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Chapter 1
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
The opening line of the novel serves two purposes. First, it introduces Mr. Bingley’s arrival at Netherfield, thereby kicking off the action. Second, it introduces the significance of marriage in 19th-century English society, which will shape the decisions of nearly all of its major characters as the plot unfolds. Read more about this quote in Famous Quotes Explained.
‘Oh! Single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!’
This quote, spoken by Mrs. Bennet in Chapter 1, reveals her immediate reaction to the news that a wealthy young man has arrived at nearby Netherfield Park. To Mrs. Bennet, this is not merely a bit of gossip but an opportunity, and the reader gets a glimpse into what drives her character: the acquisition of well-to-do husbands for her daughters. Read more about this quote in Quotes by Character: Mrs. Bennet (the first quote).
‘I see no occasion for that. You and the girls may go—or you may send them by themselves, which perhaps will be still better; for as you are as handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley might like you the best of the party.’
Mr. Bennet says the above to Mrs. Bennet in Chapter 1 as a means of teasing her about her preoccupation with Mr. Bingley. The interaction defines their dynamic. Throughout the novel, Mr. Bennet regards with amusement the things Mrs. Bennet considers matters of utmost seriousness. Read more about this quote in Quotes by Character: Mr. Bennet (the first quote).
‘They have none of them much to recommend them,’ replied he; ‘they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters.’
This quote, spoken by Mr. Bennet to his wife in Chapter 1, reveals that he has a special fondness for Elizabeth. While Mrs. Bennet values Jane’s beauty and Lydia’s good humor, Mr. Bennet emphasizes that Elizabeth is intelligent, which is why he prefers her to her sisters and wishes to put in a good word for her with Mr. Bingley. Distinguishing Elizabeth in such a way, even before the reader has had a chance to meet her, hints that she will be the novel’s heroine.
The business of her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and news.
In Chapter 1, the narrator describes Mrs. Bennet’s preoccupation with finding advantageous marriages for her daughters as “business,” differentiating it from social activities and gossip, both of which she undertakes for pleasure. Characterizing her this way renders Mrs. Bennet somewhat comical in her single-minded pursuit, but it also underscores the idea that her efforts are a matter of economic necessity, much like a profession. Read more about this quote in Quotes by Theme: Family Influence (the first quote).
Chapter 3
‘If I can but see one of my daughters happily settled at Netherfield,’ said Mrs. Bennet to her husband, ‘and all the others equally well married, I shall have nothing to wish for.’
This quote from Chapter 3 emphasizes the importance of marriage as a source of financial stability. Mrs. Bennet may come across silly at times, but her wish to marry off her daughters is rooted in a very practical fear for their futures, given that when Mr. Bennet dies they will be left without a home. Read more about this quote in Quotes by Symbol: Marriage (the first quote).
His character was decided. He was the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world, and everybody hoped he would never come there again.
This quote from Chapter 3 comes from the novel’s narrator and makes clear the extent to which the other characters have been put off by Darcy’s personality, despite his wealth and status. As the narrative progresses, the reader will come to understand his character is more nuanced, but for now he is merely considered somewhat rude and unpleasant. Read more about this quote in Quotes by Theme: The Impact of First Impressions (the first quote).
I certainly shall not [dance]. You know how I detest it, unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner. At such an assembly as this, it would be insupportable.
Elizabeth overhears this sentiment expressed by Darcy to Bingley in Chapter 3. Darcy’s refusal to dance even while ladies such as Elizabeth are left partnerless suggests to the people of Meryton that Darcy lacks the kind of graciousness one might expect of a gentleman. Read more about this quote in Quotes by Character: Fitzwilliam Darcy (the first quote).
[F]or a kingdom! Upon my honour, I never met with so many pleasant girls in my life as I have this evening; and there are several of them, you see, uncommonly pretty.
In this quote from Chapter 3, Bingley rebukes Darcy’s characterization of the girls at the Meryton assembly, insisting it is full of attractive and agreeable women. His comment makes Darcy’s criticism seem even more uncalled for and juxtaposes Darcy’s arrogant personality with Bingley’s amiable one. Read more about this quote in Quotes by Character: Charles Bingley (the first quote).
‘Which do you mean?’ and turning round, he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and coldly said, ‘She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.’
In Chapter 3, Bingley insists that Darcy dance with Elizabeth, whom Bingley refers to as pretty and agreeable, and the above quote comprises Darcy’s arrogant and ill-mannered response. His words, overheard by Elizabeth, begin their relationship on a sour note. It’s clear that Elizabeth’s first impression of Darcy is not entirely a misunderstanding of his shyness; Darcy, like Elizabeth, possesses a prideful nature, and as the story progresses he must work to achieve a sense of humility. Read more about this quote in Famous Quotes Explained.
Chapter 4
Oh! you are a great deal too apt, you know, to like people in general. You never see a fault in anybody. All the world are good and agreeable in your eyes. I never heard you speak ill of a human being in your life.
This quote, spoken by Elizabeth to Jane in Chapter 4 after the Meryton ball, sets up a contrast between the two sisters. Where Jane is predisposed to see the good in people, Elizabeth is quick to judge. Read more about this quote in Quotes by Character: Jane Bennet (the first quote) and in Quotes by Theme: The Impact of First Impressions (the second quote).
