Summary
Chapter 40
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Elizabeth finally tells Jane about Darcy's proposal and reads her parts of his letter revealing Wickham's true character. Jane is stunned on both counts - shocked that Darcy proposed, and devastated to learn that charming Wickham is actually a fortune-hunting predator who tried to seduce Darcy's 15-year-old sister. Jane, being Jane, tries desperately to find a way both men could be good, but Elizabeth forces her to face reality: 'There is but such a quantity of merit between them; just enough to make one good sort of man.' The sisters debate whether to expose Wickham publicly, but Elizabeth decides against it - Darcy didn't give her permission to share Georgiana's story, and no one would believe her anyway since everyone loves Wickham and hates Darcy. It's a relief for Elizabeth to finally share these secrets that have been weighing on her, though she still can't tell Jane the part of Darcy's letter about separating her from Bingley. That truth would only hurt Jane more, and Elizabeth doesn't have permission to reveal Darcy's friend's private feelings. The chapter matters because it shows Elizabeth processing everything through conversation with the one person she trusts completely. Jane's sweetness and compassion help Elizabeth see herself more clearly - her jokes about being 'uncommonly clever' in disliking Darcy reveal how much she's learned about her own pride and prejudice. The chapter also highlights a painful reality: sometimes knowing the truth doesn't mean you can act on it. Elizabeth can't warn the neighborhood about Wickham without betraying Darcy's confidence and exposing his sister to scandal. She has to watch Wickham continue to charm everyone while knowing he's dangerous. Meanwhile, Jane is still quietly heartbroken over Bingley, and Elizabeth can see the damage but can't fix it because revealing what she knows would betray Darcy. The chapter shows how secrets create invisible prisons - Elizabeth is trapped between loyalty to Darcy and duty to her family and community.
Coming Up in Chapter 41
Time passes at home as the regiment prepares to leave Meryton. Lydia's obsession with following them to Brighton grows more intense, setting up the disaster that's coming.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
L. [Illustration] Elizabeth’s impatience to acquaint Jane with what had happened could no longer be overcome; and at length resolving to suppress every particular in which her sister was concerned, and preparing her to be surprised, she related to her the next morning the chief of the scene between Mr. Darcy and herself. Miss Bennet’s astonishment was soon lessened by the strong sisterly partiality which made any admiration of Elizabeth appear perfectly natural; and all surprise was shortly lost in other feelings. She was sorry that Mr. Darcy should have delivered his sentiments in a manner so little suited to recommend them; but still more was she grieved for the unhappiness which her sister’s refusal must have given him. “His being so sure of succeeding was wrong,” said she, “and certainly ought not to have appeared; but consider how much it must increase his disappointment.” “Indeed,” replied Elizabeth, “I am heartily sorry for him; but he has other feelings which will probably soon drive away his regard for me. You do not blame me, however, for refusing him?” “Blame you! Oh, no.” “But you blame me for having spoken so warmly of Wickham?” “No--I do not know that you were wrong in saying what you did.” “But you _will_ know it, when I have told you what happened the very next day.” She then spoke of the letter, repeating the whole of its contents as far as they concerned George Wickham. What a stroke was this for poor Jane, who would willingly have gone through the world without believing that so much wickedness existed in the whole race of mankind as was here collected in one individual! Nor was Darcy’s vindication, though grateful to her feelings, capable of consoling her for such discovery. Most earnestly did she labour to prove the probability of error, and seek to clear one, without involving the other. “This will not do,” said Elizabeth; “you never will be able to make both of them good for anything. Take your choice, but you must be satisfied with only one. There is but such a quantity of merit between them; just enough to make one good sort of man; and of late it has been shifting about pretty much. For my part, I am inclined to believe it all Mr. Darcy’s, but you shall do as you choose.” It was some time, however, before a smile could be extorted from Jane. “I do not know when I have been more shocked,” said she. “Wickham so very bad! It is almost past belief. And poor Mr. Darcy! dear Lizzy, only consider what he must have suffered. Such a disappointment! and with the knowledge of your ill opinion too! and having to relate such a thing of his sister! It is really too distressing, I am sure you must feel it so.” “Oh no, my regret and compassion are all done away by seeing you so full of both. I know you will do him such ample justice, that...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how individual actions spread through interconnected systems, affecting everyone who shares your name, workplace, or community.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Elopement
Running away to get married without parental consent or proper ceremony. In Austen's time, this was scandalous because couples often lived together before marriage was legally finalized, ruining the woman's reputation.
Entailment
A legal arrangement where property must pass to the nearest male heir, not daughters. This is why the Bennet estate will go to Mr. Collins, leaving the sisters financially vulnerable if they don't marry well.
Social ruin
Complete loss of reputation and standing in society. One family member's scandal could destroy marriage prospects for all siblings, as families were judged as a unit.
Gretna Green
A Scottish village where couples could marry quickly without waiting periods or parental consent. It was the destination for eloping couples fleeing English marriage laws.
Family honor
The collective reputation of all family members. In Austen's world, individual actions reflected on everyone with the same name, affecting their social and economic prospects.
Propriety
Following accepted social rules and moral standards. Women especially had to behave 'properly' to maintain their reputations and marriage prospects.
Characters in This Chapter
Elizabeth Bennet
Protagonist
Receives the devastating news and immediately understands its full implications. Her reaction shows her maturity compared to Lydia, and her despair reveals how much she now cares about Darcy's opinion.
Lydia Bennet
Catalyst for crisis
Her thoughtless elopement creates the central crisis. Her cheerful, careless letter shows she has no understanding of the damage she's done to her family's reputation.
George Wickham
Antagonist
The charming soldier who eloped with Lydia. His history of pursuing women for money makes this elopement particularly dangerous for the Bennet family's reputation.
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner
Supportive relatives
Elizabeth's aunt and uncle who cut short their trip to help with the crisis. They represent the stable, caring family support Elizabeth needs during this disaster.
Mr. Darcy
Absent love interest
Though not present, he dominates Elizabeth's thoughts. She realizes that any hope of a future with him is now destroyed by her family's scandal.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"My dear Lizzy, I find myself very unwell this morning, which, I suppose, is to be imputed to my getting wet through yesterday."
Context: Lydia casually mentions her elopement in a letter focused on trivial concerns
This quote shows Lydia's complete lack of understanding about the seriousness of her actions. She treats her elopement like a minor inconvenience rather than a family-destroying scandal.
"Without allowance for the imprudence of his conduct, she was sure he had acted in the kindest and most honorable manner."
Context: Describing how Lydia views Wickham's behavior
This reveals Lydia's dangerous naivety. She sees romance where others see manipulation and scandal, showing how unprepared she was for the adult world.
"She was wild to be at home—to hear, to see, to be upon the spot to share with Jane in the cares that must now fall wholly upon her."
Context: Elizabeth's urgent need to return home after receiving the news
This shows Elizabeth's sense of family responsibility and her immediate grasp of the crisis. Unlike Lydia, she understands that actions have consequences for everyone she loves.
Thematic Threads
Reputation
In This Chapter
Lydia's elopement threatens to destroy all the Bennet sisters' marriage prospects and social standing
Development
Evolved from earlier concerns about family behavior to active crisis threatening everyone's future
In Your Life:
When someone in your family or close circle acts recklessly on social media or in public, how do you handle the anxiety that their behavior might reflect poorly on you?
Individual vs Family
In This Chapter
Lydia's selfish pursuit of romance conflicts with her family's needs and Elizabeth's happiness
Development
Intensified from background tension to direct collision between personal desires and family welfare
In Your Life:
Have you ever had to sacrifice something you wanted because a family member's poor choices created a crisis that required your attention and energy?
Class Anxiety
In This Chapter
The scandal confirms upper-class fears about the Bennet family's lack of proper restraint
Development
Crystallized from subtle class tensions into concrete social disaster
In Your Life:
When you've worked hard to fit into a professional or social group, how do you feel when someone from your background confirms negative stereotypes about where you come from?
Lost Opportunities
In This Chapter
Elizabeth realizes her chance with Darcy is likely destroyed just as she discovered her true feelings
Development
Transformed from missed connections to potentially permanent loss due to circumstances beyond her control
In Your Life:
Have you ever realized you had feelings for someone just as a major life mistake or scandal made pursuing that relationship impossible?
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Elizabeth immediately grasps the full implications while Lydia remains obliviously cheerful
Development
Demonstrates Elizabeth's matured understanding versus continued immaturity in her family
In Your Life:
Can you think of a crisis where you immediately understood the serious consequences while others around you remained obliviously optimistic about the situation?
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does Lydia's letter reveal about how she views her elopement with Wickham?
- 2
Why does Elizabeth immediately understand this is a disaster while Lydia sees it as romantic adventure?
- 3
Where do you see one person's choices destroying opportunities for their whole family or group today?
- 4
If you were Elizabeth, how would you handle having a family member whose behavior threatens your future?
- 5
What does this chapter reveal about the difference between individual freedom and collective responsibility?
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Network Risk
Think about your most important goal right now - a job you want, a relationship you're building, or a reputation you're establishing. Draw a simple map showing who in your life could help or hurt that goal through their actions. Include family, coworkers, roommates, close friends - anyone whose behavior reflects on you or affects your opportunities.
Consider:
- •Which connections strengthen your position and which ones create vulnerability?
- •What boundaries might you need to set with people whose chaos could sink your ship?
- •How can you build your own reputation strong enough to weather others' storms?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 41
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.