Chapter 26 Summary: The Gardner's Visit and Closure for Jane

TLDRIn Chapter 26 of Pride and Prejudice, the Gardner's visit to Longbourn concludes. Mrs. Gardner advises Elizabeth to avoid Wickham, and Elizabeth reluctantly agrees. Charlotte visits before her wedding and requests Elizabeth's visit. Jane travels back to London with the Gardners and has an unpleasant encounter with Caroline Bingley. Elizabeth receives a letter from Caroline informing her that Bingley will not pursue a relationship with her. Elizabeth updates her aunt on the Wickham situation. Wickham is now interested in Miss Hink, who recently inherited a fortune. Elizabeth easily moves on from Wickham, harboring no ill will. The chapter highlights the contrast between Mrs. Gardiner's sensible advice and Mr. Bennet's sarcasm, as well as Jane's forgiving nature and Elizabeth's contradictory forgiveness towards Wickham and disapproval of Charlotte's marriage.

Key insights

💡Mrs. Gardner advises Elizabeth to steer clear of Wickham due to his lack of fortune.

🔒Jane receives closure from Bingley, who is not pursuing a relationship with her.

📝Elizabeth updates her aunt on the Wickham situation and his new affections for Miss Hink.

💔Elizabeth easily distances herself from Wickham, harboring no bad feelings towards him.

🤔The chapter contrasts Mrs. Gardiner's sensible advice with Mr. Bennet's sarcastic jokes.

Q&A

Why does Mrs. Gardner advise Elizabeth to avoid Wickham?

—Mrs. Gardner cautions Elizabeth to avoid Wickham because he lacks a fortune, making him an unsuitable match.

What happens between Jane and Bingley?

—Jane receives closure when Caroline Bingley informs Elizabeth through a letter that Bingley is not interested in pursuing a relationship with her.

What does Elizabeth tell her aunt about Wickham?

—Elizabeth informs her aunt that Wickham has redirected his affections towards Miss Hink, who recently inherited a fortune.

How does Elizabeth feel about Wickham's change of heart?

—Elizabeth easily distances herself from Wickham and harbors no negative feelings towards him.

What contrast is highlighted in this chapter?

—The chapter contrasts Mrs. Gardiner's sensible advice with Mr. Bennet's sarcastic jokes, as well as Jane's forgiving nature and Elizabeth's contradictory forgiveness towards Wickham and disapproval of Charlotte's marriage.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Chapter 26 of Pride and Prejudice focuses on the conclusion of the Gardner's visit to Longbourn.

00:15Mrs. Gardner advises Elizabeth to steer clear of Wickham due to his lack of fortune.

00:36Elizabeth reluctantly agrees to heed Mrs. Gardner's advice.

00:48Charlotte visits Elizabeth and requests her visit at the rectory.

01:13Jane travels back to London with the Gardners and has an unpleasant encounter with Caroline Bingley.

01:27Elizabeth receives a letter from Caroline, informing her that Bingley is not pursuing a relationship with her.

01:50Elizabeth updates her aunt on the Wickham situation and his new affections for Miss Hink.

02:32Elizabeth easily distances herself from Wickham, harboring no bad feelings towards him.

Browse more