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Chapter 46
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Pride and Prejudice, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Pride
Prejudice
Family
Marriage
Class
Summary
Analysis
In the carriage, Mr. Gardiner wonders if Jane might be right in hoping for the best: Wickham knows Lydia has no money and stands to lose his reputation with his regiment, so what else could he be after but marriage? Elizabeth assures them that Wickham is an awful person, capable of anything.
Elizabeth knows from Darcy's story that Wickham has no morals and is therefore capable of anything. Only marrying him can save Lydia's reputation, and that of her entire family.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
At Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet is holed up in her room, frantic with nervousness, and blames Colonel Foster for not watching over Lydia. She tells Mr. Gardiner to make Lydia and Wickham marry when they are found—and to make Lydia consult her about finding the best deals on wedding dresses.
Mrs. Bennet always tries to keep herself in the right, so she blames Colonel Foster rather than herself. And she's just as superficial and frivolous as ever: how can she worry about dresses at a time like this?
Themes
Literary Devices
Quiz
Test Yourself
Elizabeth and Jane dissect the situation. They are relieved that apparently Lydia did think she was getting married, which they can tell from a note she left for Mrs. Forster signed "Lydia Wickham."
If Lydia had not intended to marry, and was just after a sexual fling, she would be seen an indecent "fallen woman."
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
