# Chapter XXV explained — Pride and Prejudice

> Chapter companion for Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Mr. Collins departs Longbourn after his engagement to Charlotte Lucas. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner arrive for Christmas. Mrs. Bennet complains about Jane's failed match with Bingley and Elizabeth's refusal of Collins. Mrs. Gardiner discusses Jane's situation with Elizabeth and proposes Jane visit London. The Gardiners observe Elizabeth's growing attachment to Mr. Wickham, and Mrs. Gardiner resolves to warn Elizabeth. Mrs. Gardiner and Wickham share memories of Derbyshire and Pemberley, and she recalls hearing of Mr. Darcy as a proud, ill-natured boy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Discussions of Bingley's inconstancy, Jane's disappointment, and the practical concerns of marriage as seen through Mrs. Gardiner's advice.

### Family and Duty

Mrs. Bennet's complaints about the entail and her daughters' prospects reflect familial duty and anxiety over the family's future.

### Reputation and Appearance

Mrs. Gardiner's suspicion of Wickham and her recollection of Darcy's pride show how reputation and past behavior influence perceptions.

## Character check-ins

### Elizabeth Bennet

Discusses Jane's situation with Mrs. Gardiner, defends Bingley's affection, and shows partiality toward Wickham.

### Jane Bennet

Subject of discussion regarding her disappointment with Bingley; accepts invitation to visit the Gardiners in London.

### Mrs. Gardiner

Arrives at Longbourn, listens to Mrs. Bennet's grievances, advises Elizabeth, and observes Elizabeth's attachment to Wickham with concern.

### Mr. Gardiner

Arrives with his wife; described as sensible and gentleman-like, superior to his sister.

### Mrs. Bennet

Complains to Mrs. Gardiner about Jane's lost match and Elizabeth's refusal of Mr. Collins, and laments the entail.

### Mr. Wickham

Frequently present at Longbourn during the Gardiners' visit; shares memories of Derbyshire with Mrs. Gardiner and discusses Mr. Darcy.

## Key lines

> Mr. Gardiner was a sensible, gentleman-like man, greatly superior to his sister, as well by nature as education.

Mr. Gardiner was intelligent and refined, far surpassing his sister in both natural disposition and upbringing.

_Highlights the contrast between Mr. Gardiner and Mrs. Bennet, emphasizing his respectability despite his trade._

> Is not general incivility the very essence of love?

Isn't being rude to everyone else the true sign of being in love?

_Elizabeth's ironic remark to Mrs. Gardiner about Bingley's behavior at the ball, showing her wit and defense of Jane._

> Mr. Darcy would no more suffer him to call on Jane in such a part of London!

Mr. Darcy would never allow Bingley to visit Jane in that part of London.

_Elizabeth's belief that Darcy controls Bingley's actions, reflecting her prejudice against Darcy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxv
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