Pride and Prejudice

Mr. Bingley’s Visit to Longbourn

Mr. Bingley returns Mr. Bennet’s visit and sits briefly with him in the library; the young ladies observe him from an upper window, noting his blue coat and black horse.

The Ladies Observe from the Window

The ladies ascertain from an upper window that Mr. Bingley wears a blue coat and rides a black horse.

The Declined Dinner Invitation

Mrs. Bennet dispatches a dinner invitation, but Mr. Bingley declines, citing unexpected business in town the following day, leaving her disconcerted.

Speculation About the Assembly Ball

Lady Lucas suggests Mr. Bingley has gone to London to gather a large party for the ball, reviving hopes that he will settle at Netherfield.

The Size of Mr. Bingley’s Party

A report circulates that Mr. Bingley will bring twelve ladies and seven gentlemen, but this is revised before the ball to six (his five sisters and a cousin), and the actual party…

The Netherfield Party Enters the Assembly

The Netherfield party enters the assembly room: Mr. Bingley, his two sisters, his brother-in-law Mr. Hurst, and another young man (Mr. Darcy).

First Impressions of Bingley and Darcy

Mr. Bingley makes a favourable impression as good-looking and gentlemanlike, while Mr. Darcy draws attention with his fine figure, handsome features, and reputed ten thousand a ye…

Darcy’s Forbidding Manners

Darcy is judged proud, above his company, and unworthy of comparison to his friend; his large Derbyshire estate cannot redeem his forbidding countenance.

Bingley’s Amiability at the Ball

Mr. Bingley proves amiable and lively at the ball, making himself known to everyone, dancing every dance, and lamenting its early close.

Elizabeth Overhears the Conversation

Elizabeth, obliged to sit out two dances, overhears a conversation between Darcy and Bingley in which Bingley urges Darcy to dance.

Darcy Refuses to Dance

Darcy refuses to dance, saying he detests it unless particularly acquainted with his partner, and declares no other woman in the room would not be a punishment.

She Is Tolerable

Darcy, after being asked to notice Elizabeth, admits she is “tolerable” but “not handsome enough to tempt me,” insulting Elizabeth before walking away.

The Bennet Family Returns Home

The Bennet family returns in good spirits to Longbourn, where Mr. Bennet is still awake reading and curious about the evening’s outcome.

Mrs. Bennet Relates the Evening

Mrs. Bennet eagerly recounts the evening’s triumphs to Mr. Bennet: Jane admired by the Netherfield party, danced with twice by Mr. Bingley, and complimented by his sisters.

Mrs. Bennet’s Indignation at Mr. Darcy

Mrs. Bennet expresses indignation at Mr. Darcy’s shocking rudeness, calling him a disagreeable, horrid, conceited man whom she detests.

KAPITEL IV.

Chapter IV of Pride and Prejudice centers on a private conversation between Jane and Elizabeth Bennet about Mr. Bingley, the Bingley sisters, Bingley’s background and circumstances, his friendship with Mr.…

Jane Praises Bingley’s Character

In private, Jane—who had been cautious in her earlier praise—tells Elizabeth how much she admires Mr. Bingley.…

Elizabeth on Jane and Compliments

Elizabeth adds that Bingley is also handsome, “which a young man ought likewise to be if he possibly can,” completing his character.…

Discussion of the Bingley Sisters

Elizabeth teases Jane further for being too apt to like people in general, never seeing faults and never speaking ill of anyone.…

Elizabeth’s Private Judgment

Jane defends the Bingley sisters, saying their manners were unpromising at first but improve on conversation.…

The Bingley Sisters’ Background

The narrator supplies background on the Bingley sisters: they are fine ladies, good-humored when pleased, able to be agreeable when they choose it, but proud and conceited.…

Bingley’s Inheritance and Netherfield

Mr. Bingley inherited nearly a hundred thousand pounds from his father, who had intended but did not live to purchase an estate.…

The Bingley Household at Netherfield

Bingley’s sisters are anxious for him to have an estate of his own, but Miss Bingley is content to preside at his table as a tenant, and Mrs.…