Chapter XLVII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Reputation and Appearance

  The elopement threatens the Bennet family's social standing; Elizabeth regrets not revealing Wickham's true character earlier.

• Family and Duty

  Elizabeth and Jane grapple with their duty to protect Lydia and the family from disgrace.

• Self-Knowledge and Growth

  Elizabeth's intense self-reproach reflects her growing awareness of her own misjudgments and their consequences.

Characters to notice

• Elizabeth Bennet

  Filled with self-reproach for not exposing Wickham's character; expresses her knowledge of his profligacy and deceit.

• Jane Bennet

  Meets Elizabeth at Longbourn; shares Lydia's letter and details of the family's distress.

• Mr. Gardiner

  Discusses the elopement with Elizabeth, initially hopeful that Wickham intends marriage.

• Mrs. Gardiner

  Questions Elizabeth about her knowledge of Wickham; begins to agree with her husband's more optimistic view.

• Lydia Bennet

  The subject of the chapter; her elopement with Wickham is revealed through her frivolous letter.

• Mr. Wickham

  Discussed as the man who eloped with Lydia; Elizabeth details his lack of integrity and honour.

Key passages

• “I have been thinking it over again, Elizabeth," said her uncle, "and really, upon serious consideration, I am much more inclined than I was to judge as your eldest sister does of the matter.”

  Mr. Gardiner reconsiders and now leans toward Jane's more hopeful view of the elopement.

  Mr. Gardiner expresses cautious optimism that Wickham intends marriage.

• “Oh! thoughtless, thoughtless Lydia!" cried Elizabeth when she had finished it. "What a letter is this, to be written at such a moment.”

  Elizabeth condemns Lydia's frivolous letter as utterly inappropriate given the serious situation.

  Elizabeth's reaction highlights Lydia's lack of awareness and the gravity of the elopement.