Pride & Prejudice Read-Along | Week 4

Welcome to Week 4 of the Pride & Prejudice read-along! You can learn more about the read-along schedule in this  invitation post . (We're reading 2 chapters a day.)

Today we're going to discuss chapters 12-19 of volume 2 and chapters 1-6 of volume 3. If you came prepared, go ahead and share your thoughts in the comments section or in your own post! (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to the Pride & Prejudice read-along tag .) If you still have to catch up on some reading, you're welcome to check in later this week or whenever you're ready. :)

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

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Pride & Prejudice Volume II: Chapters 12-19 and 
Volume III: Chapters 1-6
Discussion Format: One favorite quote, some general impressions, and three questions for each week's reading.
Favorite Quote

"Elizabeth was shocked to think that, however incapable of such coarseness of expression herself, the coarseness of the sentiment was little other than her own breast had formerly harbored and fancied liberal!"

General Impressions

True character really comes to light in this section...

Mr. Darcy tells all in his letter, and then reveals a change in his attitude and interactions with Elizabeth when she visits Pemberley with her aunt and uncle. He displays forgiveness, care, and kindness.

Elizabeth begins to realize her own prejudice and the unkindness lurking in her heart. She opens her mind to the words of those who know Darcy and Wickham best, and she shows tenderness to Georgiana by seeing behind the "proud" mask to the fear and shyness beneath.

Jane is as sweet as ever, taking care of her aunt and uncle's children while they go off with her sister on vacation, and then displaying hope and love in the face of scandal and pain.

Mr. Bingley is also as sweet as ever, showing through his conversation and thoughtfulness that Jane and Elizabeth have been on his mind and heart during their time apart.

Miss Bingley sadly attacks Elizabeth (verbally, behind her back) and shows little to no cordiality upon their reunion. Her selfishness and pride leak through her actions and words.

Mr. Wickham and Lydia have run away together, with no guarantee of marriage or commitment, and no thought of how their choice would affect others.

Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet both show selfish tendencies. The narrator and Elizabeth come down rather harshly on Mr. Bennet in chapter 19 (volume II) for the way he views his wife and the way he chooses to hide among his books rather than lead his family. Meanwhile, Mrs. Bennet is quick to seek folly and blame others for the consequences, thinking too much of frivolity and little of propriety.

Mr. Collins...well, his letter in chapter 6 (volume III) really says it all, doesn't it? He may think he made a narrow escape, but I think Elizabeth's the one who can claim that victory.

And now we just have one more week of reading to go! But there is still a lot to be resolved. Lydia and Mr. Wickham are nowhere to be found... Mr. Darcy has disappeared, and his relationship with Elizabeth is a mystery to onlookers... Jane and Mr. Bingley obviously care for each other, but are still separated... And the fate of the Bennet family hinges on a marriage.

Discussion Questions

Feel free to answer one, two, or all three of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post!

1. Who do you think has changed the most since the beginning of the story? What are some examples of how he or she has changed for the better or for the worse?

2. What are your impressions of Pemberley (Darcy's home), including the appearance, the location, and the people who work/live there?

3. If you were a Bennet daughter and got word of Lydia's disappearance, do you think you'd respond more like Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, or Kitty?

Join us next Tuesday for our final discussion! (Vol. III: Ch. 7-19)