Pride and Prejudice · Chapter
Chapter XXXI explained
Elizabeth visits Rosings with the Collins party, engaging in lively conversation and musical performances with Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr.
What happens
Elizabeth visits Rosings with the Collins party, engaging in lively conversation and musical performances with Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy. Lady Catherine's domineering presence and criticisms of Elizabeth's playing contrast with the growing intellectual and emotional tension between Elizabeth and Darcy.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Prejudice
Darcy's pride in his social reserve and Elizabeth's prejudice against his perceived arrogance are highlighted in their verbal sparring about dancing and introductions.
Social Class and Status
Lady Catherine's condescension toward Elizabeth's playing and her assumption of authority over the parsonage guests underscore class distinctions.
Self-Knowledge and Growth
Elizabeth's self-awareness about her own stubbornness and Darcy's acknowledgment of his difficulty with strangers suggest nascent introspection.
Characters to notice
- Elizabeth Bennet
Plays the pianoforte at Rosings, engages in witty banter with Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, and observes Darcy's behavior toward Miss de Bourgh.
- Mr. Darcy
Stands near Elizabeth while she plays, engages in a teasing exchange about his social awkwardness, and shows discomfort at Lady Catherine's ill-bred remarks.
- Colonel Fitzwilliam
Sits by Elizabeth, converses agreeably on various topics, and draws the attention of both Lady Catherine and Darcy.
- Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Dominates the conversation, criticizes Elizabeth's playing, praises her own daughter Anne, and displays ill breeding that embarrasses Darcy.
- Charlotte Lucas
Hosts the parsonage party; her friend Elizabeth is admired by Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Key passages
“There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me.”
Elizabeth declares that she refuses to be intimidated by Darcy's presence, asserting her independent spirit.
Highlights Elizabeth's defiance and self-assertion in the face of perceived social pressure.
“I certainly have not the talent which some people possess, of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done.”
Darcy admits his social awkwardness and inability to feign interest in strangers.
Reveals Darcy's self-awareness and contrasts with Elizabeth's earlier accusations of pride.
“Miss Bennet would not play at all amiss, if she practised more, and could have the advantage of a London master. She has a very good notion of fingering, though her taste is not equal to Anne's.”
Lady Catherine condescendingly critiques Elizabeth's piano playing, implying her inferiority to Anne de Bourgh.
Illustrates Lady Catherine's patronizing attitude and her preference for her own family.