Pride and Prejudice · Chapter
Chapter XXXII explained
Elizabeth is alone writing to Jane when Mr.
What happens
Elizabeth is alone writing to Jane when Mr. Darcy unexpectedly visits her at the Hunsford parsonage. Their conversation is awkward and stilted, touching on Bingley's departure from Netherfield and the distance between Hunsford and Longbourn. After a brief, tense exchange, Darcy leaves when Charlotte and Maria return. Charlotte suspects Darcy is in love with Elizabeth, but Elizabeth dismisses the idea. The chapter notes that both Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam begin visiting the parsonage frequently, with Fitzwilliam's motives appearing more sociable and Darcy's more puzzling.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Charlotte's speculation about Darcy's motives and her schemes for Elizabeth's marriage highlight the social pressures and romantic possibilities surrounding courtship.
Social Class and Status
Darcy's patronage in the church and Colonel Fitzwilliam's eligible situation reflect the importance of class and connections in marriage prospects.
Self-Knowledge and Growth
Elizabeth's continued prejudice against Darcy is evident in her dismissal of Charlotte's observations, showing her resistance to reassessing her judgments.
Characters to notice
- Elizabeth Bennet
Alone writing to Jane when Darcy visits; engages in a tense conversation about Bingley and distance; dismisses Charlotte's suggestion that Darcy admires her.
- Mr. Darcy
Visits Elizabeth alone at the parsonage; conversation is awkward; his frequent visits to the parsonage puzzle Charlotte and Elizabeth.
- Charlotte Lucas
Returns from the village with Maria; suspects Darcy is in love with Elizabeth; later schemes about Elizabeth marrying Colonel Fitzwilliam.
- Colonel Fitzwilliam
Visits the parsonage frequently with Darcy; his sociable manners and admiration for Elizabeth remind her of Wickham.
- Jane Bennet
Elizabeth is writing a letter to her at the start of the chapter.
Key passages
“How very suddenly you all quitted Netherfield last November, Mr. Darcy! It must have been a most agreeable surprise to Mr. Bingley to see you all after him so soon; for, if I recollect right, he went but the day before.”
Elizabeth brings up the abrupt departure from Netherfield, subtly probing Darcy about Bingley's intentions.
Elizabeth's curiosity about Bingley's departure reveals her concern for Jane and her suspicion of Darcy's role.
“My dear Eliza, he must be in love with you, or he would never have called on us in this familiar way.”
Charlotte insists that Darcy's visit is a sign of romantic interest.
Charlotte's interpretation contrasts with Elizabeth's skepticism, highlighting differing views on courtship signals.