Chapter XX explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Marriage

  Elizabeth's refusal of Mr. Collins highlights the tension between marriage for security versus personal inclination.

• Family and Duty

  Mrs. Bennet insists Elizabeth has a duty to marry Mr. Collins for the family's benefit, while Mr. Bennet supports her autonomy.

• Self-Knowledge and Growth

  Elizabeth's steadfast refusal demonstrates her self-awareness and integrity, even under family pressure.

Characters to notice

• Elizabeth Bennet

  Refuses Mr. Collins's marriage proposal, maintaining her determination despite her mother's pressure.

• Mr. Collins

  Proposes to Elizabeth, is refused, and later rationalizes the rejection, withdrawing his suit.

• Mrs. Bennet

  Furious at Elizabeth's refusal, she pressures her daughter and seeks Mr. Bennet's intervention.

• Mr. Bennet

  Supports Elizabeth's decision to refuse Mr. Collins, humorously telling her he would never see her again if she accepted.

• Jane Bennet

  Declines to interfere in the dispute between Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet.

• Charlotte Lucas

  Visits Longbourn and learns of Mr. Collins's proposal and Elizabeth's refusal.

Key passages

• “An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.”

  Mr. Bennet tells Elizabeth she faces a choice: lose her mother by refusing Mr. Collins, or lose him by accepting.

  Mr. Bennet's witty support for Elizabeth's refusal.

• “I have two small favours to request. First, that you will allow me the free use of my understanding on the present occasion; and secondly, of my room. I shall be glad to have the library to myself as soon as may be.”

  Mr. Bennet asks Mrs. Bennet to let him think for himself and to leave him alone in the library.

  Mr. Bennet's dry dismissal of his wife's demands.