Pride and Prejudice: Chapter 44

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

The next day, Elizabeth and the Gardiners are again surprised when Darcy shows up with Georgiana and Bingley for a visit. The Gardiners note Darcy’s eagerness and realize he must be in love.

By bringing his sister to meet Elizabeth and the Gardiners, Darcy shows he sees them as equals. He has overcome his pride.

Georgiana turns out to by shy rather than proud. Bingley, meanwhile, is delighted to see Elizabeth, and asks questions that lead Elizabeth to suspect he might still love Jane. Darcy and Georgiana invite Elizabeth and the Gardiners to Pemberley for dinner the next evening.

Elizabeth learns much more from her extended personal encounters than she ever did from reports, rumors, and her own snap judgments based on prejudice.

Elizabeth is amazed at the change in Darcy. His pride has turned into tenderness. If he was embarrassed by Elizabeth’s relations before, Darcy shows nothing but good will toward the Gardiners. Above all, Elizabeth feels incredibly grateful that Darcy has forgiven her misjudgments and harsh rejection, and now treats her with affectionate respect.

Darcy’s attitude toward the Gardiners—an example of Elizabeth’s “lowly” connections—indicates how Darcy has grown. In his marriage proposal, he said he could overlook them. Now, he wants to engage them as friends.