# Chapter XXXVI explained — Pride and Prejudice

> Chapter companion for Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Elizabeth reads Mr. Darcy's letter, which forces her to confront her own prejudices and misjudgments about both Darcy and Wickham. She undergoes a profound realization of her own vanity and blindness, leading to a painful but crucial moment of self-knowledge.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Knowledge and Growth

Elizabeth's painful realization of her own vanity and prejudice marks a pivotal moment of self-awareness and personal growth.

### Pride and Prejudice

Elizabeth confronts her own pride and prejudice as she re-evaluates her judgments of Darcy and Wickham.

### Reputation and Appearance

The letter reveals the disparity between Wickham's charming appearance and his true character, and Darcy's misunderstood integrity.

## Character check-ins

### Elizabeth Bennet

Reads Darcy's letter and undergoes a transformative realization of her own prejudice and vanity.

### Mr. Darcy

His letter provides explanations about Wickham and Jane, leading Elizabeth to reassess his character.

### Mr. Wickham

His past actions and character are revealed through Darcy's letter, causing Elizabeth to see his duplicity.

### Jane Bennet

Elizabeth reflects on Jane's reserved nature and the injustice done to her by their family's behavior.

### Mr. Bingley

Mentioned in the context of Darcy's explanation about his separation from Jane.

### Colonel Fitzwilliam

His earlier conversation with Elizabeth corroborates Darcy's account of Wickham's designs on Miss Darcy.

## Key lines

> Till this moment, I never knew myself.

Until now, I have been completely unaware of my own true nature.

_Elizabeth's moment of profound self-realization after reading Darcy's letter._

> How despicably have I acted! ... I, who have prided myself on my discernment!

I have behaved shamefully, taking pride in my supposed insight.

_Elizabeth's self-reproach for her misplaced confidence in her own judgment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxxvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters