Summary
Chapter 45
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Elizabeth returns to Pemberley for the polite return visit, and walks straight into Miss Bingley's jealous hostility. Miss Bingley barely acknowledges her with a cold curtsy, then watches Elizabeth's every move 'closely,' looking for something to criticize. The visit is awkward - shy Georgiana struggles to converse, Miss Bingley radiates resentment, and Elizabeth is a bundle of nerves waiting for Darcy to appear. When he does arrive, everyone in the room watches to see how he behaves toward Elizabeth. Miss Bingley, desperate and jealous, makes a calculated attack: 'Pray, Miss Eliza, are not the ----shire militia removed from Meryton? They must be a great loss to your family.' She can't say Wickham's name in front of Darcy, but everyone understands - she's trying to remind Darcy of Elizabeth's 'connection' to his enemy and embarrass Elizabeth about her family's officer-chasing behavior. The comment backfires spectacularly. Darcy's face flushes, Georgiana nearly collapses from the painful reminder of her near-elopement, and Elizabeth handles it with such composure that Darcy is even more impressed. After they leave, Miss Bingley can't help herself - she viciously tears apart Elizabeth's appearance. 'She is grown so brown and coarse! I never could see any beauty in her.' Darcy's response is perfect: he says coolly that he considers Elizabeth 'one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance,' then walks away, leaving Miss Bingley to realize she's just sealed her own defeat. The chapter brilliantly shows jealousy destroying itself. Miss Bingley's desperation makes her cruel, and her cruelty only highlights Elizabeth's grace and Darcy's devotion. Every attempt to make Elizabeth look bad makes Miss Bingley look worse. Even gentle Georgiana refuses to join the criticism because her brother has praised Elizabeth. The chapter also shows Elizabeth's growth - she handles the hostile situation with dignity instead of matching Miss Bingley's nastiness. On the ride home, Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner carefully avoid talking about the one person they're both thinking about - Darcy. Their mutual avoidance speaks volumes about how much Elizabeth's feelings have changed.
Coming Up in Chapter 46
Elizabeth's happiness at Pemberley is about to be shattered. Two letters are waiting that will bring devastating news about Lydia, turning Elizabeth's world upside down and threatening everything that's just begun with Darcy.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
LV. [Illustration] Convinced as Elizabeth now was that Miss Bingley’s dislike of her had originated in jealousy, she could not help feeling how very unwelcome her appearance at Pemberley must be to her, and was curious to know with how much civility on that lady’s side the acquaintance would now be renewed. On reaching the house, they were shown through the hall into the saloon, whose northern aspect rendered it delightful for summer. Its windows, opening to the ground, admitted a most refreshing view of the high woody hills behind the house, and of the beautiful oaks and Spanish chestnuts which were scattered over the intermediate lawn. In this room they were received by Miss Darcy, who was sitting there with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, and the lady with whom she lived in London. Georgiana’s reception of them was very civil, but attended with all that embarrassment which, though proceeding from shyness and the fear of doing wrong, would easily give to those who felt themselves inferior the belief of her being proud and reserved. Mrs. Gardiner and her niece, however, did her justice, and pitied her. By Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley they were noticed only by a courtesy; and on their being seated, a pause, awkward as such pauses must always be, succeeded for a few moments. It was first broken by Mrs. Annesley, a genteel, agreeable-looking woman, whose endeavour to introduce some kind of discourse proved her to be more truly well-bred than either of the others; and between her and Mrs. Gardiner, with occasional help from Elizabeth, the conversation was carried on. Miss Darcy looked as if she wished for courage enough to join in it; and sometimes did venture a short sentence, when there was least danger of its being heard. Elizabeth soon saw that she was herself closely watched by Miss Bingley, and that she could not speak a word, especially to Miss Darcy, without calling her attention. This observation would not have prevented her from trying to talk to the latter, had they not been seated at an inconvenient distance; but she was not sorry to be spared the necessity of saying much: her own thoughts were employing her. She expected every moment that some of the gentlemen would enter the room: she wished, she feared, that the master of the house might be amongst them; and whether she wished or feared it most, she could scarcely determine. After sitting in this manner a quarter of an hour, without hearing Miss Bingley’s voice, Elizabeth was roused by receiving from her a cold inquiry after the health of her family. She answered with equal indifference and brevity, and the other said no more. The next variation which their visit afforded was produced by the entrance of servants with cold meat, cake, and a variety of all the finest fruits in season; but this did not take place till after many a significant look and smile from Mrs. Annesley to Miss Darcy had been...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to assess someone's true nature by observing their home environment and listening to people who interact with them regularly in low-stakes situations.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Estate
A large property including the main house, grounds, and surrounding lands owned by wealthy families. In Austen's time, owning an estate meant you had serious money and social status. Pemberley represents Darcy's wealth and position in society.
Housekeeper
The head female servant who managed the household staff and daily operations of a grand home. Mrs. Reynolds has worked for the Darcy family for years and knows Darcy's true character. Her opinion carries weight because she sees how he really treats people.
Landlord
Someone who owns property and rents it to tenants. Darcy owns not just his house but surrounding farms and cottages. How he treats his tenants reveals his character - a good landlord cares about his people's welfare, not just collecting rent.
First impressions
The immediate judgments we make about people when we first meet them. Elizabeth's entire relationship with Darcy has been shaped by her negative first impression at the ball. This chapter shows how wrong those snap judgments can be.
Social prejudice
Preconceived negative opinions about people based on their class, wealth, or background. Elizabeth assumed Darcy was arrogant because he was rich. She's learning that wealth doesn't automatically make someone a bad person.
Master of the house
The male head of a wealthy household who employs servants and manages the estate. How a master treats his servants reveals his true character. Darcy's kindness to his staff shows Elizabeth who he really is behind his reserved exterior.
Characters in This Chapter
Elizabeth Bennet
Protagonist
She tours Darcy's estate and has her prejudices completely shattered by what she learns about his true character. This visit forces her to admit she was wrong about him and opens her heart to new possibilities.
Mr. Darcy
Love interest
He appears unexpectedly at his own estate and shows Elizabeth a completely different side of himself - humble, polite, and genuinely concerned for her family. His behavior proves he has changed since his rejected proposal.
Mrs. Reynolds
Truth-teller
Darcy's longtime housekeeper who gives Elizabeth the real story about her master's character. Her praise carries weight because she has no reason to lie and has seen how he treats people when no one important is watching.
Georgiana Darcy
Darcy's sister
Darcy's shy younger sister who he introduces to Elizabeth with obvious pride and affection. Her sweet nature and Darcy's gentle treatment of her shows Elizabeth his capacity for love and family devotion.
Mr. Bingley
Friend
Darcy's friend who accompanies him to Pemberley. His presence shows that Darcy maintains good friendships and suggests he may still have feelings for Jane Bennet.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"I have never had a cross word from him in my life, and I have known him ever since he was four years old."
Context: The housekeeper describes Darcy's character to Elizabeth during the house tour
This quote destroys Elizabeth's image of Darcy as proud and difficult. A servant who has known him since childhood and never received harsh treatment reveals his true nature. It forces Elizabeth to question everything she believed about him.
"As a brother, a landlord, a master, she considered how many people's happiness were in his guardianship!"
Context: Elizabeth reflects on Darcy's responsibilities and character after hearing Mrs. Reynolds' praise
This shows Elizabeth finally understanding the weight of Darcy's position and how well he handles it. She's realizing that being wealthy means having responsibility for others' welfare, and Darcy takes that seriously.
"She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste."
Context: Elizabeth's first impression of Pemberley estate
The estate reflects Darcy's character - naturally beautiful without flashy showing off. Elizabeth is seeing that true class doesn't need to prove itself. This contrasts with her earlier assumptions about his arrogance.
Thematic Threads
Prejudice
In This Chapter
Elizabeth's prejudices against Darcy completely crumble when she sees him through others' eyes and in his own environment
Development
Evolved from initial formation based on Wickham's lies to complete reversal through direct evidence
In Your Life:
When have you discovered that your strong negative opinion about someone was completely wrong, and what made you finally see them differently?
Social Class
In This Chapter
Pemberley represents responsible wealth—Darcy cares for his estate, employees, and community rather than just displaying status
Development
Developing from earlier focus on class barriers to showing how class can be used responsibly
In Your Life:
How do you use your privileges or advantages to benefit others rather than just showcase your status?
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Elizabeth must confront how wrong her judgments were and acknowledge her own capacity for error
Development
Continuing her journey from confident prejudice toward humility and self-awareness
In Your Life:
Can you think of a time when you had to admit you were completely wrong about something important and face your own fallibility?
Pride
In This Chapter
Darcy's apparent pride was actually reserve and social awkwardness—his real character shows appropriate confidence without arrogance
Development
Revealing that perceived pride was misunderstood social discomfort and genuine dignity
In Your Life:
Have you ever misjudged someone's shyness or social awkwardness as arrogance or unfriendliness?
Marriage
In This Chapter
Elizabeth begins to imagine what marriage to Darcy would actually be like, based on his true character rather than her assumptions
Development
Shifting from rejection of his proposal to considering him as a genuine partner
In Your Life:
How has getting to know someone's true character changed your view of whether you could build a life together?
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What specific things did Mrs. Reynolds tell Elizabeth about Darcy that contradicted her previous opinion of him?
- 2
Why do you think Darcy behaved so differently at Pemberley compared to how he acted at social gatherings and balls?
- 3
Think of someone you initially disliked or misjudged. What context or information later changed your opinion of them?
- 4
When meeting someone new, what are three different 'environments' or situations you could observe them in to get a fuller picture of their character?
- 5
What does this chapter suggest about the difference between someone's public persona and their private character?
Critical Thinking Exercise
The Three-Source Character Check
Think of someone you have a strong opinion about—positive or negative. Write down what you know about them from three different sources: your direct interactions, what others say about them, and how they behave in their 'home environment' (workplace, neighborhood, family setting). Compare these three perspectives and identify any contradictions or gaps in your understanding.
Consider:
- •Consider whether your direct interactions happened when they were stressed, performing a role, or outside their comfort zone
- •Evaluate whether the people describing them have their own biases or limited exposure to the person
- •Pay attention to how they treat people who have no power to help or hurt them—this often reveals true character
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 46
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.