Understanding Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” in 5 Minutes

Plot summary

The story begins when the wealthy bachelor Mr. Bingley moves into Netherfield Park, near the Bennet family’s estate. The Bennet family consists of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their five daughters, whom Mrs. Bennet is eager to marry off. They attend a ball, where Mr. Bingley takes an interest in the eldest daughter, Jane. Mr. Darcy, his handsome but proud friend, also attends but refuses to dance with the second eldest, Elizabeth. Elizabeth finds Darcy arrogant and unlikable, while Darcy, despite his reservations, becomes increasingly attracted to her. Following the ball, Jane falls ill during a visit to Netherfield Park, leading Elizabeth to stay with her.

When the sisters return home, they meet Mr. Collins, a clergyman, cousin of Mr. Bennet, and heir to the Bennet estate. He is a very unpleasant, pompous person who likes to give long eulogies about his patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Although the Bennet sisters are averse to him, he proposes to Elizabeth, who quickly rejects him. Shortly after, he proposes to Elizabeth’s friend Charlotte Lucas, who accepts due to her age (27) and desire for financial stability. Meanwhile, the Bennet sisters befriend local militia officers, including the charming Mr. Wickham. He and Elizabeth get along well, and he tells her that Darcy cheated him out of his inheritance. Over the winter, the Bingleys and Darcy move to London, and Jane’s hopes for a marriage with Bingley fade. Elizabeth learns that Darcy encouraged this separation.

In the spring, Elizabeth visits the newly-wed Collins and meets Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Darcy’s aunt. Darcy unexpectedly shows up and, after several visits, proposes to Elizabeth. His proposal, however, is a disaster—he insults her family and social status, stating he’s fallen for her despite his better judgment. Furious, Elizabeth rejects him, accusing him of sabotaging Jane’s relationship and cheating Wickham out of his inheritance. Darcy leaves, but soon after, he gives Elizabeth a letter explaining his actions. He claims he advised Bingley against Jane because he thought her feelings were shallow. As for Wickham, Darcy reveals he’s a liar who gambled away his inheritance and once tried to elope with Darcy’s 15-year-old sister, Georgiana. Elizabeth begins to question her initial judgment of Darcy, realizing her own pride and prejudice.

Meanwhile, the militia leaves, and Lydia, the youngest Bennet sister, convinces her father to let her spend the summer near the soldiers. Elizabeth goes on another trip, this time with her aunt and uncle, the Gardiners. They visit Darcy’s estate, Pemberley, which Elizabeth agrees to see only after learning Darcy isn’t there. She’s impressed by the house and staff, who praise Darcy. To her surprise, Darcy appears and is unexpectedly polite and friendly, unlike his previous behavior. But soon, Elizabeth learns that Lydia has eloped with Wickham, prompting her and the Gardiners to return to the Bennet household. Luckily, Darcy secretly pays a large sum to convince Wickham to marry Lydia.

With the scandal resolved, Bingley and Darcy return to Netherfield, and Bingley finally proposes to Jane, who happily accepts. Lady Catherine later visits the Bennets, demanding that Elizabeth promise never to marry Darcy, as she has plans for him to wed her daughter. Elizabeth refuses, saying she won’t sacrifice her happiness. Lady Catherine’s report of Elizabeth’s defiance gives Darcy hope, and he proposes again. This time, they both admit their feelings and informally agree to marry. In the end, both Jane and Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy marry.