Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice

by

Jane Austen

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Pride and Prejudice: Chapter 58 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Only days later, Darcy comes to Longbourn with Bingley. They all go for a walk and Elizabeth and Darcy soon find themselves alone. Elizabeth cannot contain her gratitude any longer for all that Darcy suffered and sacrificed for Lydia. Darcy tells Elizabeth that he did everything for her.
Elizabeth has to be a little impolite in ignoring Darcy's request that Mr. Gardiner take the credit. But by breaking the rules, Elizabeth allows for their climactic emotional exchange.
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Darcy says his feelings for her have not changed since his rejected proposal, and asks about her feelings. Elizabeth confesses that her feelings have significantly changed. Darcy is overwhelmed with happiness.
While there is no explicit marriage proposal from Darcy yet, everything hinges on Elizabeth's growth as a character and ability to overcome her prejudice..
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Darcy explains that he started to hope after Lady Catherine informed him about Elizabeth's stubborn refusal to follow her commands.
Selfish plans based on class prejudice all backfire in this novel.
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Darcy regrets his first proposal to Elizabeth. He's been prideful since childhood and presumed that she would accept. He thanks Elizabeth for teaching him a lesson about humility. Elizabeth apologizes for treating him so roughly.
Just as Elizabeth was humbled after she learned the truth about Darcy, so Darcy learned humility in realizing that his pride injured her and prevented his own happiness.
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Quotes
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Darcy explains that he told Bingley the truth about Jane and advised him to return to Netherfield. Bingley was angry about being deceived while Jane was in London, but he has forgiven Darcy.
Darcy does penance for his blatantly wrong decision to lie and must ask forgiveness: another example that Darcy has relinquished his pride.
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