Chapters 13–17 Summary
Chapter 13
At breakfast the next morning, Mr. Bennet instructs his wife to ensure a good dinner for the evening because they are expecting company. Mrs. Bennet’s initial excitement is quickly abated when she learns that their surprise guest is Mr. Collins, a clergyman and the distant relation who will inherit Longbourn when Mr. Bennet dies. Mrs. Bennet states that she has no use for the “odious” man and urges her husband again to “do something or other” about the entailment. Jane and Elizabeth try to explain the legally binding nature of the entailment to their mother, but their efforts are in vain.
Mr. Bennet then reads a letter from Mr. Collins, which states that he wishes to make peace with the family and make “every possible amends” for the harm his inheritance will inflict upon the Bennet daughters. The older sisters and Mr. Bennet analyze the phrasing and tone of Mr. Collins’s letter and determine that he holds a sense of self-importance and may not be altogether sensible. Since the author of the letter is not in the militia, the youngest two daughters find no interest in its contents.
Mr. Collins arrives on time and has a very formal and stilted manner. He compliments the beauty of the daughters, and Mrs. Bennet replies that this is to their benefit since they will one day find themselves “destitute.” Mr. Collins repeats his intentions to “admire” her daughters and then proceeds to praise the household furnishings; this mortifies Mrs. Bennet as she believes him to be viewing his own future property.
Chapter 14
At dinner, Mr. Collins speaks incessantly of the magnificence of his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. His parsonage, Hunsford, is located near Rosings Park, Lady Catherine’s grand estate. Though he admits that some find her “proud,” Mr. Collins insists that she speaks to him as she would to any other gentleman and proudly shares that she has even visited him in his parsonage. When Mrs. Bennet inquires about her family, Mr. Collins shares that she is a widow with one daughter, Miss Anne de Bourgh, who remains too sickly to be formally “presented” among the ladies at court. Mr. Collins then describes some of the little compliments he offers to please Lady Catherine, particularly on the beauty and charms of her daughter. As dinner continues, Mr. Bennet realizes that he has prejudged this cousin correctly, finding him utterly “absurd.” After dinner, the family asks Mr. Collins to read aloud, and the youngest girls are horrified to learn that he never reads from novels and intends to read them sermons instead. Only a few pages in, Lydia interrupts with news regarding Colonel Forster. Mr. Collins is greatly offended by the interruption and comments that though young ladies often find sermons boring, they were “solely written for their benefit.”
Chapter 15
Over the course of the visit, Mr. Collins proves himself to be a foolish and pompous individual. Given his humble beginnings, he is very fortunate to be settled at Hunsford with Lady Catherine as his patroness; however, this unexpected prosperity has given him an undeservedly high opinion of himself and in his abilities as a clergyman. It is revealed that he plans to resolve the issue of the entailment by choosing one of the Bennet daughters for his wife, thus ensuring that Longbourn stays within the Bennet family. He finds Jane Bennet’s face the most lovely and decides almost immediately that she will make him a fine wife. When he reveals his intentions to Mrs. Bennet, however, she hints that Jane is likely to be engaged soon, and Mr. Collins quickly changes his choice to Elizabeth, second to Jane in both age and beauty.
Thrilled by the possibility of having two daughters married so soon, Mrs. Bennet forgets all about her previous scorn for Mr. Collins, and he immediately finds himself in her good graces. When the daughters decide to go to town, Mr. Bennet insists that Mr. Collins accompany them—mostly to give himself a break from Mr. Collins’s annoying presence. En route to Meryton, the girls’ attention is captured by a stranger named Mr. Wickham, who has recently accepted a commission in the regiment stationed there. Mr. Wickham has a fine countenance and pleasing manner of address, and the entire party chats agreeably with him. Darcy and Bingley ride past and, noticing the Bennets, stop to greet them. Darcy and Wickham barely acknowledge one another and are noticeably uncomfortable in each other's presence. After Darcy and Bingley ride away, Wickham and his friend walk the ladies to the door of their aunt’s house. She is delighted to see her nieces and plans an evening of entertainment for the following night, assuring the young ladies that she will ask her husband to call on Mr. Wickham and issue him an invitation as well.
Chapter 16
At the gathering at their aunt’s house, the girls are bored by Mr. Collins, who drones on about his own significance. When Mr. Wickham arrives, every lady’s eye is drawn toward him. He sits by Elizabeth, and their conversation turns toward Darcy. Wickham reveals that he has known Darcy’s family his entire life, and Elizabeth tells him that everyone in town finds Darcy proud and disagreeable. Wickham discloses that while he and Darcy are not on good terms, Darcy’s father was one of the best men he’s known in his life. He tells Elizabeth that although Darcy’s father left Wickham a considerable fortune in his will, the young Darcy prevented him from claiming his rightful inheritance. Shocked, Elizabeth asks what Darcy’s motivation could have been; Wickham replies that Darcy simply resented his father’s clear preference for Wickham. When Elizabeth inquires about the character of Miss Darcy, Darcy’s younger sister, Wickham says that she is just as proud as her older brother. He also informs her that Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Collins’ patroness, is Darcy’s “dictatorial” aunt.
Chapter 17
Later, Elizabeth relates Mr. Wickham’s comments to Jane, who is torn between wanting to believe in both the good character of Mr. Bingley’s friend and the words of the “amiable” Wickham. She concludes that there must be some misunderstanding between them. Bingley and his sisters later drop by with an invitation to a ball at Netherfield. Elizabeth plans to spend the ball dancing with Wickham and watching Darcy closely for signs of the despicable traits Wickham has described. In a moment of goodwill, Elizabeth asks Mr. Collins if he plans to attend. He replies that not only is he looking forward to the ball, but he hopes to reserve Elizabeth’s hand for the first two dances. Elizabeth is disappointed, having hoped to dance those very dances with Wickham. She finally realizes, much to her dismay, that Mr. Collins has selected her as a worthy mistress of Hunsford, noting his extra civilities toward her. Mrs. Bennet begins dropping hints that she would not be opposed to a union between Elizabeth and Mr. Collins, but since he has made no formal offer yet, Elizabeth sees little point in arguing with her mother.
Expert Q&A
Why does Mr. Collins praise Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Pride and Prejudice?
Mr. Collins speaks highly of Lady Catherine as he admires her wealthy, powerful status and wishes to remain connected to her. Flattery is one of the tools he uses to do this. By associating himself with her and speaking highly of her to all around him, he elevates his own status and sense of importance. This also makes him, from his perspective, a very eligible husband.
In chapter 16 of Pride and Prejudice, how does Mr. Wickham claim Mr. Darcy wronged him?
In chapter 16, Mr. Wickham claims he was wronged by Mr. Darcy because he was not offered a job as a clergyman that Mr. Darcy's late father had promised to him. Wickham portrays this as a betrayal of trust and a harsh financial blow. At this point in the plot, Mr. Wickham is depicted as very handsome and personable, and as mistreated by Mr. Darcy.
What does the 'olive branch' metaphor mean in Pride and Prejudice, chapter 13?
In Chapter 13, the "olive branch" is a symbol of peace used by Mr. Collins in his letter to Mr. Bennet. He aims to reconcile their families due to a past disagreement, especially since he stands to inherit Longbourn. Mr. Collins, as a clergyman, expresses his duty to promote peace and suggests that marrying one of the Bennet daughters could help heal the familial rift. The olive branch symbolizes his intentions to mend relations.
How did Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham first meet in Pride and Prejudice?
Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham first met because Wickham's father worked for Darcy's father, who also became Wickham's godfather. Wickham falsely claimed that Darcy's father promised him a living, which Darcy refused due to Wickham's irresponsible behavior. Wickham later tried to seduce Darcy's sister and lied to Elizabeth Bennet about his past with Darcy, leading to misunderstandings resolved later in the story.
In Pride and Prejudice, what report does Wickham give Elizabeth about Darcy at their first meeting?
Why does Wickham harbor resentment towards Darcy in Pride and Prejudice?
Wickham harbors resentment towards Darcy because he believes Darcy denied him a promised "living" (a church position with income) that Darcy's father intended for him. Wickham claims Darcy's father was fond of him and planned to provide for his future in the ministry. Instead, after the elder Darcy's death, Wickham was left penniless and forced to join the militia. Wickham accuses Darcy of disregarding his father's wishes out of jealousy and spite.
Who speaks this line in Pride and Prejudice and what does Austen infer: "A young man too, like you, whose very countenance may vouch for your being amiable."
The line is spoken by Elizabeth Bennet to Mr. Wickham in Pride and Prejudice. Austen uses this line to illustrate Elizabeth's susceptibility to Wickham's charm and her tendency to judge based on appearances. Elizabeth's quick acceptance of Wickham's story about Mr. Darcy, based on his amiable countenance, highlights her prejudice and foreshadows her eventual realization that outward appearances can be deceiving, leading her to misjudge both Wickham and Darcy.
Summarize the conversation between Lady Catherine and Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice.
In the pivotal conversation, Lady Catherine confronts Elizabeth at Longbourn, demanding she renounce any engagement to Mr. Darcy. Lady Catherine begins with condescending remarks about the Bennet estate before revealing her visit's purpose: to confirm rumors of Elizabeth's engagement to Darcy. Elizabeth deflects Lady Catherine's demands with wit, refusing to promise she will not marry Darcy, despite Lady Catherine's insistence on Darcy's prior engagement to her daughter and Elizabeth's perceived inferiority.
Why is Elizabeth certain that Miss Bingley's romantic intentions for Mr. Darcy are futile?
Elizabeth Bennet believes Miss Bingley's romantic intentions for Mr. Darcy are futile because Wickham informs her that Darcy is engaged to Lady Catherine de Bourgh's daughter, Miss de Bourgh. Elizabeth trusts Wickham's information and is pleased by the thought, as it suggests Miss Bingley's efforts are in vain. Elizabeth finds satisfaction in the idea that Miss Bingley's affection and praise for Darcy will be fruitless if he is destined to marry someone else.
What does Wickham's comment to Elizabeth in chapter 16 suggest about his feelings towards Darcy?
Wickham's comments to Elizabeth reveal his negative feelings towards Darcy. He expresses concern about Darcy's prolonged stay, suggesting discomfort at the prospect of encountering him. His use of negative language, such as "not" and "nothing," underscores his desire for Darcy to leave. Additionally, Wickham's concern about how Darcy's presence might affect Elizabeth's plans further illustrates his displeasure with Darcy remaining in the area.
In Pride and Prejudice, chapter 17, how does Elizabeth's conversation about the Netherfield ball with Mr. Collins backfire?
Elizabeth's conversation about the Netherfield ball with Mr. Collins backfires when, in her excitement, she asks if he intends to attend as a clergyman. Mr. Collins not only confirms his attendance but also expresses his intention to dance with all the Bennet sisters. He specifically requests Elizabeth reserve the first two dances for him, revealing his romantic interest in her, which she regrets prompting with her question.
In chapter 15 of Pride and Prejudice, what does Mr. Darcy's interaction with Mr. Wickham reveal about his character?
Mr. Darcy's chilly interaction with Mr. Wickham in chapter 15 of Pride and Prejudice reveals that he is a proud man who seems to possess a sense of his social superiority. Further, the interaction shows that Mr. Darcy is man who will not scruple to allow others to feel their own social inferiority in his presence.
In Pride and Prejudice, what puzzles Elizabeth about Darcy's relationship with Bingley?
Elizabeth is puzzled by Darcy's friendship with Bingley because she sees Bingley as amiable and good-humored, which seems inconsistent with Wickham's portrayal of Darcy as unscrupulous and nefarious. Elizabeth questions how Bingley, whom she regards as congenial, could be close friends with someone like Darcy, suggesting a contradiction between Bingley's character and Darcy's alleged behavior. Wickham's explanation of Darcy's ability to charm selectively convinces Elizabeth, adding to her confusion.
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