Pride and Prejudice | Chapter 26 Summary & Analysis | Jane Austen

Summary

In Chapter 26 of Pride and Prejudice, Mrs. Gardiner advises Elizabeth to avoid Wickham due to his lack of fortune, and Elizabeth agrees reluctantly. Charlotte invites Elizabeth to visit her after her wedding, while Jane returns to London and learns Bingley will not pursue her. Elizabeth updates her aunt about Wickham, who shifts his attention to Miss King, a wealthy heiress. Elizabeth, unfazed by Wickham’s change of heart, moves on easily. The chapter highlights the sensible advice from Mrs. Gardiner and contrasts it with Elizabeth's contradictory views on marriage and security.

Takeaways

• 🎶 Mrs. Gardiner advises Elizabeth to avoid Wickham due to his lack of fortune, and Elizabeth reluctantly agrees.
• 👰 Charlotte visits Elizabeth before her wedding and invites her to visit the rectory.
• ✈️ Jane travels to London with the Gardiners but has an unpleasant encounter with Caroline Bingley.
• 💌 Jane writes to Elizabeth explaining that Bingley is no longer pursuing a relationship with her.
• 😌 Elizabeth feels relieved that Jane has closure and sees Caroline for who she truly is.
• 📝 Elizabeth writes to her aunt updating her on Wickham's new interest in Miss King, who recently inherited a fortune.
• 💔 Elizabeth easily distances herself from Wickham as she does not harbor romantic feelings for him.
• 😊 Elizabeth harbors no ill feelings about Wickham's change of heart and accepts his decision.
• 💡 Mrs. Gardiner's level-headed advice contrasts with Mr. Bennet's sarcastic approach to Elizabeth's situation.
• 😇 Jane remains kind-hearted and naive, viewing Caroline Bingley's deceit as concern for her brother's happiness.

Q & A

What advice does Mrs. Gardiner give to Elizabeth in Chapter 26 of *Pride and Prejudice*?

Mrs. Gardiner advises Elizabeth to avoid Wickham because he lacks a fortune, and Elizabeth reluctantly agrees.

What happens during Charlotte's visit before her wedding?

Charlotte visits Elizabeth before her wedding and requests her to visit her at the rectory.

How does Jane's visit to London turn out?

Jane's visit to London is unpleasant, especially after receiving a visit from Caroline Bingley, who informs her that Bingley will not pursue a relationship with her.

How does Elizabeth react to the news in Jane's letter?

Elizabeth is relieved that Jane has found closure and is no longer under the delusion that Caroline Bingley is a good friend.

What update does Elizabeth provide to her aunt regarding Wickham?

Elizabeth informs her aunt that Wickham has shifted his attention to Miss King, who has recently inherited a fortune.

How does Elizabeth feel about Wickham's shift in affections?

Elizabeth easily distances herself from Wickham, as she does not love him, and she holds no resentment about his change of heart.

What contrast is highlighted in the chapter between Mrs. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet?

The chapter contrasts Mrs. Gardiner's practical advice to Elizabeth with Mr. Bennet’s sarcastic and less serious approach.

What does Jane's letter reveal about her personality?

Jane's letter reveals that she is extraordinarily kind-hearted and somewhat naive, as she interprets Caroline Bingley's deceit as sisterly concern for her brother.

Why does Elizabeth's forgiveness of Wickham seem contradictory?

Elizabeth’s forgiveness of Wickham's 'gold-digging' appears contradictory because she harshly judged Charlotte for seeking security by marrying Mr. Collins.

What role does Caroline Bingley play in Jane's closure?

Caroline Bingley, through her letter and behavior, inadvertently helps Jane realize that Bingley will not pursue her, allowing Jane to move on.