Keyword Guide · study-guide
This guide explains Chapter 17 of Pride and Prejudice, a key turning point in Elizabeth Bennet’s story. It’s designed for quick review, class discussion, and essay preparation without relying on third‑party summaries.
Mr. Collins formally proposes marriage to Elizabeth Bennet. His speech focuses on duty, convenience, and social expectations rather than affection. Elizabeth clearly refuses, but Mr. Collins assumes her response is a polite form of acceptance, creating tension and humor.
Elizabeth shows independence, honesty, and confidence by standing firm in her refusal. Mr. Collins appears self-important and oblivious, valuing status and approval over genuine connection. Their interaction highlights how differently they view marriage.
Marriage as a social contract is central to this chapter. Austen contrasts practical, status-driven matches with marriages based on respect and choice. The chapter also explores gender expectations and a woman’s right to say no.
This chapter reinforces Elizabeth’s role as a nonconformist and sets her apart from characters who accept unhappy matches. It also prepares readers to evaluate later proposals in the novel by establishing clear standards for love and respect.
This page covers the same chapter but offers an original, student-focused explanation. It does not copy or replace any third-party study guide.
It shows how marriage is often treated as a social duty and helps define Elizabeth’s values early in the novel.
Focus on how Elizabeth’s refusal challenges social norms and compare her views on marriage with other characters in the novel.
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