Pride and Prejudice · Chapter
Chapter LX explained
Elizabeth and Mr.
What happens
Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy engage in playful banter about how he fell in love with her, discussing her impertinence and his admiration for her liveliness. Elizabeth writes to Mrs. Gardiner about her happiness, Mr. Darcy writes to Lady Catherine, and Mr. Bennet sends a sarcastic note to Mr. Collins. The Collinses arrive at Lucas Lodge to escape Lady Catherine's anger, and Elizabeth tries to shield Darcy from the vulgarity of her relatives.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Prejudice
Elizabeth and Darcy's conversation reveals how initial pride and prejudice transformed into mutual understanding and love.
Love and Marriage
The chapter focuses on the culmination of Darcy and Elizabeth's romantic journey, as well as the impending marriages of Bingley and Jane.
Social Class and Status
Darcy's composure in the face of Sir William Lucas's obsequiousness and Mrs. Philips's vulgarity highlights class distinctions.
Characters to notice
- Elizabeth Bennet
Playfully questions Darcy about his love, writes to Mrs. Gardiner, and tries to shield Darcy from her vulgar relatives.
- Mr. Darcy
Explains his love for Elizabeth, writes to Lady Catherine, and bears the civility of the Lucases and Philips with composure.
- Jane Bennet
Receives insincere congratulations from Miss Bingley and writes a kind response.
- Mr. Bingley
Receives congratulations from his sister on his approaching marriage to Jane.
- Mr. Collins
Arrives at Lucas Lodge with Charlotte to escape Lady Catherine's anger, and obsequiously compliments Darcy.
- Charlotte Lucas
Rejoices in Elizabeth's match and comes to Lucas Lodge to avoid Lady Catherine's storm.
Key passages
“I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.”
Darcy admits he fell in love with Elizabeth gradually, without realizing it at first.
Darcy explains the unconscious development of his feelings.
“You were disgusted with the women who were always speaking and looking, and thinking for your approbation alone. I roused, and interested you, because I was so unlike them.”
Elizabeth suggests Darcy was tired of women who fawned over him, and her independent spirit attracted him.
Elizabeth's insight into Darcy's character and the reason for his attraction.
“Lady Catherine’s unjustifiable endeavours to separate us, were the means of removing all my doubts.”
Lady Catherine's attempt to prevent their marriage actually confirmed Darcy's desire to marry Elizabeth.
Darcy credits Lady Catherine's interference with solidifying his intentions.