Pride and Prejudice · Chapter
Chapter XXXV explained
Elizabeth, still reeling from Darcy's proposal, encounters him in the park where he hands her a letter.
What happens
Elizabeth, still reeling from Darcy's proposal, encounters him in the park where he hands her a letter. The letter explains his actions regarding Bingley and Jane, and reveals the true character of Wickham, detailing his debts and attempted elopement with Georgiana Darcy.
Themes in this chapter
Reputation and Appearance
Darcy's letter seeks to correct Elizabeth's misconceptions about his character and Wickham's, highlighting the gap between public reputation and private truth.
Self-Knowledge and Growth
Elizabeth is forced to reconsider her judgments and prejudices, setting the stage for her personal growth.
Pride and Prejudice
Darcy's pride in his own judgment and Elizabeth's prejudice against him are both challenged by the letter's revelations.
Characters to notice
- Elizabeth Bennet
Receives and reads Darcy's explanatory letter, grappling with its revelations.
- Mr. Darcy
Delivers a letter defending his conduct toward Bingley and exposing Wickham's true nature.
- Jane Bennet
Referenced in Darcy's letter as the object of Bingley's affection, whose apparent indifference he misinterpreted.
- Mr. Bingley
Mentioned as having been persuaded by Darcy to leave Netherfield due to perceived indifference from Jane.
- Mr. Wickham
Accused by Darcy of profligacy, debt, and attempting to elope with Georgiana Darcy.
- Georgiana Darcy
Referenced as the young woman Wickham attempted to elope with at Ramsgate.
Key passages
“Be not alarmed, Madam, on receiving this letter, by the apprehension of its containing any repetition of those sentiments, or renewal of those offers, which were last night so disgusting to you.”
Do not worry that this letter repeats my proposal or feelings from last night, which you found so offensive.
Darcy opens his letter by reassuring Elizabeth that he will not renew his offer of marriage.
“Two offences of a very different nature, and by no means of equal magnitude, you last night laid to my charge.”
You accused me last night of two very different and unequal wrongdoings.
Darcy summarizes the two main accusations Elizabeth made against him.
“I had not been long in Hertfordshire, before I saw, in common with others, that Bingley preferred your eldest sister, to any other young woman in the country.”
Soon after arriving in Hertfordshire, I noticed, like everyone else, that Bingley favored your eldest sister above all others.
Darcy explains his early observation of Bingley's attachment to Jane.