Chapter LV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Marriage

  Jane and Bingley's engagement represents a union based on genuine affection and compatibility, contrasting with earlier mercenary or pride-driven matches.

• Family and Duty

  Mrs. Bennet's scheming and Mr. Bennet's blessing highlight family involvement in marriage decisions, while Jane's happiness brings joy to the entire household.

• Self-Knowledge and Growth

  Elizabeth's reflection on the resolution shows her growth in understanding the complexities of love and pride, as she acknowledges the happy end despite past misunderstandings.

Characters to notice

• Jane Bennet

  Accepts Mr. Bingley's proposal, declaring herself the happiest creature.

• Mr. Bingley

  Proposes to Jane, showing cheerfulness and affection.

• Elizabeth Bennet

  Observes the proposal with delight and reflects on the outcome.

• Mrs. Bennet

  Schemes to leave Jane and Bingley alone, overjoyed at the engagement.

• Mr. Bennet

  Gives his blessing to Jane, expressing happiness at her future.

• Kitty Bennet

  Hopes her own turn for marriage will come soon.

Key passages

• “If you were to give me forty such men, I never could be so happy as you. Till I have your disposition, your goodness, I never can have your happiness.”

  Elizabeth tells Jane that no number of suitors could make her as happy as Jane is, because she lacks Jane's sweet nature and goodness.

  Elizabeth expresses her admiration for Jane's character and her own self-awareness.

• “And this is the end of all his friend's anxious circumspection! of all his sister's falsehood and contrivance! the happiest, wisest, most reasonable end!”

  Elizabeth reflects that despite Mr. Darcy's careful interference and Miss Bingley's deceit, Jane and Bingley's engagement is the happiest and most sensible outcome.

  Elizabeth acknowledges the irony of the situation and the triumph of genuine love over scheming.