Pride and Prejudice Chapters 24-30
A second letter from Caroline to Jane announces that the Bingley party will not be returning to Netherfield at all. Jane is upset, but Elizabeth’s reaction is that of anger, believing that Mr. Darcy's and Mr. Bingley’s sisters are intentionally trying to hurt Jane.
Mr. Wickham continues to give attention to Elizabeth, which is now of only passing concern to her.
The Gardiners (Mrs. Bennet’s brother and his wife) arrive for the Christmas holidays. The Gardiners are sophisticated and affable, unlike most of the other family members. Elizabeth’s aunt warns her against a relationship with Mr. Wickham, rightfully pointing out the foolishness of a marriage between the two, as neither of them comes from wealth.
Elizabeth learns that Mr. Wickham appears to be making wedding plans with a wealthy heiress. Mrs. Gardiner does not approve, but Elizabeth feels that he has a right to do so, if that is what he chooses.
Mrs. Gardiner invites Jane to accompany them upon their return to London. She meets with Caroline there, and realizes that Elizabeth’s feeling of Caroline being a fake friend is correct, as Caroline offers Jane an icy reception.
Charlotte marries Mr. Collins, and moves to his home in Kent. As a member of the clergy, Mr. Collins resides at a patronage. A few weeks later, Elizabeth travels with Charlotte’s father (Sir William) and younger sister (Maria) to visit Charlotte. While passing through London, the party spends the night at the Gardiner residence.
The journey to the parsonage where the Collins’ now live continues the following day. Upon arrival, Elizabeth is very pleased with the exceedingly warm reception she receives from Charlotte. Soon, the party receives a tour of the grounds. Elizabeth finds herself again very pleased to see Mr. Collins’ home and lifestyle are not pretentious or fake, but wholesome, sensible, and comfortable.
The next day, the group receives a visit from Miss De Bourgh, the daughter of Lady Catherine De Bourgh. Maria is thrilled to meet such a high-standing member of the aristocracy, while Elizabeth remains unimpressed. The group is invited to a dinner the following day, at Lady Catherine De Bourgh’s residence.
Mr. Collins spends much of the next day preparing his guests for their dinner. Knowing (quite proudly) Lady Catherine well, he advises them of the manners and expectations, all grand, but also attempts to allay their fears, telling them how easy-going and unpretentious Lady Catherine is. He explains that while she enjoys her class status, she is also extremely cordial to all, regardless of status. Still, Mr. Collins’ description of the De Bourgh estate intimidates Sir William and Maria, while Elizabeth remains unmoved, albeit with a certain measure of curiosity.
Elizabeth meets Lady Catherine’s daughter, and finds her to be sickly and pathetic. Elizabeth is not impressed with her.
Lady Catherine’s demeanor amuses Elizabeth, as she appears outspoken and seemingly obsessed with minute and unimportant details. Lady Catherine takes great interest in questioning Elizabeth. Much of the questioning is fine with her, but eventually some questioning begins to annoy Elizabeth. Some questions are condescending, while others appear to be a subtle diparaging attempt to determine whether Elizabeth’s family and upbringing are of sufficient social status. Elizabeth briefly defies the questioning, when her age is asked, which Lady Catherine is surprised by, as her status warrants compliance by all.
Analysis:
Elizabeth realizes that her assumption that Caroline was conspiring to work against Jane’s chance with Mr. Bingley is correct. She lets Jane know, but Jane remains skeptical for a time. Eventually, however, she also concedes this unfortunate truth.
Elizabeth’s lack of intimidation is a strong sign of her own self-confidence. She is able to elevate her own ability to communicate with those of a higher social class, and even defies some of the norms to be expected when conversing with a person such as Lady Catherine.
