Pride and Prejudice

Volume 3 Chapter 15

Chapter Summary

- After Lady Catherine leaves, Elizabeth evaluates what has just happened.

- She begins to wonder how the rumor started.

-She concludes that it was the work of the Lucases who were eager for another wedding.

- Elizabeth fears that Lady Catherine will convince Darcy to avoid Elizabeth, but tries to

convince herself it is not her problem.

Chapter Summary- The next morning, Mr. Bennet asks Elizabeth to

come into his library and read a letter he has received from Mr. Collins.

- This letter explains that Mr. Collins has heard that Mr. Darcy has, or will soon, propose to Elizabeth. However, he advises her against

accepting for Lady Catherine’s sake.

- As Mr. Bennet finds out about the supposed relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth, he is surprised and “diverted” by even the thought of

the rumor being true.

The Use of “Divert”1a :  to turn from one course or use to another :  deflect<divert traffic to a side street>b :  distract <trying to divert her attention>

2:  to give pleasure to especially by distracting the attention from what burdens or distresses

At first glance, this word may seem to mean “amused” or “entertained”. However, the true meaning is to give pleasure by distracting the

attention of something distressing.

Question #1How does Mr. Bennet’s reaction when he learnt of

the rumored relationship between his daughter and Mr. Darcy reveal dramatic irony? Given the

true definition of “divert”, do you think Mr. Bennet had a underlying meaning relating to

another event in the novel? If so, what and why?

Question #1- There is dramatic irony because Mr. Bennet is

mocking the possible proposal by Mr. Darcy to

Elizabeth. However, it is known that this has

actually occurred earlier on in the novel.

- Only Elizabeth and Jane are aware of the

proposal. Therefore, the rest of the family is

oblivious of the situation.

Question #1- Mr. Bennet could, or could not have meant

something by his use of “divert”. If he did, it would

be that this amusing news is distracting from the

pain Lydia has caused the family.

- If not, he just used the term for the “amused”

side of the definition. Although, this might just be

the way the term was used during the time period.

Question #2Why was it so surprising to Mr. Bennet that the

rumor was of Mr. Darcy? What would have been his

reaction if it was any other man?

Question #2- Mr Bennet’s reaction was very surprised because

throughout the entire novel, Elizabeth went on about

her vexation towards Mr. Darcy.

- During the first Assembly in Meryton, Elizabeth

was insulted by the way Mr. Darcy spoke of her.

Therefore, he would think it impossible that

Elizabeth would be in a relationship with Mr. Darcy.

Question #2

- If the rumor had been about any other man, Mr.

Bennet would have mocked Elizabeth, asking her

questions about her rumored “love” and making her

feel quite low and awkward.

- His demeaning, sarcastic character reveals this.

Question #3

How does Mr. Collins’s reaction to the rumor reveal

character? How does his relationship with Lady

Catherine affect his relationship with his family?

Question #3- Mr. Collins is a silly, compliant character which is

reflected in his reaction.

- He says “[Elizabeth] and her noble admirer may

be aware of what they are about, and not run hastily

into a marriage which has not been properly

sanctioned.”

- He demonstrates that he likes to follow rules and

abide by social constructs.

Question #3- His relationship with Lady Catherine takes a toll

on his relationship with his family.

- Normally, one would congratulate one’s cousins on

their engagement.

- Since his compliant character and relation with

Lady Catherine deem it to be unacceptable, he

diminishes his already weak relationship with his

closest family.

Thank You