Pride and Prejudice · Chapter
Chapter XV explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Collins, a foolish and obsequious man, visits Longbourn with the intention of marrying one of the Bennet sisters. After Mrs. Bennet hints that Jane is soon to be engaged, he shifts his attention to Elizabeth. The Bennet sisters, accompanied by Mr. Collins, walk to Meryton, where they meet Mr. Wickham, a charming new officer. During the encounter, a tense and mysterious exchange occurs between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham, sparking Elizabeth's curiosity. The party is invited to dine at the Philipses' the next evening.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Prejudice
Mr. Collins's pride in his position and obsequiousness to Lady Catherine de Bourgh illustrate the theme of pride and social deference.
Social Class and Status
Mr. Collins's veneration for Lady Catherine and his plan to marry a Bennet daughter to 'atone' for inheriting their father's estate highlight class dynamics.
Love and Marriage
Mr. Collins's pragmatic and unromantic approach to marriage contrasts with the romantic interest sparked by Mr. Wickham's arrival.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Collins
Visits Longbourn with the intention of marrying a Bennet daughter; shifts his choice from Jane to Elizabeth after Mrs. Bennet's hint.
- Elizabeth Bennet
Becomes Mr. Collins's new object of interest; observes the strange interaction between Darcy and Wickham.
- Jane Bennet
Initially Mr. Collins's chosen bride; Elizabeth later relates to her the encounter between Darcy and Wickham.
- Mrs. Bennet
Encourages Mr. Collins to pursue Elizabeth after hinting that Jane is soon to be engaged.
- Lydia Bennet
Eager to walk to Meryton to see the officers; presses Mr. Wickham to come inside.
- Mr. Wickham
Newly arrived officer introduced to the Bennet sisters; shares a tense moment with Mr. Darcy.
- Mr. Darcy
Rides into Meryton with Bingley; reacts with visible agitation upon seeing Mr. Wickham.
- Mr. Bingley
Rides with Darcy and greets the Bennet sisters; inquires after Jane's health.
Key passages
“Mr. Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society”
Mr. Collins lacked natural intelligence, and his upbringing and schooling had done little to improve him.
Introduces Mr. Collins's character as foolish and poorly educated.
“His plan did not vary on seeing them. Miss Bennet’s lovely face confirmed his views, and established all his strictest notions of what was due to seniority”
Seeing Jane's beauty only strengthened Mr. Collins's initial decision to marry her, as he believed the eldest daughter should marry first.
Shows Mr. Collins's rigid adherence to social conventions regarding marriage.
“Both changed colour, one looked white, the other red. Mr. Wickham, after a few moments, touched his hat—a salutation which Mr. Darcy just deigned to return.”
Darcy and Wickham both turned pale and flushed; Wickham gave a slight salute, which Darcy barely acknowledged.
Highlights the mysterious tension between Darcy and Wickham, sparking Elizabeth's curiosity.
