CHAPTER XX

Summary

• Mrs. Bennet, eager to celebrate Elizabeth's engagement to Mr. Collins, rushes to congratulate him, only to be surprised when he recounts Elizabeth's steadfast refusal of his proposal.
• Mr. Collins misinterprets Elizabeth’s refusal as a sign of modesty and delicacy, while Mrs. Bennet expresses disbelief and resolves to bring Elizabeth "to reason."
• Mrs. Bennet tries to convince Mr. Collins that Elizabeth’s refusal is due to headstrong foolishness, but he begins to doubt whether Elizabeth would make a desirable wife if she exhibits such traits.
• Alarmed by Mr. Collins’ hesitation, Mrs. Bennet hurries to Mr. Bennet, asking him to pressure Elizabeth into marrying Mr. Collins.
• Mr. Bennet sarcastically tells Elizabeth that she must choose between him and her mother, as the latter insists on the marriage while he openly disapproves of it, leaving Elizabeth feeling amused.
• Mrs. Bennet becomes frustrated with Mr. Bennet for refusing to support her demands and storms off to pressure Elizabeth herself, using a combination of coaxing, threatening, and complaints about her “poor nerves.”
• Elizabeth remains firm in her refusal, sometimes responding with playful gaiety, while her sister Jane refrains from taking sides to keep the peace.
• Mr. Collins isolates himself to reflect on the situation, feeling wounded by Elizabeth's rejection but rationalizing it as a loss of value in his estimation, rather than regretting her refusal.
• Charlotte Lucas visits the Bennets amidst this turmoil and becomes privy to the situation thanks to the excited accounts of Lydia and Kitty.
• Mrs. Bennet tries to enlist Charlotte's help in persuading Elizabeth to accept Mr. Collins, complaining about being “cruelly used” by her family.
• Mrs. Bennet continues to berate Elizabeth in front of others, blaming her for risking her future security and claiming no pleasure in dealing with undutiful children.
• Mr. Collins eventually informs Mrs. Bennet that he will withdraw his proposal and resign himself to the situation, framing it as his moral duty and implying Elizabeth may not have been an ideal match after all.
• Mr. Collins offers a formal apology for the perceived missteps in his handling of the proposal but maintains his belief that his intentions were noble and beneficial for all parties.