Summary
Chapter 35
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Elizabeth receives Darcy's letter explaining everything, and it completely changes her understanding of him and herself. He reveals the truth about Wickham - that Wickham actually tried to elope with Darcy's 15-year-old sister Georgiana for her fortune, and that Darcy has been quietly supporting Wickham financially for years out of respect for his father's wishes. Darcy also explains his role in separating Jane and Bingley, admitting he believed Jane didn't truly care for his friend based on her reserved demeanor. As Elizabeth reads and re-reads the letter, she's forced to confront some uncomfortable truths about her own judgment. She realizes she's been prideful about her ability to read people, while being prejudiced against Darcy from their first meeting. She trusted charming Wickham's lies without question, but dismissed Darcy's character based on wounded pride. This chapter marks Elizabeth's major turning point - she begins to see how her quick judgments and wounded vanity clouded her perception. She's mortified to realize she's been wrong about almost everything, and that her family's behavior really has been embarrassing. The letter forces her to examine not just Darcy's character, but her own flaws. It's a humbling moment that shows real character growth - Elizabeth is brave enough to admit when she's wrong and learn from it. This honesty with herself is what makes her worthy of Darcy's love and respect. The chapter demonstrates how first impressions can be completely wrong, and how personal growth requires the courage to question our own assumptions and biases.
Coming Up in Chapter 36
Elizabeth's world has been turned upside down by Darcy's revelations. Now she must process these shocking truths and figure out what they mean for her future, especially as she prepares to return home to her family.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
I[llustration] Elizabeth awoke the next morning to the same thoughts and meditations which had at length closed her eyes. She could not yet recover from the surprise of what had happened: it was impossible to think of anything else; and, totally indisposed for employment, she resolved soon after breakfast to indulge herself in air and exercise. She was proceeding directly to her favourite walk, when the recollection of Mr. Darcy’s sometimes coming there stopped her, and instead of entering the park, she turned up the lane which led her farther from the turnpike road. The park paling was still the boundary on one side, and she soon passed one of the gates into the ground. After walking two or three times along that part of the lane, she was tempted, by the pleasantness of the morning, to stop at the gates and look into the park. The five weeks which she had now passed in Kent had made a great difference in the country, and every day was adding to the verdure of the early trees. She was on the point of continuing her walk, when she caught a glimpse of a gentleman within the sort of grove which edged the park: he was moving that way; and fearful of its being Mr. Darcy, she was directly retreating. But the person who advanced was now near enough to see her, and stepping forward with eagerness, pronounced her name. She had turned away; but on hearing herself called, though in a voice which proved it to be Mr. Darcy, she moved again towards the gate. He had by that time reached it also; and, holding out a letter, which she instinctively took, said, with a look of haughty composure, “I have been walking in the grove some time, in the hope of meeting you. Will you do me the honour of reading that letter?” and then, with a slight bow, turned again into the plantation, and was soon out of sight. With no expectation of pleasure, but with the strongest curiosity, Elizabeth opened the letter, and to her still increasing wonder, perceived an envelope containing two sheets of letter paper, written quite through, in a very close hand. The envelope itself was likewise full. Pursuing her way along the lane, she then began it. It was dated from Rosings, at eight o’clock in the morning, and was as follows:-- “Be not alarmed, madam, on receiving this letter, by the apprehension of its containing any repetition of those sentiments, or renewal of those offers, which were last night so disgusting to you. I write without any intention of paining you, or humbling myself, by dwelling on wishes, which, for the happiness of both, cannot be too soon forgotten; and the effort which the formation and the perusal of this letter must occasion, should have been spared, had not my character required it to be written and read. You must, therefore, pardon the freedom with which I demand your attention; your feelings, I...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how manipulators use validation and confirmation bias to gain trust while isolating their targets from people who might expose the truth.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Entailment
A legal arrangement where property must be inherited by a specific male heir, usually the closest male relative. This is why Mr. Collins will inherit the Bennet family home instead of the daughters, leaving them with little financial security.
Fortune hunter
Someone who pursues marriage primarily for money rather than love. Wickham is revealed as a fortune hunter who targeted both Georgiana Darcy and later Lydia Bennet for their family connections and potential financial gain.
Living
A paid position as a clergyman, usually provided by a wealthy landowner. Darcy's father had promised Wickham a valuable living, which becomes a source of conflict when Wickham squanders his inheritance instead.
Coming out
In this era, a young woman's formal introduction to society, usually around age 16-18, marking her as eligible for marriage. Georgiana Darcy was barely out in society when Wickham targeted her.
Self-reflection
The honest examination of one's own thoughts, motivations, and behavior. Elizabeth's ability to critically examine her own prejudices and admit her mistakes shows real maturity and growth.
First impressions
Initial judgments we make about people upon meeting them. The novel shows how these snap decisions can be completely wrong and how they can blind us to someone's true character.
Characters in This Chapter
Elizabeth Bennet
Protagonist undergoing transformation
She receives and processes Darcy's letter, forcing her to confront uncomfortable truths about her own judgment and prejudices. This chapter marks her major character development as she learns to question her assumptions.
Mr. Darcy
Misunderstood hero revealing truth
Through his letter, he explains his actions regarding Wickham and Jane, showing his true honorable character. He doesn't make excuses but provides facts that completely change how we understand his behavior.
George Wickham
Hidden antagonist exposed
Revealed in the letter as a manipulative fortune hunter who attempted to seduce Darcy's teenage sister for money. His true character is finally exposed as selfish and predatory.
Georgiana Darcy
Innocent victim
Darcy's 15-year-old sister who was nearly seduced by Wickham for her inheritance. Her near-scandal explains Darcy's protective nature and hatred of Wickham.
Jane Bennet
Unintentionally misleading love interest
Her reserved nature in expressing feelings led Darcy to believe she didn't truly care for Bingley, justifying his interference in their relationship from his perspective.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"How despicably have I acted! I, who have prided myself on my discernment! I, who have valued myself on my abilities!"
Context: Elizabeth's internal reaction after reading Darcy's letter
This shows Elizabeth's painful but necessary self-awareness. She realizes her pride in being a good judge of character was actually arrogance, and she's been completely wrong about both Darcy and Wickham.
"Till this moment, I never knew myself."
Context: Elizabeth's realization about her own character flaws
This moment of self-discovery is crucial to Elizabeth's growth. True maturity comes from recognizing our own blind spots and biases, not just criticizing others.
"I have no wish of denying that I did everything in my power to separate my friend from your sister, or that I rejoice in my success."
Context: Darcy's honest admission in his letter about interfering with Jane and Bingley
Darcy doesn't make excuses or apologize for protecting his friend. His honesty, even when it makes him look bad, shows his integrity and respect for Elizabeth's intelligence.
Thematic Threads
Pride
In This Chapter
Elizabeth's pride in her judgment prevents her from seeing her own biases and mistakes
Development
Evolved from initial wounded vanity to deeper self-examination and growth
In Your Life:
When was the last time your confidence in being right prevented you from seeing a mistake you were making?
Prejudice
In This Chapter
Elizabeth realizes her prejudice against Darcy was based on first impressions and wounded feelings
Development
Transforms from unconscious bias to conscious recognition and correction
In Your Life:
Have you ever realized that your negative opinion of someone was based more on how they made you feel than on who they actually are?
Deception
In This Chapter
Wickham's manipulation is revealed—he exploited Elizabeth's existing prejudices to gain her trust
Development
Shifts from charming lies accepted to uncomfortable truths acknowledged
In Your Life:
Can you think of a time when someone told you exactly what you wanted to hear, and you later realized they had ulterior motives?
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Elizabeth courageously examines her own flaws and admits she was wrong
Development
Major turning point—from defensive self-justification to honest self-reflection
In Your Life:
What's the hardest truth about yourself that you've had to accept, and how did it change you?
Truth
In This Chapter
Darcy's letter forces Elizabeth to confront multiple uncomfortable truths about herself and others
Development
Evolution from avoiding difficult truths to embracing them for growth
In Your Life:
When has someone's honest feedback, even though it stung, ultimately helped you become a better person?
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What specific information in Darcy's letter completely changes Elizabeth's understanding of both him and Wickham?
- 2
Why did Elizabeth believe Wickham's story so easily while dismissing everything positive she heard about Darcy?
- 3
Think about your workplace, school, or social media - where do you see people accepting information that confirms what they already believe while rejecting information that challenges them?
- 4
When you realize you've misjudged someone based on first impressions or gossip, what's your strategy for rebuilding that relationship and restoring trust?
- 5
Elizabeth discovers that being proud of her judgment actually made her judgment worse - what does this reveal about the relationship between confidence and wisdom?
Critical Thinking Exercise
Audit Your Information Sources
Think of a strong opinion you hold about a person, situation, or issue. Write down where you got that information and whether those sources confirmed what you already believed or challenged your assumptions. Then identify one source that might give you a different perspective and commit to seeking it out this week.
Consider:
- •Are your most trusted information sources telling you what you want to hear or what you need to hear?
- •When was the last time you changed your mind about something important based on new information?
- •What makes you more likely to trust someone - that they validate your existing beliefs or that they demonstrate consistent character over time?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 36
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.