# Chapter XVII explained — Pride and Prejudice

> Chapter companion for Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Elizabeth shares Wickham's story with Jane, who struggles to reconcile it with her good opinion of Darcy. The Netherfield party arrives to invite the Bennets to a ball, and Elizabeth is dismayed when Mr. Collins claims her for the first two dances, thwarting her hopes of dancing with Wickham.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reputation and Appearance

Jane struggles to reconcile Wickham's amiable appearance with the possibility of deceit, while Elizabeth trusts his looks as evidence of truth.

### Pride and Prejudice

Elizabeth's prejudice against Darcy is reinforced by Wickham's story; Jane's impartiality leads her to defend both men.

### Social Class and Status

Mr. Collins views the ball as respectable due to Bingley's character; his aspirations to marry Elizabeth reflect social climbing.

## Character check-ins

### Elizabeth Bennet

Relates Wickham's story to Jane; looks forward to dancing with Wickham at the Netherfield ball; is taken aback when Mr. Collins claims her for the first two dances.

### Jane Bennet

Listens to Elizabeth's account of Wickham with astonishment; tries to think well of both Darcy and Wickham; worries about Bingley being imposed upon.

### Mr. Wickham

His story is recounted by Elizabeth; Elizabeth hopes to dance with him at the ball.

### Mr. Darcy

Discussed as the alleged wrongdoer in Wickham's story; Elizabeth plans to observe his looks and behavior at the ball.

### Mr. Bingley

Arrives with his sisters to personally invite the Bennets to the Netherfield ball; Jane worries he may have been deceived by Darcy.

### Mr. Collins

Accepts the invitation to the ball without scruple; solicits Elizabeth for the first two dances, hinting at matrimonial intentions.

## Key lines

> They have both been deceived, I dare say, in some way or other, of which we can form no idea.

Jane suggests that both Darcy and Wickham may have been misled by others, and that the truth is unknowable.

_Jane's characteristic desire to see the best in everyone leads her to a neutral explanation._

> Elizabeth thought with pleasure of dancing a great deal with Mr. Wickham, and of seeing a confirmation of everything in Mr. Darcy’s looks and behaviour.

Elizabeth eagerly anticipates the ball as a chance to dance with Wickham and to observe Darcy for signs that confirm Wickham's story.

_Elizabeth's expectations reveal her bias and her reliance on outward behavior as proof._

> Elizabeth felt herself completely taken in. She had fully proposed being engaged by Wickham for those very dances:—and to have Mr. Collins instead!

Elizabeth is dismayed when Mr. Collins claims her for the first two dances, ruining her plan to dance with Wickham.

_Elizabeth's disappointment highlights her preference for Wickham and her irritation with Mr. Collins._

## Links

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