Summary
Chapter 20
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The aftermath of Elizabeth's refusal becomes a family crisis as Mr. Collins completely misinterprets her rejection. He's convinced that Elizabeth's 'no' is just feminine modesty and bashfulness, the kind of coy refusal that young ladies are expected to make before accepting. He congratulates Mrs. Bennet on the upcoming marriage, believing everything is settled. When Mrs. Bennet realizes Elizabeth genuinely refused him, she's horrified and frantically tries to force her daughter to accept. She drags Mr. Bennet into the situation, confident he'll make Elizabeth see reason and accept this financially advantageous match. But Mr. Bennet surprises everyone by firmly supporting Elizabeth's choice, telling his wife that Elizabeth will never speak to him again if she's forced to marry Collins, and he'll never speak to Elizabeth again if she does marry him. This rare moment of parental solidarity shows Mr. Bennet taking his daughter's side in something that actually matters. Mr. Collins, faced with this definitive rejection, quickly pivots from wounded suitor to self-important moralist. His pride is hurt, but he manages to frame the rejection as Elizabeth's loss rather than his. Mrs. Bennet is devastated, seeing a golden opportunity for financial security slipping away. The chapter reveals the different ways people handle rejection and disappointment: Collins with delusion and defensiveness, Mrs. Bennet with desperation and anger, Elizabeth with relief, and Mr. Bennet with dry humor masking genuine support for his daughter's autonomy. This moment matters because it shows that marriage refusals have consequences rippling through entire families. Elizabeth's choice to reject financial security for personal happiness is brave in a world where women have so few options. Charlotte Lucas arrives at the end to witness the family chaos, setting the stage for surprising developments.
Coming Up in Chapter 21
Mr. Collins won't stay rejected for long - his wounded pride will push him toward an unexpected solution that will shock the Bennet family.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
I[llustration] Mr. Collins was not left long to the silent contemplation of his successful love; for Mrs. Bennet, having dawdled about in the vestibule to watch for the end of the conference, no sooner saw Elizabeth open the door and with quick step pass her towards the staircase, than she entered the breakfast-room, and congratulated both him and herself in warm terms on the happy prospect of their nearer connection. Mr. Collins received and returned these felicitations with equal pleasure, and then proceeded to relate the particulars of their interview, with the result of which he trusted he had every reason to be satisfied, since the refusal which his cousin had steadfastly given him would naturally flow from her bashful modesty and the genuine delicacy of her character. This information, however, startled Mrs. Bennet: she would have been glad to be equally satisfied that her daughter had meant to encourage him by protesting against his proposals, but she dared not believe it, and could not help saying so. “But depend upon it, Mr. Collins,” she added, “that Lizzy shall be brought to reason. I will speak to her about it myself directly. She is a very headstrong, foolish girl, and does not know her own interest; but I will _make_ her know it.” “Pardon me for interrupting you, madam,” cried Mr. Collins; “but if she is really headstrong and foolish, I know not whether she would altogether be a very desirable wife to a man in my situation, who naturally looks for happiness in the marriage state. If, therefore, she actually persists in rejecting my suit, perhaps it were better not to force her into accepting me, because, if liable to such defects of temper, she could not contribute much to my felicity.” “Sir, you quite misunderstand me,” said Mrs. Bennet, alarmed. “Lizzy is only headstrong in such matters as these. In everything else she is as good-natured a girl as ever lived. I will go directly to Mr. Bennet, and we shall very soon settle it with her, I am sure.” She would not give him time to reply, but hurrying instantly to her husband, called out, as she entered the library,-- “Oh, Mr. Bennet, you are wanted immediately; we are all in an uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr. Collins, for she vows she will not have him; and if you do not make haste he will change his mind and not have _her_.” Mr. Bennet raised his eyes from his book as she entered, and fixed them on her face with a calm unconcern, which was not in the least altered by her communication. “I have not the pleasure of understanding you,” said he, when she had finished her speech. “Of what are you talking?” “Of Mr. Collins and Lizzy. Lizzy declares she will not have Mr. Collins, and Mr. Collins begins to say that he will not have Lizzy.” “And what am I to do on the occasion? It seems a hopeless business.”...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to identify people's true nature by observing what they do when nobody's watching, not just how they present themselves.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Elopement
When a couple runs away to get married secretly, usually without parental permission. In Austen's time, this was scandalous and could ruin a family's reputation, especially if the couple wasn't actually married.
Settlement
Money or property arranged for a woman when she marries, meant to provide for her future security. Darcy contributing to Lydia's settlement shows he's ensuring she'll have financial protection in her marriage.
Commission
An officer's rank in the military that had to be purchased. Buying Wickham a commission means Darcy paid for his promotion and transfer to a new regiment, giving him respectable employment.
Social ruin
Complete loss of reputation and standing in society. If Lydia had lived with Wickham unmarried, it would have made all the Bennet sisters unmarriageable and destroyed the family's social position.
Behind the scenes intervention
Taking action to help someone without them knowing about it. Darcy solved the crisis quietly, expecting no credit or thanks for his efforts.
Character revelation
A moment when a person's true nature is revealed through their actions. Elizabeth discovers Darcy's real character through what he did, not what he said.
Characters in This Chapter
Elizabeth Bennet
Protagonist
She receives the shocking news about Darcy's secret intervention and must completely reassess everything she believed about his character. This revelation transforms her understanding of his true nature and feelings.
Mr. Collins
Messenger
He brings the news of Lydia's marriage and reveals Darcy's behind-the-scenes role in making it happen. His information serves as the catalyst for Elizabeth's major realization about Darcy.
Mr. Darcy
Hidden benefactor
Though not physically present, he's the central figure of the chapter. His secret actions to save the Bennet family reveal his true generous character and deep feelings for Elizabeth.
Mrs. Bennet
Oblivious mother
She celebrates having another married daughter while completely missing how close the family came to disaster. Her reaction highlights how she doesn't grasp the serious implications of what happened.
Mr. Bennet
Relieved father
He understands the gravity of what almost happened and feels both relief and soberness about the near-disaster. His reaction contrasts sharply with his wife's celebration.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"When I consider how little you could have known of either when you first danced at Meryton, I think it shows great strength of mind."
Context: Collins is commenting on Elizabeth's past interactions with Wickham and Darcy
This quote highlights how first impressions can be completely wrong. Elizabeth is learning that her initial judgments about both men were based on incomplete information and surface appearances.
"He meant to provide for her future, as well as her present comfort."
Context: Describing Darcy's financial arrangements for Lydia's marriage
This reveals Darcy's thoughtful generosity - he's not just solving the immediate crisis but ensuring Lydia's long-term security. It shows his character goes beyond duty to genuine care.
"Her astonishment was beyond expression."
Context: Elizabeth's reaction to learning about Darcy's intervention
This captures the magnitude of Elizabeth's shock at discovering Darcy's true character. Everything she thought she knew has been turned upside down by this revelation.
Thematic Threads
Prejudice
In This Chapter
Elizabeth's complete reversal of judgment about Darcy's character based on new information
Development
Evolved from initial dislike through gradual questioning to full recognition of misjudgment
In Your Life:
When have you completely changed your mind about someone after learning new information, and what does this reveal about the assumptions you make about people?
Class
In This Chapter
Darcy uses his wealth and connections to solve problems that would destroy a lower-class family
Development
Shifted from barrier between people to tool for protecting others
In Your Life:
How do you use whatever privileges or advantages you have—whether financial, social, or professional—to help others who might not have the same resources?
Pride
In This Chapter
Darcy's true pride is revealed as quiet dignity—he helps without seeking credit or thanks
Development
Transformed from apparent arrogance to genuine self-respect and service to others
In Your Life:
Do you seek recognition for your good deeds, or are you comfortable doing the right thing even when no one will know or thank you for it?
Marriage
In This Chapter
Lydia's marriage is saved from scandal through Darcy's intervention, preserving family reputation
Development
Continues theme of marriage as social and economic necessity, not just romance
In Your Life:
How much do practical considerations like financial stability, family approval, or social compatibility influence your relationship decisions versus pure romantic feelings?
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Elizabeth faces the full extent of her misjudgment and must completely reassess her worldview
Development
Accelerated from gradual doubt to dramatic revelation requiring fundamental change
In Your Life:
What belief about yourself or someone else have you had to completely abandon when faced with undeniable evidence, and how did you handle that mental shift?
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does Elizabeth learn about Darcy's role in resolving Lydia's situation, and how does this change her understanding of his character?
- 2
Why didn't Darcy publicize his good deeds, and what does this reveal about the difference between solving problems and getting credit for solving them?
- 3
Think about your workplace or community - who are the people doing important work that goes unnoticed, and who gets attention for more visible but less valuable contributions?
- 4
When you need to evaluate someone's character or trustworthiness, what specific actions and patterns would you look for beyond their public persona?
- 5
What does this chapter suggest about why we often misjudge people, and how can recognizing this pattern help us make better decisions about relationships and partnerships?
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map the Invisible Contributors
Think about a group you're part of - your workplace, family, friend group, or community organization. Identify one person who consistently handles problems behind the scenes without seeking recognition. Write down three specific examples of what they do that others might not notice or appreciate. Then consider: what would happen if this person stopped doing these things?
Consider:
- •Look for people who prevent problems rather than just solve dramatic crises
- •Notice who gets called when something needs to be handled quietly or delicately
- •Consider whether you've been overlooking someone's contributions because they don't promote themselves
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 21
As the story unfolds, you'll explore key events and character development in this chapter, while uncovering thematic elements and literary techniques. These lessons connect the classic to contemporary challenges we all face.