# Chapter XXVI explained — Pride and Prejudice

> Chapter companion for Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Charlotte Lucas marries Mr. Collins and moves to Kent, maintaining a cheerful but guarded correspondence with Elizabeth. Jane's hopes for Mr. Bingley fade as Miss Bingley's neglect becomes clear. Mrs. Gardiner warns Elizabeth against becoming too attached to Mr. Wickham due to his lack of fortune, and Elizabeth acknowledges the prudence of the advice while remaining charmed by him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Pride and Prejudice

Elizabeth's pride in her own judgment is tempered by Mrs. Gardiner's warning, while Jane's prejudice in favor of Miss Bingley is corrected by experience.

### Love and Marriage

Charlotte's pragmatic marriage to Mr. Collins contrasts with Jane's romantic hopes for Bingley, and Elizabeth's cautious view of Wickham highlights the tension between affection and prudence.

### Social Class and Status

Mrs. Gardiner's warning about Wickham's lack of fortune underscores the role of social standing and financial security in marriage decisions.

## Character check-ins

### Elizabeth Bennet

Receives Mrs. Gardiner's caution about Wickham, corresponds with Charlotte, and reflects on Jane's disappointment with the Bingleys.

### Jane Bennet

Writes to Elizabeth from London, reporting Miss Bingley's coldness and her own growing disillusionment.

### Charlotte Lucas

Marries Mr. Collins and moves to Hunsford; writes cheerfully to Elizabeth about her new life.

### Mrs. Gardiner

Advises Elizabeth to guard her heart against Mr. Wickham due to his lack of fortune.

### Mr. Wickham

Discussed by Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth; Elizabeth admits he is agreeable but resolves to be cautious.

### Miss Bingley

Shows inattention and coldness toward Jane during her stay in London.

## Key lines

> You are too sensible a girl, Lizzy, to fall in love merely because you are warned against it; and, therefore, I am not afraid of speaking openly. Seriously, I would have you be on your guard. Do not involve yourself, or endeavour to involve him in an affection which the want of fortune would make so very imprudent.

Mrs. Gardiner tells Elizabeth that she is too sensible to fall in love just because she is warned, and advises her not to let affection develop with Wickham since his lack of fortune makes it unwise.

_Mrs. Gardiner's caution reflects the practical concerns of marriage in Regency society._

> I did not think Caroline in spirits, but she was very glad to see me, and reproached me for giving her no notice of my coming to London. I was right, therefore; my last letter had never reached her.

Jane writes that Miss Bingley seemed low-spirited but welcomed her, and that her previous letter must have been lost.

_Jane initially rationalizes Miss Bingley's neglect, showing her hopeful nature._

> Caroline did not return my visit till yesterday; and not a note, not a line, did I receive in the meantime. When she did come, it was very evident that she had no pleasure in it; she made a slight, formal, apology, for not calling before.

Jane reports that Miss Bingley delayed returning her visit and showed no real pleasure in seeing her, offering only a formal apology.

_Jane's disillusionment with Miss Bingley's friendship becomes clear._

## Links

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