Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen Chapter 4 Narrated

Read Time < 1 mins

 

Jane and Elizabeth discuss Bingley, and then his sisters. Elizabeth thinks them rude and stand-offish while Jane is determined to think well of everyone. Bingley’s sisters are rich and proud. Bingley has inherited almost a hundred thousand pounds, wealth that has been acquired by trade. Bingley’s father meant to purchase an estate but died, leaving this task to his son. For the moment Bingley is only the tenant of Netherfield. The characters of Bingley and Darcy are opposed. Bingley is easy-going and amiable and trusts his friend’s judgement entirely, while Darcy is cleverer but haughty and reserved. Bingley’s character brings him popularity while Darcy is likely to give offence. Their reaction to the ball illustrates these differences: Bingley is pleased by his new Meryton friends, while Darcy is scornful and critical of everything. The Bingley sisters give Jane their qualified approval as a sweet girl.