Pride and Prejudice: Chapter 30

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Summary Analysis Themes

Completely satisfied with his daughter’s situation, Sir William Lucas soon departs. Elizabeth and Charlotte pass the time in her drawing room, conveniently separated from Mr. Collins’s room. Their dinners at Rosings continue. Lady Catherine also visits them at the parsonage, though seemingly only to dispense advice about everything she notices.

Charlotte’s contentment in marriage is based on being as separate from Mr. Collins as possible. Lady Catherine believes so strongly in her high-class superiority that she thinks nothing of telling “lower class” people what to do.

Lady Catherine has arranged a visit from her nephews: Darcy (her favorite) and Colonel Fitzwilliam, his cousin. Upon their arrival, Mr. Collins brings them home for a visit. Darcy meets Elizabeth with his usual reserve. Conversation is sparse. Darcy seems uncomfortable when Elizabeth asks if he ever sees Jane in London, but the moment passes.

Lady Catherine wants nothing but the best for Darcy, which of course means her own high-class daughter. Elizabeth’s prejudice toward Darcy for breaking up Jane and Bingley remains, and Darcy’s reaction shows her attack is on target.