Pride and Prejudice: Plot Summary

Overview

• Published: 1813 (written in 1796-7)
• Setting: Meryton, early 19th-century England
• Main Characters: The Bennet family, particularly Elizabeth Bennet
• Notable Locations: Netherfield Park, Longbourn, Pemberley

Key Plot Points

Introduction

• Mr. Bingley, a wealthy bachelor, rents Netherfield Park.
• At the ball, Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley are attracted to each other.
• Mr. Darcy snubs Elizabeth, earning her dislike.

Rising Action

• Mr. Collins, the Bennet's cousin, proposes to Elizabeth; she refuses.
• Elizabeth meets Mr. Wickham, who claims deceit by Mr. Darcy.
• Mr. Darcy's attraction to Elizabeth grows despite her disdain.
• Jane visits London and fails to see Mr. Bingley.
• Charlotte Lucas agrees to marry Mr. Collins.

Climax

• Mr. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth; she rejects him.
• Darcy writes a letter explaining his actions regarding Wickham and Bingley.
• Elizabeth's perception of Darcy changes as she reflects on his letter.

Falling Action

• Lydia elopes with Wickham, causing a scandal.
• Mr. Darcy arranges Wickham and Lydia's marriage, secretly helping the Bennet family.
• Mr. Bingley returns to Netherfield and proposes to Jane.
• Elizabeth realizes her feelings for Darcy.

Conclusion

• Lady Catherine de Bourgh attempts to prevent Elizabeth from marrying Darcy.
• Darcy proposes again, and Elizabeth accepts.
• The novel ends with both Elizabeth and Jane happily married.

Chapter-by-Chapter Summary

Chapters 1-2

• Introduction of the Bennet family and Mr. Bingley.

Chapters 3-6

• The ball at Netherfield; Jane and Bingley's immediate attraction.
• Darcy's cold demeanor.

Chapters 7-10

• Jane's illness at Netherfield; Darcy's increasing admiration for Elizabeth.

Chapters 11-15

• Mr. Collins arrives at the Bennet home.
• Introduction of Mr. Wickham and his story about Darcy.

Chapters 16-19

• Wickham tells Elizabeth about his past with Darcy.
• Elizabeth dances with Darcy at a ball.

Chapters 20-25

• Elizabeth rejects Mr. Collins' marriage proposal.
• Mr. Bingley leaves for London.
• Charlotte accepts Mr. Collins' proposal.

Chapters 26-29

• Elizabeth visits Charlotte and Mr. Collins.
• Meets Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

Chapters 30-33

• Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam visit Rosings.
• Elizabeth learns about Darcy's role in Jane and Bingley's separation.

Chapters 34-37

• Darcy proposes to Elizabeth; she refuses.
• Darcy explains his actions in a letter.

Chapters 38-41

• Lydia invited to Brighton; Elizabeth meets Wickham again.

Chapters 42-45

• Elizabeth visits Pemberley; Darcy's changed behavior.

Chapters 46-49

• Lydia and Wickham's elopement and subsequent marriage.
• Darcy's involvement in the marriage resolution.

Chapters 50-53

• Bingley proposes to Jane.

Chapters 54-57

• Lady Catherine's visit and confrontation with Elizabeth.

Chapters 58-60

• Elizabeth and Darcy's engagement.

Chapter 61

• The two couples live near each other.

Important Themes

• Social class and hierarchy
• Marriage as a social contract
• The influence of first impressions
• The relationship between pride and prejudice

Key Characters

• Elizabeth Bennet: Protagonist, known for her wit and independence.
• Mr. Darcy: Wealthy, initially seen as arrogant but revealed to be caring.
• Jane Bennet: Elizabeth’s older sister, kind and reserved.
• Mr. Bingley: Darcy's amiable friend, interested in Jane.
• Mr. Collins: Elizabeth’s unappealing suitor, marries Charlotte Lucas.
• Mr. Wickham: Charming but deceitful soldier.

Key Locations

• Netherfield Park: Mr. Bingley's estate.
• Longbourn: The Bennet family home.
• Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's estate.