# Chapter XLV explained — Pride and Prejudice

> Chapter companion for Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner visit Pemberley and are received by Miss Darcy, Mrs. Hurst, and Miss Bingley. Miss Bingley's jealousy is evident as she makes snide remarks about Elizabeth and attempts to undermine her in Darcy's eyes. Darcy defends Elizabeth, declaring her one of the handsomest women he knows. The visit is marked by tension, with Elizabeth and Darcy both aware of the scrutiny they are under.

## Themes in this chapter

### Pride and Prejudice

Miss Bingley's pride leads her to make prejudiced remarks about Elizabeth, while Darcy's pride is evident in his initial silence and eventual defense of Elizabeth.

### Jealousy and Rivalry

Miss Bingley's jealousy of Elizabeth's growing connection with Darcy drives her to attempt to undermine Elizabeth through spiteful comments and insinuations.

### Reputation and Appearance

Characters are acutely aware of how they are perceived; Miss Bingley criticizes Elizabeth's appearance, while Darcy's public defense of Elizabeth affects her reputation.

## Character check-ins

### Elizabeth Bennet

Visits Pemberley with Mrs. Gardiner; endures Miss Bingley's jealous remarks and feels conflicted about Darcy's presence.

### Mr. Darcy

Defends Elizabeth against Miss Bingley's criticisms; shows anxiety for his sister and Elizabeth to become acquainted.

### Georgiana Darcy

Receives the visitors with shyness and embarrassment; tries to join the conversation but is overcome with confusion when Wickham is hinted at.

### Miss Bingley

Jealous of Elizabeth; makes spiteful comments about her appearance and attempts to discompose her by mentioning Wickham.

### Mrs. Gardiner

Accompanies Elizabeth to Pemberley; converses with Mrs. Annesley and observes the dynamics between the characters.

## Key lines

> Persuaded as Miss Bingley was that Darcy admired Elizabeth, this was not the best method of recommending herself; but angry people are not always wise; and in seeing him at last look somewhat nettled, she had all the success she expected.

Miss Bingley, believing Darcy admired Elizabeth, tried to provoke him by criticizing her, but her anger made her unwise; she succeeded only in nettling him.

_Highlights Miss Bingley's jealousy and her failed attempt to win Darcy's favor by disparaging Elizabeth._

> Yes, replied Darcy, who could contain himself no longer, but that was only when I first knew her, for it is many months since I have considered her as one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance.

Darcy, unable to stay silent, admitted that while he once thought Elizabeth only rather pretty, he now considers her one of the most beautiful women he knows.

_Shows Darcy's evolving feelings for Elizabeth and his public defense of her against Miss Bingley's insults._

> Had Miss Bingley known what pain she was then giving her beloved friend, she undoubtedly would have refrained from the hint; but she had merely intended to discompose Elizabeth, by bringing forward the idea of a man to whom she believed her partial...

If Miss Bingley had realized that her mention of Wickham would distress Georgiana Darcy, she would have stopped; she only meant to embarrass Elizabeth by referencing a man she thought Elizabeth favored.

_Reveals Miss Bingley's ignorance of Georgiana's near-elopement with Wickham and her misguided attempt to hurt Elizabeth._

## Links

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