Pride and Prejudice: Chapter 48

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

Longbourn buzzes with the news. It comes out that Wickham accrued serious debts in Meryton as well as gambling debts at Brighton.

Everyone was duped by Wickham’s genial manners and handsome appearance.

Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner search hotels in London to no avail. Mr. Gardiner suggests that Elizabeth ask for help from anyone related to Wickham.

Mr. Gardiner implies that Elizabeth should ask Darcy for help, but she is too embarrassed.

A letter arrives from Mr. Collins. He offers condolences, but spends most of the letter underlining how Lydia’s heinous offense will ruin the other Bennet girls’ chances at marriage. Mr. Collins adds that Lady Catherine agrees with him.

Lydia’s actions are an extreme breach of rank and polite behavior, both of which are extremely important to Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine.

More time passes, but all attempts to find Wickham and Lydia fail, and Mr. Bennet returns home. He asks Elizabeth not to talk with him about Lydia, saying that he brought this on and only he should suffer.

Mr. Bennet realizes his fault in the matter, but tries to remain isolated from his family. He doesn’t realize that everyone will suffer, not just him.