Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Detailed Summary

  • Jane receives a letter from Miss Bingley, informing her that the entire Bingley party has left Netherfield for London.

  • The letter hints that Bingley will soon marry Darcy’s sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy.

  • Jane is heartbroken but tries to remain composed and rational, refusing to suspect deceit.

  • Elizabeth, however, immediately assumes that Darcy and Miss Bingley have interfered to separate Jane and Bingley because of the Bennets’ lower status.

  • The chapter reveals the manipulation of wealth and class in matters of marriage, and Elizabeth’s strong loyalty to her sister.

Character Development

Jane Bennet

  • Continues to demonstrate emotional restraint, optimism, and goodness despite disappointment.

  • Her selflessness and dignity make her morally superior.

Elizabeth Bennet

  • Shows intelligence and protective instinct toward Jane, but also increasing prejudice against Darcy and Miss Bingley.

  • Her interpretation of events demonstrates her habit of trusting instinct over evidence.

Miss Bingley

  • Her manipulation and class snobbery are fully exposed through her letter.

  • Uses politeness to disguise cruelty and social ambition.

Writing Techniques

  • Epistolary Narrative: Miss Bingley’s letter acts as an instrument of deceit and social control.

  • Irony: Jane’s goodness blinds her to manipulation; Elizabeth’s prejudice blinds her to nuance.

  • Contrast: Jane’s innocence vs. Elizabeth’s indignation reveals different ways of interpreting the same event.

Themes

Love and Marriage

  • Bingley and Jane’s relationship becomes a victim of class interference.

Quotes:

  • “Mr. Bingley does not know of your being in town.”

    • Shows Miss Bingley’s deceit and control.

  • “I will not suppose him capable of such inattention.”

    • Jane’s innocence prevents her from suspecting manipulation.

  • “Elizabeth was convinced that they were resolved to separate them.”

    • Love thwarted by pride and class consciousness.

Social Class and Etiquette

  • Class hierarchy dictates who may marry whom.

Quotes:

  • “Her brother’s regard for Miss Darcy was now settled.”

    • Class ambition replaces genuine affection.

  • “Their pride would receive a wound from the connection.”

    • Exposes snobbery and social calculation.

  • “Elizabeth’s anger against Darcy was heightened.”

    • Prejudice rooted in moral opposition to social injustice.

Family

  • The sisters’ loyalty deepens, reflecting moral strength.

Quotes:

  • “Elizabeth comforted her with tenderness.”

    • Genuine sisterly love contrasts with social deceit.

  • “Jane was the only one in the family who thought of others.”

    • Highlights her selflessness.

  • “Elizabeth could not but think that Mr. Darcy was the cause of it all.”

    • Reveals protective affection, yet also her biased judgment.