Pride and Prejudice | Chapter 24 Summary & Analysis | Jane Austen

Summary

In Chapter 24 of *Pride and Prejudice*, Caroline Bingley writes to Jane, confirming that Mr. Bingley will not return to Netherfield and hinting at his growing affection for Georgiana Darcy. Jane is distressed, while Elizabeth becomes angry, convinced that Darcy and Bingley’s sisters have manipulated him to stay away. Elizabeth's family grows more sympathetic to George Wickham and increasingly negative toward Darcy. Elizabeth, feeling betrayed by both Bingley and Charlotte, expresses uncharacteristic pessimism. Mr. Bennet sarcastically suggests Elizabeth pursue Wickham, foreshadowing her eventual disillusionment with him.

Takeaways

• 📜 Caroline Bingley sends a second letter, confirming that Mr. Bingley will not return to Netherfield.
• 💔 The letter also suggests a growing relationship between Mr. Bingley and Georgiana Darcy.
• 😢 Jane is deeply distressed by Mr. Bingley's absence, while Mrs. Bennet dwells on the situation.
• 😡 Elizabeth believes that Mr. Darcy and the Bingley sisters are manipulating Bingley to stay away from Jane.
• 💫 Elizabeth's anger towards both Bingley and Darcy increases, while she feels more drawn to George Wickham.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 The Bennet family, except for Jane, becomes increasingly negative about Darcy and sympathetic toward Wickham.
• 🌀 Elizabeth's pessimism in this chapter is uncharacteristic, showing her feeling of betrayal.
• 🎭 She ironically criticizes Bingley's easygoing nature, which she once admired, now viewing it as a weakness.
• 🗣️ Mrs. Bennet is upset about the declining prospects for her daughters' marriages.
• 💔 Mr. Bennet sarcastically jokes about Elizabeth pursuing Wickham, foreshadowing her later disillusionment.

Q & A

What is the significance of Caroline Bingley's second letter in Chapter 24?

Caroline Bingley's second letter is significant because it makes it clear that Mr. Bingley will not be returning to Netherfield. She also hints at a growing affection between Mr. Bingley and Georgiana Darcy, which distresses Jane and causes Elizabeth to believe that Bingley has been persuaded to stay away from Jane.

How does Jane react to Mr. Bingley’s prolonged absence?

Jane is deeply distressed by Mr. Bingley’s absence, especially because her mother constantly brings it up. Her distress is compounded by Caroline Bingley's letter, which suggests a relationship between Mr. Bingley and Georgiana Darcy.

Why does Elizabeth believe Darcy and Bingley’s sisters are involved in keeping Mr. Bingley away from Jane?

Elizabeth is convinced that Darcy and Bingley’s sisters have conspired to keep Mr. Bingley away from Jane because of their desire to pair Mr. Bingley with Georgiana Darcy and their disapproval of Jane.

How does Elizabeth’s opinion of Mr. Bingley change in this chapter?

Elizabeth becomes angry with Mr. Bingley, feeling betrayed. She initially admired his easygoing nature but now sees it as a flaw, as he seems easily influenced by his sisters and Darcy, which has led him to abandon Jane.

What role does Wickham play in Elizabeth’s changing feelings in this chapter?

As Elizabeth becomes more disillusioned with Mr. Bingley and Darcy, she grows more drawn to George Wickham. Her family, except for Jane, also becomes more sympathetic toward Wickham and more negative about Darcy.

How does Elizabeth's mood in this chapter contrast with her usual character?

Elizabeth expresses deep pessimism in this chapter, which is uncharacteristic of her usual confident and independent nature. She feels betrayed not only by Mr. Bingley but also by her friend Charlotte, which contributes to her growing frustration.

Why is Elizabeth’s anger toward Mr. Bingley described as ironic?

Elizabeth’s anger toward Mr. Bingley is ironic because earlier in the novel, she praised him for his easygoing and agreeable nature. Now, she views these same qualities as weaknesses, as they allow him to be manipulated by Darcy and his sisters.

How does Mrs. Bennet react to Mr. Bingley’s absence?

Mrs. Bennet becomes increasingly upset as the prospects of Mr. Bingley marrying one of her daughters, especially Jane, diminish. She dwells on his absence and is anxious about the future of her daughters' marital prospects.

What is Mr. Bennet’s attitude toward Elizabeth’s relationship with Wickham?

Mr. Bennet sarcastically suggests that Elizabeth should focus on Wickham so that he might break her heart. Although he is joking, his comment foreshadows Elizabeth’s later disillusionment with Wickham.

What foreshadowing is present in Mr. Bennet’s comment about Wickham?

Mr. Bennet’s sarcastic remark about Wickham breaking Elizabeth’s heart foreshadows her future disappointment when she learns the truth about Wickham’s character, particularly his deceit and selfish behavior.