Pride and Prejudice: Chapter 40

The color-coded bars in this section make it easy to track the themes throughout the work. Each color corresponds to one of the themes explained in the Themes section of this LitChart. For instance, indicates that all five themes apply to that part of the summary.

Summary Analysis Themes

Later, Elizabeth tells Jane how Darcy proposed to her and also shares the part of Darcy’s letter about Wickham. Elizabeth says that she can hardly believe how Darcy got all the goodness while Wickham got all the appearance of it.

Elizabeth now realizes the immense challenge involved in trying to know people beyond their appearances.

Elizabeth asks for Jane’s advice: should they publicize Wickham’s faults? They agree not to, for the sake of Darcy and his sister. Besides, no one would believe that Darcy is actually the good guy. Anyway, they agree, he will soon leave along the regiment with no harm done.

In a social world that so values reputations, Jane and Elizabeth make the same choice that Darcy did to keep quiet about Wickham. It’s ironic that their silence about past scandal will only create more scandal in the future.