Pride and Prejudice - Plot Summary

Lead-in:

Jane Austen wrote her second novel in 1813 called Pride and Prejudice. It was initially intended to be published as First Impressions but it was rejected. The author satirizes the imperfections of the era in a humorous way. Jane Austen was eager to incorporate sarcastic and ironic dialogues in her writings. She criticizes such weaknesses as prejudicial attitudes, the inferiority of women, pride, self-importance and obstinacy. The protagonist of the novel is Elizabeth Bennet who wants to find her future husband in the story along with four of her sisters.

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

This quote is the main motivator for the Bennet Family to marry their five daughters well to a wealthy man.

Oxford Bookworms: Pride and Prejudice
(Cover)

The Plot:

Introduction:

A new neighbour:

The story starts in the Bennet House in Longbourn where Mrs. Bennet attempts to persuade her husband to visit a rich bachelor, Mr. Bingley. He has recently moved to their neighbourhood. Mr. Bennet later visited his residence in Netherfield. Their daughters eavedrop their conversation with curiosity.

The Rising Action:

At the ball:

At the ball, the Bennet Family is introduced to the whole Netherfield party, which consist of Mr Bingley, his sisters and Mr. Darcy, his dearest friend. Mr Bingley is an agreeable, pleasant and well mannered young gentleman. He earns himself popularity among the guests. He seems to be attracted by the eldest Bennet daughter, Jane, with whom he dances twice.

It turned out Mr. Bingley's friend, Mr Darcy, is far from being polite. He showed his pride and his superiority over his counterparts by himself declining to dance with the second-eldest Bennet daughter stating:

“She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me."

Elizabeth finds his insult amusing and jokes about it with her friends. Mr. Darcy's behaviour triggers others' dislike for him.

An invitation:

Later, Jane received an invitation from the Bingley sisters. It was highly likely to be raining. Despite all her requests for a carriage, she was sent to Netherfield on horseback. No sooner has she started her journey, Jane is caught in a rain shower and develops cold. She was forced to stay longer to recover that her mother, Mrs. Bennet, was very jubilant about.

Elizabeth worried so much about her elder sister thus visiting her at Mr. Bingley's residence. Mr. Darcy finds himself attracted to Elizabeth having said that she has "fine eyes" as a compliment. Elizabeth has yet been unaware of the intention of Mr. Darcy's growing love for her since she is indifferent to him.

A self-important person:

Mr. Collins, Mr. Bennet's cousin, visits the Bennets. He is the one who is due to inherit Mr. Bennet's dowry and worth. I wouldn't lie if I said that he's a conceited, pompous and arrogant clergyman who is eager to give lengthy tedious speeches. After he learns that Jane will soon be engaged Mr Collins becomes to be attracted to Elizabeth only because of her age and beauty.

Meeting a new acquaintance:

Later, the Bennets meet the dashing and charming army officer, George Wickham, who will be soon be attracted to Elizabeth, so as Mr. Collins. It turns out Wickham is connected to Mr. Darcy and they have known each other since infancy. Accordingly, Mr. Darcy deprived him of a permanent position of a clergyman that their father promised to him in his will. Elizabeth's dislike towards Mr. Darcy is confirmed.

The subsequent ball:

At the ball at Netherfield, Mr Darcy makes a request to dance with Elizabeth, who accepts despite all her vows against him. Mr Wickham has been invited to the ball, but he is absent. Mrs. Bennet hints loudly that she expects Jane and Mr. Bingley's engagement. The younger sisters, Kitty and Lydia, were quite silly and their behaviour was indisciplined and immature.

Two proposals:

Mr. Collins decides to propose to Elizabeth, who has to decline his honourable vow after a seemingly never-ending tedious speech. He provides his arguments to her for their marriage in such an awkward way that made Lizzy's sisters cry with laughter. Her mother becomes furious about her daughter. Mr Bennet is relieved by her good decision that he refused it.

After this refusal, Mr William Collins proposed, for the second time, to Charlotte Lucas who gladly accepted. Charlotte sensibly accepted it because she is already 27 years of age and is a burden for her parents. This practical marriage will guarantee her a comfortable home, secure future and safety.

A sudden departure:

All of a sudden, Mr. Bingley departs for London, seemingly without any intention of resuming his acquaintanceship with Jane. Jane becomes so desperate.

Visiting the Colinses and his patroness:

Lizzy visits her recently-married friend's, Charlotte's, house in Kent. They have been invited to the Rosings Park, the imposing home of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She is the patroness of Mr. Collins and the wealthy aunt of Mr. Darcy. Apparently, Lady Catherine excepts her daughter to be engaged with his nephew, Mr. Darcy. Marriage between first cousins was totally acceptable at that time.

Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy's cousin, tells Lizzy that Mr Darcy has recently prevented a friend, presumably Mr. Bingley, from an undesirable marriage. Therefore, it was obvious to Elizabeth that Darcy had interfered in their relationship.

The Climax:

Later, Mr. Darcy decides to propose to Lizzy, asking her to accept his hand, but with the wrong delivery. He mentions his superiority over her that is a huge mistake. She rejects him with fury, declaring:

"From the first moment I met you your arrogance who can seek your selfish disdain for the feelings of others made me realize that you were the last man in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry."

She accused him of Mr. Wickham's deprivation and his intervention in his elder sister's friendship.

The Falling Action:

Several blinded prejudices to be dispelled:

Later, Elizabeth was sent a letter from Darcy, explaining to her that there have been several misunderstandings in terms of his accusation:

Wickham had refused what his late father arranged for him.
He was given money instead of the occupation of a clergyman.
He quickly gambled away all his inheritance.
He was later refused to be given further money (thus impoverishing him).
Also said:
Later he tried to elope with Mr. Darcy's 15-years-old sister for her worth, without any success.
The main reason why he separated Mr. Bingley and Jane was because Jane seemed indifferent to Bingley.

At Pemberley:

Some months later Lizzy and the Gardiners makes a visit to Pemberley, Darcy's estate. She ascertains Darcy's absence. She was given an in-depth characterization of her acquaintance, Mr. Darcy. All, to everyone's surprise, Mr. Darcy returned and he invites them to meet Georgiana, his younger sister. Lizzy and Georgiana connect well to each other, much to Mr. Darcy's delight.

A kidnapping:

Elizabeth has later been informed that her youngest sister, Lydia, has run off with Mr. Wickham. Later, they were found and they are soon to be engaged.

Resolution:

Two successful proposals:

Later, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy return to Netherfield. Bingley proposes to Jane, who accepts:

Meanwhile:

Lady Catherine accuses Lizzy of planning to marry his nephew, Mr. Darcy. She demands she never accept his proposal. She refuses to answer her and doesn't make any promises.

Mr. Darcy proposed Elizabeth for the second time and was accepted:

A famous quote:

“You have bewitched me body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. And wish from this day forth never to be parted from you.”