Pride and Prejudice | Chapter 28 Summary & Analysis | Jane Austen

Summary

In Chapter 28 of *Pride and Prejudice*, Elizabeth visits Hunsford, where Charlotte welcomes her warmly, showcasing her new life with Mr. Collins. While Mr. Collins proudly displays his home and garden, Elizabeth wonders how Charlotte can tolerate her marriage. However, as the visit progresses, Elizabeth sees that Charlotte is content with her decision. Despite the mismatch between Charlotte and Mr. Collins, Jane Austen illustrates that a marriage made for practical reasons can still provide satisfaction. Elizabeth also observes Lady Catherine's ailing daughter and reflects on Darcy's potential future with her.

Takeaways

• 🏡 Charlotte warmly welcomes Elizabeth and her parents to Hunsford.
• 🌱 Mr. Collins points out the details of his house and garden to Elizabeth, highlighting what she missed out on.
• 😊 Elizabeth notices that Charlotte seems content and enjoys her life.
• 😏 Elizabeth feels a mean pleasure at the thought of Darcy being stuck with Lady Catherine's ill daughter.
• 🍽️ Charlotte informs them about their invitation to dine at Lady Catherine de Bourgh's residence, Rosings Park.
• 👀 Elizabeth observes Charlotte's life and the marriage she has embraced with Mr. Collins.
• 🤔 Elizabeth initially wonders how Charlotte can tolerate living with Mr. Collins.
• 😌 Over time, Elizabeth realizes Charlotte is more or less content with her situation.
• 💍 Charlotte has made peace with a marriage that Elizabeth would find intolerable.
• 📚 Austen demonstrates that a marriage for practical purposes can still bring some satisfaction to both spouses.

Q & A

What is the setting of Chapter 28 of *Pride and Prejudice*?

The setting is Hunsford, where Elizabeth visits Charlotte and Mr. Collins after their marriage.

How does Mr. Collins behave during Elizabeth’s visit?

Mr. Collins enthusiastically points out the details of his house and garden, seemingly to show Elizabeth what she missed by rejecting him.

What is Elizabeth's initial reaction to Charlotte’s life with Mr. Collins?

Elizabeth wonders how Charlotte can stand living with Mr. Collins, as she finds the idea of being married to him intolerable.

How does Elizabeth's perception of Charlotte's life change over time?

Elizabeth eventually sees that Charlotte is more or less content with her life and has made peace with her marriage to Mr. Collins.

What does Charlotte's attitude toward her marriage reveal about her character?

Charlotte's acceptance of her marriage shows her practical approach to life. She values security over romantic love and seems to find satisfaction in her decision.

Who makes an appearance at Lady Catherine's residence during the visit?

Lady Catherine’s ill daughter makes an appearance at Rosings Park during Elizabeth’s visit.

How does Elizabeth feel about Lady Catherine’s daughter?

Elizabeth feels a mean pleasure at the idea of Mr. Darcy being stuck with Lady Catherine's sickly daughter.

What invitation does Charlotte extend to Elizabeth during her stay at Hunsford?

Charlotte informs Elizabeth that they are invited to dine at Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s residence, Rosings Park.

How does Jane Austen portray the marriage between Charlotte and Mr. Collins?

Jane Austen portrays the marriage as practical and somewhat mismatched in terms of sensitivities, but still capable of providing satisfaction to both Charlotte and Mr. Collins.

What theme does Austen explore through Charlotte's marriage to Mr. Collins?

Austen explores the theme that marriages based on practical reasons, rather than love, can still provide contentment and stability, as seen in Charlotte’s pragmatic decision.