# Chapter XLII explained — Pride and Prejudice

> Chapter companion for Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Elizabeth reflects on her parents' unhappy marriage and the negative influence it has had on her family. She finds little satisfaction in the departure of the militia, as her mother and Kitty remain discontented. She looks forward to a tour of the Lakes with her aunt and uncle Gardiner, but a letter from Mrs. Gardiner changes the plan to a shorter tour of Derbyshire, which includes a visit to Pemberley. Elizabeth is anxious about the possibility of meeting Mr. Darcy but eventually agrees to the visit after learning the family is away.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Duty

Elizabeth contemplates the consequences of her parents' unsuitable marriage on the family's respectability and happiness.

### Self-Knowledge and Growth

Elizabeth's reflections on her father's failings and her own expectations show her growing self-awareness and maturity.

### Reputation and Appearance

The Bennet family's domestic discord and Lydia's behavior threaten their social standing; Elizabeth is concerned about appearances at Pemberley.

## Character check-ins

### Elizabeth Bennet

Reflects on her parents' marriage and her father's failings; disappointed by the change in tour plans; reluctantly agrees to visit Pemberley.

### Mr. Bennet

His imprudent marriage and neglect of his wife are critically examined by Elizabeth.

### Mrs. Bennet

Her weak understanding and illiberal mind are highlighted; she is restored to querulous serenity after Lydia's departure.

### Lydia Bennet

Writes short, frivolous letters from Brighton; her absence brings some peace to Longbourn.

### Kitty Bennet

Begins to recover her sense after Lydia's departure; able to enter Meryton without tears.

### Mrs. Gardiner

Arranges the Derbyshire tour; expresses a desire to see Pemberley again.

## Key lines

> Had Elizabeth’s opinion been all drawn from her own family, she could not have formed a very pleasing picture of conjugal felicity or domestic comfort.

If Elizabeth only knew what marriage was like from her own family, she would have a very negative view of it.

_Elizabeth's critical observation of her parents' marriage sets the tone for the chapter._

> But it is fortunate, thought she, that I have something to wish for. Were the whole arrangement complete, my disappointment would be certain.

Elizabeth thinks it's lucky she has something to look forward to, because if everything were perfect, she would surely be disappointed.

_Elizabeth's pragmatic view of happiness and anticipation._

> With the mention of Derbyshire, there were many ideas connected. It was impossible for her to see the word without thinking of Pemberley and its owner.

The word Derbyshire immediately made Elizabeth think of Pemberley and Mr. Darcy.

_Elizabeth's anxiety about visiting Darcy's estate._

## Links

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