# Chapter XIV explained — Pride and Prejudice

> Chapter companion for Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

## What happens

During dinner, Mr. Bennet engages Mr. Collins in conversation about his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Mr. Collins praises her effusively, describing her affability, her advice on marriage, and her daughter Miss de Bourgh. Mr. Bennet enjoys his cousin's absurdity. Later, Mr. Collins attempts to read Fordyce's Sermons aloud but is interrupted by Lydia, leading him to abandon the reading and play backgammon with Mr. Bennet instead.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Status

Mr. Collins's obsequious praise of Lady Catherine de Bourgh highlights the importance of rank and patronage in society.

### Family and Duty

Mr. Collins's visit and his advice on marriage reflect familial obligations, while Lydia's interruption shows the tension between individual behavior and family decorum.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Bennet

Scarcely speaks during dinner but later initiates conversation with Mr. Collins, enjoying his absurdity and maintaining composure.

### Mr. Collins

Praises Lady Catherine de Bourgh at length, displays flattery and solemnity, and later attempts to read Fordyce's Sermons before being interrupted.

### Mrs. Bennet

Inquires about Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh, and later apologizes for Lydia's interruption.

### Elizabeth Bennet

Receives occasional glances from Mr. Bennet during Mr. Collins's speeches, sharing in his amusement.

### Lydia Bennet

Interrupts Mr. Collins's reading with a remark about her uncle Philips and Colonel Forster, causing offense.

## Key lines

> Mr. Bennet could not have chosen better. Mr. Collins was eloquent in her praise.

Mr. Bennet deliberately steered the conversation to Lady Catherine, knowing Mr. Collins would speak at length and provide amusement.

_Mr. Bennet's enjoyment of his cousin's absurdity is evident._

> I have often observed how little young ladies are interested by books of a serious stamp, though written solely for their benefit.

Mr. Collins remarks that young women rarely appreciate serious literature intended for their moral improvement.

_Mr. Collins's condescending view of women's intellectual interests is revealed._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xiv
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters