# Chapter XXI explained — Pride and Prejudice

> Chapter companion for Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Elizabeth and Jane discuss Caroline Bingley's letter announcing the departure of the Netherfield party for London, with no plans to return. Elizabeth tries to reassure Jane that Mr. Bingley still loves her, despite Caroline's hints that he admires Miss Darcy. Meanwhile, Mr. Collins remains resentful after Elizabeth's rejection, and Mr. Wickham explains his absence from the Netherfield ball was to avoid Mr. Darcy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Elizabeth and Jane debate the sincerity of Mr. Bingley's affections and Caroline's attempts to steer him toward Miss Darcy, highlighting the tension between romantic love and strategic marriage.

### Social Class and Status

Elizabeth observes that the Bingleys consider the Bennets not rich or grand enough, and Caroline's preference for Miss Darcy reflects class-based matchmaking.

### Reputation and Appearance

Caroline's letter uses polite, high-flown language to mask her true intentions, while Jane struggles to reconcile appearances with reality.

## Character check-ins

### Elizabeth Bennet

Comforts Jane and analyzes Caroline Bingley's letter, insisting Mr. Bingley is still in love with Jane.

### Jane Bennet

Receives and reads Caroline Bingley's letter, feeling distressed by its implications about Mr. Bingley's affections.

### Miss Bingley

Writes a letter to Jane announcing the Netherfield party's departure for London and hinting at a match between Mr. Bingley and Miss Darcy.

### Mr. Wickham

Joins the Bennet sisters in Meryton and explains his absence from the Netherfield ball was to avoid Mr. Darcy.

### Mr. Collins

Remains at Longbourn in a state of angry pride after Elizabeth's rejection, transferring his attentions to Miss Lucas.

### Mrs. Bennet

Bewails the departure of the Netherfield ladies but consoles herself with the hope of Mr. Bingley's return.

## Key lines

> I did not think you would;—and that being the case, I cannot consider your situation with much compassion.

Elizabeth tells Jane that since she would not hesitate to marry Bingley despite his sisters' disapproval, she cannot feel sorry for her.

_Elizabeth teases Jane about her dilemma, reinforcing her belief that Jane should follow her heart._

> It is only evident that Miss Bingley does not mean he should.

Elizabeth argues that Caroline's letter only proves she wants to prevent Bingley from returning, not that he has lost interest.

_Elizabeth expresses her distrust of Caroline's motives and her confidence in Bingley's feelings for Jane._

> We are not rich enough, or grand enough for them; and she is the more anxious to get Miss Darcy for her brother, from the notion that when there has been one intermarriage, she may have less trouble in achieving a second.

Elizabeth explains that the Bingleys consider the Bennets beneath them socially, and Caroline hopes a match with Miss Darcy will lead to further advantageous connections.

_Elizabeth reveals the class-based calculations behind Caroline's scheming._

## Links

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