Nutshell Summary

The novel opens with the Bennet family in upheaval with excitement over the arrival of the Bingleys, a new family renting a neighbouring estate, particularly because of the prospect of Mrs Bennet being able to marry off one of her five daughters to Mr Bingley. Although wealthy enough to maintain an estate (called Longbourn), the family only has daughters, meaning that their wealth will be passed along to a cousin, the odious Mr Collins, so it is imperative for the girls to marry well. Mrs Bennet is especially keen that one of her daughters should marry Mr Collins to ensure the property stays within the family’s hands, and Mr Collin proposes to Elizabeth, but she refuses him. He instantly proposes to Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth’s best friend, and she grimly accepts him for his wealth. An attraction develops between the serene eldest daughter Jane and the handsome Mr Bingley. However, our main character – the witty and lively Elizabeth Bennet – immediately dislikes Mr Darcy, the handsome though haughty (and extremely wealthy!) friend of Mr Bingley. Meanwhile, Mr Darcy grows to admire Elizabeth.