# Chapter XXVIII explained — Pride and Prejudice

> Chapter companion for Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Elizabeth arrives at Hunsford Parsonage to visit Charlotte and Mr. Collins. She observes Charlotte's contentment and her management of her husband. The next day, they see Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter Miss de Bourgh from a distance, and Mr. Collins announces they are all invited to dine at Rosings.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Status

The deference shown to Lady Catherine and the awe of Rosings highlight the rigid class hierarchy and the Bennets' lower standing.

### Marriage and Compromise

Charlotte's contentment in a marriage of convenience with Mr. Collins illustrates the practical compromises women often made for security.

## Character check-ins

### Elizabeth Bennet

Visits Charlotte at Hunsford, observes the Parsonage and Charlotte's marriage, and anticipates meeting Lady Catherine.

### Charlotte Lucas

Now Mrs. Collins, she welcomes Elizabeth warmly and appears content in her marriage, managing her husband's foibles with composure.

### Mr. Collins

Proudly shows off his home and garden, repeatedly praises Lady Catherine, and invites Elizabeth and Maria to dine at Rosings.

### Maria Lucas

Excitedly calls Elizabeth to see the phaeton, mistaking Mrs. Jenkinson for Lady Catherine.

### Sir William Lucas

Accompanies the party, bows obsequiously to Miss de Bourgh from the doorway.

## Key lines

> When Mr. Collins could be forgotten, there was really a great air of comfort throughout, and by Charlotte’s evident enjoyment of it, Elizabeth supposed he must be often forgotten.

Elizabeth noticed that when Mr. Collins was not the focus, the parsonage felt quite comfortable, and Charlotte seemed so happy that Elizabeth assumed she often ignored her husband.

_Elizabeth observes Charlotte's strategy for coping with her marriage._

> She looks sickly and cross. Yes, she will do for him very well. She will make him a very proper wife.

Elizabeth remarks that Miss de Bourgh appears ill-tempered and frail, but thinks she would be a suitable wife for someone (likely Mr. Darcy).

_Elizabeth's ironic comment about Miss de Bourgh's suitability for Darcy._

## Links

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