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Chapter 50
The marriage of a daughter, which had been the first object of her wishes since Jane was sixteen, was now on the point of accomplishment, and her thoughts and her words ran wholly on those attendants of elegant nuptials, fine muslins, new carriages, and servants.
In Chapter 50, Mrs. Bennet’s excitement over Lydia’s marriage continues to render her a ridiculous character. Though Lydia must now spend the rest of her life with a scoundrel who took advantage of her, Mrs. Bennet chooses to see only the boon of having finally achieved a marriage for one of her daughters. You can read more about this quote in Quotes by Character: Mrs. Bennet (the fourth quote).
Had Lydia's marriage been concluded on the most honourable terms, it was not to be supposed that Mr. Darcy would connect himself with a family where, to every other objection, would now be added an alliance and relationship of the nearest kind with a man whom he so justly scorned.
In Chapter 50, following the announcement of Lydia’s marriage, Elizabeth realizes that even if the marriage hadn’t been born out of scandal, her chances of ever marrying Darcy are now ruined. She acknowledges to herself that if he proposed again, she would say yes, but he will never want to marry her now that her family connections include Wickham, a man he despises.
She began now to comprehend that he was exactly the man who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her.
In Chapter 50, as she considers Lydia’s marriage to Wickham, Elizabeth thinks of how similar she and Darcy are. It’s only now that she believes there is no chance of Darcy proposing to her again that she realizes they are perfectly compatible.
Chapter 55
But when they see, as I trust they will, that their brother is happy with me, they will learn to be contented, and we shall be on good terms again: though we can never be what we once were to each other.
Jane’s words to Elizabeth in Chapter 55 illustrate her character growth. Where before she was kind to others to the point of being naive, now she is aware of the Bingley sisters’ sabotage of her relationship with their brother. However, she hasn’t lost her gentle disposition; though she is now wise to their true natures, she hopes they will come to accept her as Bingley’s wife. Read more about this quote in Quotes by Character: Jane Bennet (the second quote).
