Student Question
What quotes from Pride and Prejudice show Jane and Bingley's love?
Quick answer:
In Pride and Prejudice, Jane and Bingley's love is evident through several quotes. Jane expresses overwhelming happiness at their engagement, declaring herself "the happiest creature in the world" (Chapter 55). Her focus on Bingley during visits shows her deep affection. Jane's realization that Bingley loved her despite his absence highlights their mutual feelings. Mr. Darcy's confession about separating them further underscores Bingley's love, as his anger at Darcy's actions reflects his deep feelings for Jane.
Jane's happiness on her engagement to Bingley:
"Jane could have no reserves from Elizabeth, where confidence would give pleasure; and instantly embracing her, acknowledged, with the liveliest emotion, that she was the happiest creature in the world.
"'Tis too much!'' she added, "by far too much. I do not deserve it. Oh! why is not every body as happy?'' (Chapter 55)
Jane and Bingley spending time together after their engagement:
"Elizabeth had now but little time for conversation with her sister; for while he [Bingley] was present, Jane had no attention to bestow on any one else." (Chapter 55)
Jane's raptures on finding out that Bingley has loved her all this time:
"Would you believe it, Lizzy, that when he went to town last November, he really loved me, and nothing but a persuasion of my being indifferent would have prevented his coming down again!'' (Chapter...
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55)
This quote revealing Jane's love for Bingley through her well-wishes for Elizabeth:
"I am certainly the most fortunate creature that ever existed!'' cried Jane. "Oh! Lizzy, why am I thus singled from my family, and blessed above them all! If I could but see you as happy! If there were but such another man for you!'' (Chapter 55)
From Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth, concerning his regrets on trying to separate Bingley from Jane:
I had narrowly observed her [Jane] during the two visits which I had lately made here; and I was convinced of her affection.''
"And your assurance of it, I suppose, carried immediate conviction to him.''
"It did. Bingley is most unaffectedly modest. His diffidence had prevented his depending on his own judgment in so anxious a case, but his reliance on mine made every thing easy. I was obliged to confess one thing, which for a time, and not unjustly, offended him. I could not allow myself to conceal that your sister had been in town three months last winter, that I had known it, and purposely kept it from him. He was angry. But his anger, I am persuaded, lasted no longer than he remained in any doubt of your sister's sentiments. He has heartily forgiven me now.'' (Chapter 58)
From the above quote, the reader can easily surmise that Bingley's anger is because he was very much in love with Jane. If he did not have strong feelings for her, then he would not have cared about Darcy's concealment of the truth.