Pride and Prejudice · Chapter
LXI explained
The final chapter describes the happy settlements of the Bennet sisters after Elizabeth's marriage to Darcy and Jane's to Bingley.
What happens
The final chapter describes the happy settlements of the Bennet sisters after Elizabeth's marriage to Darcy and Jane's to Bingley. Mrs. Bennet is delighted to have her two most deserving daughters married. Mr. Bennet misses Elizabeth greatly and often visits Pemberley. Kitty improves by spending time with her elder sisters, while Mary remains at home. Lydia and Wickham continue their irresponsible ways, frequently asking for money. Miss Bingley reconciles herself to Darcy's marriage, Georgiana grows fond of Elizabeth, and Lady Catherine eventually makes peace with the couple. The Gardiners remain close and are thanked for bringing Elizabeth to Derbyshire.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The chapter concludes the marriages of Elizabeth and Jane, contrasting their happy unions with Lydia's troubled marriage and Miss Bingley's social maneuvering.
Family and Duty
Mr. Bennet's affection for Elizabeth, Kitty's improvement under her sisters' care, and the Gardiners' role in uniting Darcy and Elizabeth highlight family bonds and obligations.
Reputation and Appearance
Lydia retains her reputation despite her behavior, Miss Bingley drops resentment to maintain social access, and Lady Catherine eventually visits Pemberley despite her objections.
Self-Knowledge and Growth
Kitty improves by leaving Lydia's influence, Mary adapts to her new circumstances, and Georgiana learns from Elizabeth's example.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Bennet
Happy to have married off her two most deserving daughters; still occasionally nervous and silly.
- Mr. Bennet
Misses Elizabeth exceedingly and delights in visiting Pemberley.
- Elizabeth Bennet
Now Mrs. Darcy; lives within thirty miles of Jane; sends occasional financial help to Lydia; persuades Darcy to reconcile with Lady Catherine.
- Jane Bennet
Mrs. Bingley; leaves Netherfield after a year; lives near Elizabeth.
- Lydia Bennet
Married to Wickham; continues extravagant and heedless; writes to Elizabeth hoping for a place at court.
- Mr. Wickham
His character unchanged; hopes Darcy will help his fortune; his affection for Lydia sinks into indifference.
- Mr. Darcy
Married to Elizabeth; assists Wickham for Elizabeth's sake; reconciles with Lady Catherine; loves the Gardiners.
- Miss Bingley
Mortified by Darcy's marriage but drops resentment to retain visiting rights at Pemberley.
- Georgiana Darcy
Lives at Pemberley; grows attached to Elizabeth; learns from Elizabeth's lively manner with Darcy.
- Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Indignant at the marriage but eventually reconciles and visits Pemberley.
- Mrs. Gardiner
On intimate terms with Darcy and Elizabeth; credited with bringing Elizabeth to Derbyshire.
- Mr. Gardiner
On intimate terms with Darcy and Elizabeth; credited with bringing Elizabeth to Derbyshire.
- Kitty Bennet
Spends most of her time with her elder sisters and improves greatly.
- Mary Bennet
The only daughter remaining at home; mixes more with the world and moralizes.
- Mr. Bingley
Leaves Netherfield after a year; buys an estate near Derbyshire; sometimes overwhelmed by Lydia and Wickham's visits.
Key passages
“Happy for all her maternal feelings was the day on which Mrs. Bennet got rid of her two most deserving daughters.”
Mrs. Bennet was overjoyed to see her two most worthy daughters married off.
The narrator's ironic tone highlights Mrs. Bennet's relief at marrying off Elizabeth and Jane.
“Kitty, to her very material advantage, spent the chief of her time with her two elder sisters. In society so superior to what she had generally known, her improvement was great.”
Kitty greatly benefited from living with her older sisters, as she was exposed to better society and improved her behavior.
Kitty's character development is attributed to the positive influence of Elizabeth and Jane.
“His affection for her soon sunk into indifference; hers lasted a little longer; and in spite of her youth and her manners, she retained all the claims to reputation which her marriage had given her.”
Wickham quickly lost interest in Lydia, while Lydia's affection faded more slowly; still, her marriage protected her social standing.
The narrator comments on the superficiality of Lydia and Wickham's relationship and the protective power of marriage for a woman's reputation.
“By Elizabeth's instructions she began to comprehend that a woman may take liberties with her husband, which a brother will not always allow in a sister more than ten years younger than himself.”
Elizabeth taught Georgiana that a wife can be playful with her husband in ways a brother would not tolerate from a much younger sister.
This shows Elizabeth's influence on Georgiana and the different dynamics in marriage versus sibling relationships.
