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Summary: Mrs. Bennet and her daughters visit their neighbours, the Lucases. The Lucas family lives at Lucas Lodge, a short walk from Longbourn. Sir William Lucas was once a tradesman and had been knighted while, he was a mayor. By nature, he is inoffensive, friendly, obliging and courteous. Lady Lucas is a very good woman, though not clever. Of her several children, Charlotte Lucas, a sensible, intelligent young woman of 27, is the oldest and is Elizabeth’s close friend. The ladies discuss the ball and much is made about Jane’s triumph: her two dances with Mr. Bingley. The conversation then shifts to the cold, haughty Darcy. Charlotte makes a relevant point: Darcy has a right to be proud because of his family fortune, wealth and good looks. Elizabeth who has been piqued by Darcy’s insulting remarks, says “I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine. Mary then launches on a pompous but trite distinction between pride and vanity.
Critical Analysis: This chapter is devoted to a discussion of Darcy’s character in terms of his pride—and through it the revelation of prejudice against him is made. It is to Jane’s advantage that she has observed that Darcy does not know many people in this part of the country, but among his acquaintances he is remarkably easy and pleasant. Charlotte also feels that a man who has as much to offer as Darcy has a right to be somewhat proud. To this even Elizabeth gives assent. Thus, pride in a person is seen as justifiable if it is well-grounded and does riot transgress the limits. The lecture on pride given by Mary is a nonsensical collection of platitudes, that have no bearing on his personality.