Inside Chapter 24 of Pride and Prejudice: Betrayal, Anger, and Changing Affections

TLDRIn Chapter 24 of Pride and Prejudice, Caroline Bingley's second letter confirms that Mr. Bingley will not return to Netherfield, distressing Jane. Elizabeth believes Darcy and Bingley's sisters influenced the separation. Elizabeth grows angry with Bingley and Darcy and is drawn to George Wickham. The family's negativity towards Darcy and sympathy for Wickham increases, surprising Elizabeth. She feels betrayed by Charlotte and Bingley and questions Bingley's easygoing nature.

Key insights

😡Elizabeth feels betrayed by Charlotte and Bingley, becoming angry with them.

😢Jane is distressed by Caroline Bingley's letter and Mr. Bingley's absence.

🤔Elizabeth believes Darcy and Bingley's sisters influenced Mr. Bingley's separation from Jane.

😠The family's negativity towards Darcy and sympathy for Wickham grows, surprising Elizabeth.

❤️Elizabeth is drawn to George Wickham, distancing herself from Darcy and Bingley.

Q&A

Why does Elizabeth feel betrayed?

—Elizabeth feels betrayed by Charlotte and Bingley because she believes they had a hand in the separation between Jane and Mr. Bingley.

What distresses Jane in Chapter 24?

—Jane is distressed by Caroline Bingley's letter, which makes it clear that Mr. Bingley will not be returning to Netherfield.

Who does Elizabeth believe influenced the separation?

—Elizabeth believes that Darcy and Bingley's sisters influenced Mr. Bingley to distance himself from Jane.

Why is Elizabeth drawn to George Wickham?

—Elizabeth is drawn to George Wickham because she is increasingly angry with Darcy and Bingley and feels a connection with Wickham.

Why is Elizabeth surprised by her family's negativity towards Darcy?

—Elizabeth is surprised because earlier in the novel, she praised Darcy's easygoing nature. She now sees his influence as a character flaw.

Timestamped Summary

00:00[Music]

00:09In Chapter 24 of Pride and Prejudice, Caroline Bingley's second letter arrives, confirming Mr. Bingley's absence from Netherfield.

00:14Elizabeth becomes convinced that Darcy and Bingley's sisters influenced Mr. Bingley's decision to keep away from Jane.

00:28Elizabeth's anger towards Bingley and Darcy grows, and she becomes more drawn to George Wickham.

00:42The family, except for Jane, grows more negative about Darcy and more sympathetic toward Wickham.

00:56Elizabeth feels betrayed by Charlotte and Bingley and questions Bingley's easygoing nature.

01:09Mrs. Bennet becomes more upset over the diminishing prospects for her daughters.

01:15Mr. Bennet sarcastically suggests Elizabeth should pursue Wickham to have her heart broken.

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