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Pride and Prejudice: the plot

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Jane Austen's 1813 novel opens: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." What follows is a comedy of manners about marriage, money and first impressions.

First impressions

The Bennets of Longbourn have five daughters and no son, so the estate will pass to a cousin, Mr Collins.
Rich Mr Bingley rents Netherfield and falls for Jane Bennet. His proud friend Mr Darcy insults Elizabeth at a ball: "She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me."
The charming officer Wickham tells Elizabeth that Darcy treated him cruelly. Elizabeth refuses Mr Collins, who then marries her friend Charlotte Lucas.

The proposal and the letter

Bingley leaves suddenly. Elizabeth learns Darcy helped separate him from Jane.
Darcy proposes: "You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." Elizabeth angrily refuses.
Darcy's letter explains that Wickham is a liar who tried to elope with Darcy's young sister, Georgiana. Elizabeth admits: "Till this moment I never knew myself."

Pemberley and resolution

Visiting Darcy's estate, Pemberley, Elizabeth finds him changed and polite.
Her youngest sister Lydia runs off with Wickham. Darcy secretly pays Wickham to marry her, saving the family's reputation.
Darcy's aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, tries to stop a match, but Darcy proposes again and Elizabeth accepts. Jane marries Bingley.
Worked example

Why is Darcy's letter a turning point?

  1. It reveals the truth about Wickham.
  2. Elizabeth realises her judgements were based on prejudice.
  3. From here her feelings for Darcy begin to change.

Answer: It shows Elizabeth that she misjudged both Darcy and Wickham, starting her change of heart.

Key idea

The Bennets need marriages; Bingley and Jane, Darcy's insult, Wickham's lies, Collins and Charlotte, the first proposal, the letter, Pemberley, Lydia's elopement, Darcy's help, and the second proposal.

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