Georgiana visit Elizabeth at her inn.
Bingley joins them, and they invite Elizabeth and the Gardiners to dine at Pemberley.
Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner visit Pemberley the next morning to meet Miss Darcy, and Bingley’s sisters are also present.
Miss Bingley makes a spiteful comment about the departure of the militia from Meryton.
After the visit, Miss Bingley tries to criticize Elizabeth to Darcy, mentioning how he once thought Elizabeth “rather pretty.”
Darcy responds, saying he now considers her “one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance.”
ch 46
Elizabeth returns to her inn to find two letters from Jane: one informing her that Lydia has eloped with Wickham, and the other saying there’s no word on whether they are married yet.
Elizabeth panics, realizing that if Wickham does not marry Lydia, the entire family’s reputation will be at risk.
She tells Darcy the story, and he blames himself for not exposing Wickham.
Elizabeth decides to return home immediately and apologizes to Darcy and Georgiana for breaking their dinner engagement.
ch 47
On the journey home, Mr. Gardiner tries to reassure Elizabeth that Wickham will marry Lydia, as he wouldn’t want to ruin his own reputation and career.
Elizabeth responds by sharing some of Wickham’s past behavior.
When Elizabeth arrives home, she finds out that her father has gone to London in search of Lydia and Wickham.
Mrs. Bennet is hysterical, blaming Colonel Forster for not keeping better watch over Lydia.
In private, Jane reassures Elizabeth that no one could have predicted Lydia’s attachment to Wickham.
They examine the letter Lydia left for Colonel Forster’s wife, where Lydia expresses excitement at signing her name as “Lydia Wickham.”
ch 48
Mr. Gardiner follows Mr. Bennet to London, but after several days, he writes to Longbourn saying the search for Lydia and Wickham has been unsuccessful.
Mr. Bennet, in his frustration, is now going to every hotel in London, looking for the couple.
Meanwhile, a letter arrives from Mr. Collins, who criticizes the Bennets for poor parenting and says Lydia’s actions reflect badly on the entire family.
More time passes, and Mr. Gardiner writes again, saying their attempts to trace Wickham through his friends and family have failed.
The letter concludes with the news that Mr. Bennet is returning home, much to Mrs. Bennet’s dismay.
