Pride and Prejudice · Chapter
Chapter XL explained
Elizabeth confides in Jane about Darcy's proposal and his letter, revealing Wickham's true character.
What happens
Elizabeth confides in Jane about Darcy's proposal and his letter, revealing Wickham's true character. Jane is shocked but sympathetic, and they discuss whether to expose Wickham. Elizabeth decides to keep the matter private. Mrs. Bennet laments Jane's lost chance with Bingley and comments on the Collinses' comfortable life.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Knowledge and Growth
Elizabeth acknowledges her own vanity and prejudice, recognizing her earlier misjudgments of Darcy and Wickham.
Reputation and Appearance
The contrast between Wickham's charming appearance and his true character is central; Elizabeth decides to protect his reputation despite knowing the truth.
Family and Duty
Elizabeth's loyalty to Jane and her decision to keep secrets for the sake of family harmony reflect familial duty.
Characters to notice
- Elizabeth Bennet
Shares Darcy's proposal and letter with Jane, reflects on her own prejudices.
- Jane Bennet
Shocked by Wickham's true nature, grieved for Darcy's disappointment, and still pines for Bingley.
- Mr. Darcy
His proposal and letter are discussed; Elizabeth and Jane sympathize with his suffering.
- Mr. Wickham
Revealed as deceitful through Darcy's letter; Elizabeth decides not to expose him publicly.
- Mrs. Bennet
Complains about Bingley's departure and speculates on the Collinses' inheritance of Longbourn.
- Mr. Bingley
Mentioned as the object of Jane's continued affection and as having left Netherfield.
Key passages
“His being so sure of succeeding, was wrong; and certainly ought not to have appeared; but consider how much it must increase his disappointment.”
Jane says Darcy's confidence was a mistake, but it makes his rejection even harder to bear.
Jane shows empathy for Darcy's feelings despite his flawed approach.
“There is but such a quantity of merit between them; just enough to make one good sort of man; and of late it has been shifting about pretty much.”
Elizabeth quips that Darcy and Wickham together have only enough virtue for one decent man, and it keeps moving between them.
Elizabeth's wry observation reflects her shifting perception of both men.
“The general prejudice against Mr. Darcy is so violent, that it would be the death of half the good people in Meryton to attempt to place him in an amiable light.”
Elizabeth says the town's dislike of Darcy is so strong that trying to improve his reputation would shock everyone.
Elizabeth decides not to publicly defend Darcy due to prevailing prejudices.