8 Greatest Pride and Prejudice Infographics

8 Greatest Pride and Prejudice Infographics

I have a confession to make. Sadly, I am but a humble fan of Pride and Prejudice. I am not an author, professor, researcher, or archivist who dutifully spends countless hours immersed in everything Pride and Prejudice. No my faithful fanatics. I have a day job. *gasp*

My day job involves countless hours of reviewing lots and lots of data, squinting at spreadsheets and then presenting information. It is not nearly as glamorous as I just made it sound either.

But fortunately for me (and for you!) I'm really good at my job. The reason for this is because I enjoy data. I love taking large datasets apart and presenting something meaningful. It's like a little treasure hunt and it is very rewarding... to me at least.

In the coming weeks, I will be using these unique skills and combining them with my passion for Pride and Prejudice to bring you the most in depth Pride and Prejudice Infographics you will ever see. Want to know which characters are mentioned the most? Which chapters have the most words? Travel distance for Mr. Collins? Seriously. I'm surprised Lady Catherine let him leave her sight as often as he made the journey to Longbourn.

Anything and everything that can be picked apart, will be and we'll be presenting to you all in weekly installments. So stay tuned for that.

If you do not know what an infographic is, I have scoured Pinterest for some fabulous examples.  Let me know in the comments what details you are interested in seeing captured in an infographic and I will see what I can do.










Thanks for stopping by For Pride and Prejudice
-Krystal

List of Characters in Pride and Prejudice

List of Characters in Pride and Prejudice

Below is a list of the major characters included in the novel Pride and Prejudice.  See complete list of all characters including descriptions and analysis, on my Characters Resource Page.

Elizabeth Bennet—protagonist, the second of five daughters; pragmatic and independent; her father’s favorite

Miss Jane Bennet—Elizabeth’s older sister; wants to see the best in everyone;

Mary Bennett—the plain, bookish middle sister

Miss Catherine (Kitty) Bennett—easily led and shallow fourth daughter

Lydia Bennet—the youngest sister, flirty and undisciplined

Mr. Bennet—their father, cynical and permissive

Mrs. Bennet—their mother, whose main goal is to find husbands for her daughters

Charlotte Lucas—Elizabeth’s best friend

Sir William and Mrs. Lucas—The Bennets’ neighbors

Mr. Collins—the Bennet girls’ overbearing cousin, a priggish clergyman who stands to inherit Longbourn, the Bennets’ entailed estate

The Gardiners—Mrs. Bennet’s brother and sister-in-law who live in London

George Wickham—an attractive militia officer stationed near the Bennets

Mr. Charles Bingley—unmarried, wealthy young man who has leased nearby Netherfield

Miss Caroline Bingley—Mr. Bingley’s sister

Mrs. Hurst—Bingley’s married sister

Mr. Hurst—Bingley’s brother-in-law

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy—Bingley’s prideful, wealthy friend

Miss Darcy—Darcy’s sister

Col. Fitzwilliam—a relation of Darcy whose status as second son leaves him with little wealth

Lady Catherine de Bourgh—a condescending wealthy snob; patron of Collins; aunt of Darcy

See complete list of all characters including descriptions and analysis, on my Characters Resource Page.

Biography of Jane Austen

Biography of Jane Austen 

Source: PrideGuide

Jane Austen was born December 16, 1775, to Rev. George Austen and the former Cassandra Leigh in Steventon, Hampshire. Like the families in many of her novels, the Austens were a large family of respectable lineage but no fortune. She was one of eight children. Her letters to her only sister Cassandra (the surviving letters date to 1796) are the primary source of biographical information.

Although she never married, her letters to Cassandra and other writings reveal several romantic entanglements, including a very brief engagement (which lasted only one evening). She moved several times around the English countryside, but information about her work is somewhat sketchy. She began to write as a teenager, though kept her work hidden from all but her immediate family. Legend has it that while she was living with relatives after her father’s death in 1805, she asked that a squeaky hinge on the room’s swinging door not be oiled. This way, she would have enough time to hide her manuscripts before someone entered the room.

Her brother Henry helped her sell her first novel, Sense and Sensibility, to a publisher in 1811. Her father unsuccessfully tried to get a publisher to look at her novel First Impressions when she completed it in 1797. This was the novel that later became Pride and Prejudice, and was published in 1813 to highly favorable reviews. Mansfield Park was published in 1814, and then Emma in 1816.

The title page of each book referred to one or two of Austen’s earlier novels—capitalizing on her growing reputation—but did not provide her name. In 1816, she began to suffer from ill health. At the time, it was thought to be consumption but it is now surmised to have been from Addison’s disease.

She travelled to Winchester to receive treatment, and died there on July 18, 1817 at age 41. Persuasion and Northanger Abbey were published together posthumously in December 1817 with a “Biographical Notice” written by her brother Henry, in which Jane Austen was, for the first time in one of her novels, identified as the author.

Jane Austen’s England

Source: PrideGuide

Jane Austen’s England 

The English Regency

The English Regency, in its most literal interpretation, encompasses the years 1811 to 1820. It began when the Prince of Wales was appointed Regent of England after his father, King George III, fell insane. The Industrial Revolution, which had begun in the mid-18th century, continued to bring innovation to the Western hemisphere during this era, while the political world remained entangled in wars and revolutions.

In the Regency’s broader interpretation—when used to describe periods of art, literature, fashion, design, and architecture—the Regency can encompass years as early as 1790 and as late as 1830. Britain was transformed by the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century.

Until then most people lived in the countryside and made their living from farming. By the mid 19th century most people in Britain lived in towns and made their living from mining or manufacturing industries.


Rules for Society During the English Regency 

Below is a list of standard practices of behavior during this time period and some of the ways the story is impacted as a result.

General Behavior 

• A man always walks or rides on the outside of the woman on the street (so that she is protected from the street).
• You should not fidget, bite your nails, or scratch. You should stand or sit sedately and move in a smooth and graceful manner.
• Be cheerful and smile, but do not laugh loudly.
• A man never smokes in the presence of ladies. After dinner is served at a dinner party and the women retire to the drawing room the men may remain behind to smoke.
• You should not sit with your legs crossed (unless gracefully at the ankles)
• Never lift your skirts above the ankles.
 • Gentleman should bow to a lady before leaving, rather than simply walking away.
• Among men, handshakes are exchanged only between those of equal class.
• Gloves must be worn at all times and may only be removed at the supper table (or buffet).

Greeting/Introductions 

• A man always waits for a woman; she acknowledges him first with a bow and then he may tip his hat, using the hand furthest away from her.
• It is rude to introduce yourself; you must wait to be introduced formally by someone else, especially when the other person is of a higher rank. This is why Elizabeth tries to dissuade Mr. Collins from approaching Mr. Darcy.
• When acknowledging a woman with whom a man is familiar, with whom he wishes to speak, he may turn and walk with her as she speaks. It is not mannerly to make a woman stand in the street.
• When first meeting a gentleman the lady should acknowledge him with a bow of the head and a curtsey. When a lady knows a gentleman she may acknowledge him with a bow of the head.
• A lady waits to be introduced to a gentleman and never introduces herself.
• When introduced to a man a lady never offers her hand, she merely bows/curtsies politely and says, “I am happy to make your acquaintance.”
• If someone greets you, or visits you, you must respond in kind. This is why Elizabeth thinks Darcy is proud and contemptuous when he barely acknowledges Wickham, and why Jane is offended that Caroline’s return visit to her at her aunt’s house is rudely brief.
• When entering the dining room, people generally enter in couples, with the rank of the ladies determining the order. This is why after she returns with Wickham, Lydia declares she will enter before her sisters, as a married woman outranks an unmarried one.

Visiting/Travel 

• A lady may never call on a man alone.
• Visitors should give advance warning of their arrival (like Mr. Collin’s letter to Mr. Bennet). This is why it is especially shocking when Lady Catherine arrives unannounced.
• In a carriage, a gentleman sits facing backward. A gentleman should never sit next to a lady when he is alone with her in a carriage unless he is her direct relation.
• A lady under thirty years old should not walk alone without another lady, man, or servant unless walking to Church in the early morning. This makes Elizabeth’s walk to Netherfield to visit Jane mildly scandalous.

 Dancing/Balls 

• A lady never dances more than two dances with the same partner. Two would last approximately half an hour.
• Dancing is one of the few places respectable women can talk to a man privately (that’s why balls play such an important role in finding a spouse.)
• It is considered rude for a lady to turn down an invitation from a gentleman to dance.
• A man at a ball is expected to dance if there are any ladies not already engaged. This is why it is an affront that Darcy does not dance with Elizabeth at the first ball.

Status of Women in the Aristocracy 

• As Darcy and Elizabeth discuss, women are expected to be “accomplished”, which includes activities such as reading, riding, singing, playing piano, sewing, dancing and playing music. Society does not allow ladies of a higher class to have a profession.
• Women have no power of earning money, therefore it is their duty to marry as well as possible (hence Mrs. Bennet’s obsession).
• If a woman does not marry, she is forced to rely on the charity of her male relatives.
• Whatever a married woman inherits becomes the property of her husband (which is why Wickham actively seeks a wealthy and naïve heiress).
• If a woman engages in sexual activity or even the vaguest hint of it, she is considered ineligible for marriage or for any lower class (but respectable) position such as governess, teacher, or paid companion. This is why it was so important to get Lydia married to Wickham after they had run off together.
• Formal, academic education is not considered important for women. Most women are taught at home, and studies focused on “accomplishments” and wifely duties rather than academics.

Conversation 

• Conversation should be appropriate to your gender, age, and class.
• Women should not debate—for example, fiscal or military policy—but they may comment on the price of veal or the welfare of their cousins in the army.
• Shouting, arguing, or whistling are essentially forbidden.
• When speaking to someone of a higher social standing, it is critical to remember the correct forms of address and be polite but not overly familiar.
• It is not polite to discuss money or the advantage of a particular marriage in public. This is why Elizabeth is so embarrassed when her mother declares the likelihood of Jane’s marriage to Bingley.

How old is Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice the novel by Jane Austen?

Elizabeth Bennet is 20 in the novel Pride and Prejudice.

From the novel:

Lady Catherine seemed quite astonished at not receiving a direct answer;
and Elizabeth suspected herself to be the first creature who had ever
dared to trifle with so much dignified impertinence.

"You cannot be more than twenty, I am sure, therefore you need not
conceal your age."

"I am not one-and-twenty."

How do Elizabeth and Darcy overcome their Pride and Prejudice in Pride and Prejudice?

Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" pirouettes on the stage of social misunderstandings, fueled by the very flaws embedded in its title. Elizabeth Bennet, sharp-witted and fiercely independent, wears her prejudice against wealth and arrogance like a well-worn defense. Mr. Darcy, burdened by his social standing and a hefty dose of pride, fails to see past his own haughty mask to appreciate the fiery intellect and lively spirit hiding behind Elizabeth's witty jabs. Their path to love, however, is not a simple waltz; it's a tango of humbling experiences and self-discovery, where pride and prejudice must reluctantly surrender to understanding.

Elizabeth's first brush with self-reflection arrives after Darcy's proposal, a disastrous affair laced with condescending pronouncements. "You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you," his words sting, exposing the ugly underbelly of his pride. Yet, it's his letter revealing the truth about Wickham that truly cracks her carefully constructed prejudice. Witnessing Darcy's hidden depths of generosity and loyalty forces her to confront her own misjudgments. "What are men to rocks and mountains?" she scolds herself, acknowledging the absurdity of judging based on mere assumptions. This introspection culminates in her visit to Pemberley, where Darcy's kindness to his tenants and unwavering support for the Bennets during Lydia's elopement further dismantles her preconceived notions. "I have been most cruelly mistaken," she confesses, a testament to her newfound humility and willingness to admit her fallibility.

Darcy's journey to shed his pride is equally fraught with stumbles. Elizabeth's sharp wit and unwavering spirit, at first mere annoyances, slowly morph into grudging respect and, eventually, fervent admiration. "Her face, at least, does not betray her heart," he observes, a stark contrast to his initial dismissive judgement. The sting of her rejection serves as a brutal reality check, stripping away his sense of entitlement and forcing him to confront his flaws. "You must learn to amend," he instructs himself, embarking on a path of self-improvement that prioritizes genuine connection over social standing. His decision to publicly apologize to Elizabeth and offer assistance to the Bennets is a stark declaration of his internal transformation. "To overcome prejudice,” he muses, “one must first acknowledge its grip.”

Ultimately, both Elizabeth and Darcy conquer their defining flaws through a willingness to look beyond their own distorted reflections. Elizabeth embraces self-awareness, valuing true character over societal trappings, while Darcy sheds his arrogance to embrace genuine humility. Their love story becomes a testament to the transformative power of self-reflection and the humbling dance of shedding pride and prejudice. "In every marriage," Elizabeth whispers, echoing a universal truth, "a little bit of giving in is necessary on both sides.” Their happily-ever-after is not simply a romantic triumph, but a shared victory over their individual flaws, proving that true love flourishes where pride surrenders to understanding and prejudice gives way to acceptance.

Why did Jane Austen name Pride and Prejudice Pride and Prejudice?

Originally titled First Impressions, Jane Austen changed the name of her ever enduring novel to Pride and Prejudice after a recommendation from her publisher. She had great success with her first published novel, Sense and Sensibility, and get publisher wanted her next novel to cash in on that popularity. By having the title follow the same naming convention, they believed her novel would be an instant success.

I don't think any of them could have envisioned just how successful the novel would become.

What is Pride and Prejudice?

Pride and Prejudice is a famous novel by Jane Austen. The novel centers around the concept of love, marriage, and during the  regency era in England.

Published in 1813, the novel remains at the top of the world's best novels lists. 200 years later, the tale of romance between Elizabeth and Darcy endures.

Does anyone die in Pride and Prejudice?

Thankfully no characters are killed off in Pride and Prejudice.

There are characters who have passed on and are mentioned in the book, but nobody dies within the text.

Some deceased characters mentioned:
Sir Darcy (Senior)
Lady Anne Darcy
Bingley's father
Mr. Collins (Senior)
Mr. Wickham (Senior)

Is Pride and Prejudice a satire or a parody?

Pride and Prejudice is considered a satire, not a parody. While it employs humor and exaggeration to critique the societal norms and class prejudices of its time, it does so in a way that aims to expose their underlying absurdity and encourage reflection, rather than simply imitating or mocking them for comedic effect.

Additionally, the characters in Pride and Prejudice, despite their flaws, are generally treated with depth and nuance, while parodies tend to rely on broader caricatures and one-dimensional representations.

Therefore, satire best captures the essence of Pride and Prejudice's approach to its subject matter.

What is the point of view of Pride and Prejudice?

The novel Pride and Prejudice is told from the third person point of view.

The point of view of a novel usually decides which characters we sympathize with. In the novel, Elizabeth Bennett is the focal character allowing the audience to feel as if the story is told about her experiences through an unbiased lense.

Mr. Bennet Passed Away

For each of us, there is only one.

One special actor portraying one special character.

For me, and thus for this website, that one is Mr. Benjamin Whitrow.  He was our Mr. Bennet.  He was our quintessential father figure in a story that is as timeless as his performance.  I can vividly recall my first viewing of Pride and Prejudice.  It was in my senior year of English Literature in 2002.  Our teacher put on the video for the 1995 adaptation from the BBC.  At that time, I had neither heard nor seen anything at all to do with Jane Austen nor Pride and Prejudice.  After the first installment, I was in love.  I would never dream to say that I fell in love with Jane Austen's works based solely on the performance of one actor, but if there is one actor that has stood out over the course of time from my initial viewing it would have to be Benjamin Whitrow.

His animation of the text, his vivacity of character, his overall essential being... he is Mr. Bennet to me. I cannot imagine a world of Pride and Prejudice without him, which provides a simple solace to trying to live in a real world without him.

Thank you, Ben for your contribution to Pride and Prejudice.  May your timeless performance outlive all those that could possibly appreciate it.

Do you pay attention to first impressions?

There's a reason why Jane Austen titled her first draft of Pride and Prejudice as First Impressions.  It is so very easy to misinterpret the intentions of others.

First impressions are all about people interacting with each other, so a novel called First Impressions puts the idea of people meeting and interacting with other people front and center. The focus is on manners, behavior, and outward appearance.

First impressions matter. Not just because some one else told you they do, but because they just do.  Think back on the last person you met.  Truly.  Think about it.

What was this person wearing?
What was the first word this person said to you?
How did the person leave the room/area/vicinity?

Chances are you can answer at least one of the questions above.  Even if you didn't actively try to remember those minute details, you still did.  This is because it is human nature to pay attention to first impressions, even if we have no intention of actively doing so.

Here's the thing about meeting people: in order to actually meet them, you have to be involved.  Even if just a little bit.  It's quite a lot different in our day than in Jane's.  There are not strict, set regimental rules regarding the approach to society as there were in Jane's time. Back then, you wouldn't even THINK to approach a stranger and introduce yourself (ahem, Mr. Collins addressing Mr. Darcy at the Netherfield ball. AHEM) without someone else paving the way for you.  Nowadays, we forge relationships with strangers all over the world online, regularly mix social circles at work, school, home, etc., and we share so much of our lives on social media. The first impressions we make nowadays often occur without us even knowing we've made an impression or whom we've made an impression on.

I don't think Jane could have had the ability to have the foresight to understand just how connected we would be in the future as we are now. Nowadays, everyone either knows everyone or knows someone who knows someone... there is no anonymity.  It's actually 1 part comforting and 1 part terrifying.

I guess it's a good thing she decided to call her novel 'Pride and Prejudice' instead of 'First Impressions'.... we're all better for it.

How might you react if another person completely misinterpreted your actions or intentions?

That is the entire premise of the novel Pride and Prejudice.

The novel is centered around two main characters - Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

Essentially, it all boils down to these characters being attracted to another, but every step along the way they misunderstand eachother.  He thinks she is beneath him.  She thinks that he thinks he is too good for her.

Ultimately, they both work through their differences and at the end of the novel they are able to reconcile their differences. 

Is Mr. Darcy related to anyone else in Pride and Prejudice?

Mr. Darcy has one sister (Georgiana), an aunt (Lady Catherine de Bough), a male cousin (Colonel Fitzwilliam), a female cousin (Anne de Bough), and a mother (Anne) mentioned by name in the novel Pride and Prejudice. He has a father who is like a father to George Wickham whose relationship is described as(in reference to the relationship between the later Mr. Darcy and young George Wickham):

My father supported him at school, and afterwards at Cambridge--most important assistance, as his own father, always poor from the extravagance of his wife, would have
been unable to give him a gentleman's education. My father was not only
fond of this young man's society, whose manners were always engaging; he
had also the highest opinion of him, and hoping the church would be
his profession, intended to provide for him in it.

When does Mr. Wickham meet Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice?

They meet in Chapter 16 in Meryton.

But the attention of every lady was soon caught by a young man, whom
they had never seen before, of most gentlemanlike appearance, walking
with another officer on the other side of the way. The officer was
the very Mr. Denny concerning whose return from London Lydia came
to inquire, and he bowed as they passed. All were struck with the
stranger's air, all wondered who he could be; and Kitty and Lydia,
determined if possible to find out, led the way across the street, under
pretense of wanting something in an opposite shop, and fortunately
had just gained the pavement when the two gentlemen, turning back, had
reached the same spot. Mr. Denny addressed them directly, and entreated
permission to introduce his friend, Mr. Wickham, who had returned with
him the day before from town, and he was happy to say had accepted a
commission in their corps. This was exactly as it should be; for the
young man wanted only regimentals to make him completely charming.
His appearance was greatly in his favour; he had all the best part of
beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address.
The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness
of conversation--a readiness at the same time perfectly correct and
unassuming; and the whole party were still standing and talking together
very agreeably, when the sound of horses drew their notice, and Darcy
and Bingley were seen riding down the street. On distinguishing the
ladies of the group, the two gentlemen came directly towards them, and
began the usual civilities. Bingley was the principal spokesman, and
Miss Bennet the principal object. He was then, he said, on his way to
Longbourn on purpose to inquire after her. Mr. Darcy corroborated
it with a bow, and was beginning to determine not to fix his eyes
on Elizabeth, when they were suddenly arrested by the sight of the
stranger, and Elizabeth happening to see the countenance of both as they
looked at each other, was all astonishment at the effect of the meeting.
Both changed colour, one looked white, the other red. Mr. Wickham,
after a few moments, touched his hat--a salutation which Mr. Darcy just
deigned to return. What could be the meaning of it? It was impossible to
imagine; it was impossible not to long to know.

In another minute, Mr. Bingley, but without seeming to have noticed what
passed, took leave and rode on with his friend.

Mr. Denny and Mr. Wickham walked with the young ladies to the door of
Mr. Phillip's house, and then made their bows, in spite of Miss Lydia's
pressing entreaties that they should come in, and even in spite of
Mrs. Phillips's throwing up the parlour window and loudly seconding the
invitation.



Is Mr. Darcy Mr. Bennet's favorite son-in-law?

No.

Sarcastic answer: His favorite son-in-law is Mr. Wickham.

Actual answer: it is probably a bit of a tie between Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy (assuming Kitty and Mary either have no husbands or do not marry so well).

How can I say this?  Well, lets first go to the text with regards to his sentiments about Mr. Wickham.

"I admire all my three sons-in-law highly," said he. "Wickham, perhaps,
is my favourite; but I think I shall like _your_  [Elizabeth's] husband quite as well
as Jane's."

Now, if you just read the above without ever having read the rest of the novel, you would assume that Mr. Bennet like Mr. Wickham the most.  Natural assumption to make.

However, I would like to conjecture this is not the case at all.  Mr. Bennet is notorious through the novel of being ironic, sardonic, satirical, and generally a pretty bad narrator of his own story.  So to read the text above and to understand what he truly means are completely separate.

Here's where we need to really delve into the realm of interpretation.

It is my personal belief that Mr. Bennet would probably like Mr. Bingley most.  For starters, Mr. Bingley quite enjoys his routine. Mr. Bennet's library at Longbourn, in Pride and Prejudice, is a zone of mystery and, eventually, of guilt. We know from the book that it is a ground-floor room and that it contains a writing table, at least two chairs, and a quantity of books. Mr. Bennet habitually goes there after breakfast and stays most of the day, coming out for dinner and tea but going back between tea and supper while the rest of the family might more sociably be reading aloud, playing backgammon, or having some music. "[W]ith a book," we are told, "he was regardless of time". He likes to have the room "to himself", but on several occasions his solitude is breached, notably, of course, when he has to entertain marriage proposals for his daughters.

From this routine we can hazard a guess that any disruption from said daily goings-on in the world of Mr. Bennet would result in a reduced opinion on behalf of Mr. Bennet.

Lizzy marrying Darcy?  Well that in itself is not particularly disruptive.  A bit of a hooplah at the start but eventually the excitement would die down.  But! his wife would be too intimidated by Mr. Darcy himself to cause too much of a ruckus directly to Elizabeth or Darcy.  Who bears the brunt of her "nerve"?  Mr. Bennet (and potentially Mary if she remains at home a spinster).

Not the case for Bingley and Jane.  Bingley is so open and welcoming and just so... nice that if Mrs. Bennet has any dramatics about anything - which she always does - she will and most assuredly does take it all out on the couple directly.  Which is probably why, after only one year of marriage, the Bingley's move closer to Pemberley.

Of course Mr. Bennet would get hit with some shrapnel or fallout from a Mrs. Bennet blow-out, but not nearly as bad as how I imagine it would play out with Mrs. Bennet having a tiff with Elizabeth and Darcy.

So for me, Mr. Bennet's favorite son-in-law is the son-in-law who provides an outlet for Mrs. Bennet to release her nerves upon outside of himself.

Mr. Bennet's favorite son-in-law is Mr. Bingley in my humble (and I truly mean that) opinion.

Who is Mr Bennet's favorite son in law?

Sarcastic answer: Mr. Wickham.

Actual answer: it is probably a bit of a tie between Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy (assuming Kitty and Mary either have no husbands or do not marry so well).

How can I say this?  Well, lets first go to the text with regards to his sentiments about Mr. Wickham.

"I admire all my three sons-in-law highly," said he. "Wickham, perhaps,
is my favourite; but I think I shall like _your_  [Elizabeth's] husband quite as well
as Jane's."

Now, if you just read the above without ever having read the rest of the novel, you would assume that Mr. Bennet like Mr. Wickham the most.  Natural assumption to make.

However, I would like to conjecture this is not the case at all.  Mr. Bennet is notorious through the novel of being ironic, sardonic, satirical, and generally a pretty bad narrator of his own story.  So to read the text above and to understand what he truly means are completely separate.

Here's where we need to really delve into the realm of interpretation.

It is my personal belief that Mr. Bennet would probably like Mr. Bingley most.  For starters, Mr. Bingley quite enjoys his routine. Mr. Bennet's library at Longbourn, in Pride and Prejudice, is a zone of mystery and, eventually, of guilt. We know from the book that it is a ground-floor room and that it contains a writing table, at least two chairs, and a quantity of books. Mr. Bennet habitually goes there after breakfast and stays most of the day, coming out for dinner and tea but going back between tea and supper while the rest of the family might more sociably be reading aloud, playing backgammon, or having some music. "[W]ith a book," we are told, "he was regardless of time". He likes to have the room "to himself", but on several occasions his solitude is breached, notably, of course, when he has to entertain marriage proposals for his daughters.

From this routine we can hazard a guess that any disruption from said daily goings-on in the world of Mr. Bennet would result in a reduced opinion on behalf of Mr. Bennet.

Lizzy marrying Darcy?  Well that in itself is not particularly disruptive.  A bit of a hooplah at the start but eventually the excitement would die down.  But! his wife would be too intimidated by Mr. Darcy himself to cause too much of a ruckus directly to Elizabeth or Darcy.  Who bears the brunt of her "nerve"?  Mr. Bennet (and potentially Mary if she remains at home a spinster).

Not the case for Bingley and Jane.  Bingley is so open and welcoming and just so... nice that if Mrs. Bennet has any dramatics about anything - which she always does - she will and most assuredly does take it all out on the couple directly.  Which is probably why, after only one year of marriage, the Bingley's move closer to Pemberley.

Of course Mr. Bennet would get hit with some shrapnel or fallout from a Mrs. Bennet blow-out, but not nearly as bad as how I imagine it would play out with Mrs. Bennet having a tiff with Elizabeth and Darcy.

So for me, Mr. Bennet's favorite son-in-law is the son-in-law who provides an outlet for Mrs. Bennet to release her nerves upon outside of himself.

Mr. Bennet's favorite son-in-law is Mr. Bingley in my humble (and I truly mean that) opinion.

How does Mr Darcy save Lydia?

Long story short: Mr. Darcy essentially forces Mr. Wickham to marry Lydia after he tracks them both down in London. Mr. Darcy understood Mr. Wickham's character and knew that Wickham was only after Lydia as a quick conquest. After finding the pair in London he met with Mr. Gardiner (Lydia's uncle) to discuss the circumstances that brought Darcy and Wickham together.  After ensuring he personally took care of the final details, all that was left was to guarantee Lydia was saved from disgrace by Wickham leaving without marrying her, Darcy attended their wedding.  He was there to ensure Wickham showed up and held up his end of the wedding.  This may be one of the earliest examples of a shotgun wedding, although in this case it is Mr. Darcy who is holding the shotgun rather than an enraged father.

Short story long: it is probably best to read the text for yourself to get a full understanding of Mr. Darcy's involvement with the marriage between Lydia Bennet and Mr. Wickham.  This is very handily captured for us in the letter from Mrs. Gardiner to her niece Elizabeth Bennet.



On the very day of my coming home from Longbourn, your uncle had a most
unexpected visitor. Mr. Darcy called, and was shut up with him several
hours. It was all over before I arrived; so my curiosity was not so
dreadfully racked as _yours_ seems to have been. He came to tell Mr.
Gardiner that he had found out where your sister and Mr. Wickham were,
and that he had seen and talked with them both; Wickham repeatedly,
Lydia once. From what I can collect, he left Derbyshire only one day
after ourselves, and came to town with the resolution of hunting for
them. The motive professed was his conviction of its being owing to
himself that Wickham's worthlessness had not been so well known as to
make it impossible for any young woman of character to love or confide
in him. He generously imputed the whole to his mistaken pride, and
confessed that he had before thought it beneath him to lay his private
actions open to the world. His character was to speak for itself. He
called it, therefore, his duty to step forward, and endeavour to remedy
an evil which had been brought on by himself. If he _had another_
motive, I am sure it would never disgrace him. He had been some days
in town, before he was able to discover them; but he had something to
direct his search, which was more than _we_ had; and the consciousness
of this was another reason for his resolving to follow us.

"There is a lady, it seems, a Mrs. Younge, who was some time ago
governess to Miss Darcy, and was dismissed from her charge on some cause
of disapprobation, though he did not say what. She then took a large
house in Edward-street, and has since maintained herself by letting
lodgings. This Mrs. Younge was, he knew, intimately acquainted with
Wickham; and he went to her for intelligence of him as soon as he got to
town. But it was two or three days before he could get from her what he
wanted. She would not betray her trust, I suppose, without bribery and
corruption, for she really did know where her friend was to be found.
Wickham indeed had gone to her on their first arrival in London, and had
she been able to receive them into her house, they would have taken up
their abode with her. At length, however, our kind friend procured the
wished-for direction. They were in ---- street. He saw Wickham, and
afterwards insisted on seeing Lydia. His first object with her, he
acknowledged, had been to persuade her to quit her present disgraceful
situation, and return to her friends as soon as they could be prevailed
on to receive her, offering his assistance, as far as it would go. But
he found Lydia absolutely resolved on remaining where she was. She cared
for none of her friends; she wanted no help of his; she would not hear
of leaving Wickham. She was sure they should be married some time or
other, and it did not much signify when. Since such were her feelings,
it only remained, he thought, to secure and expedite a marriage, which,
in his very first conversation with Wickham, he easily learnt had never
been _his_ design. He confessed himself obliged to leave the regiment,
on account of some debts of honour, which were very pressing; and
scrupled not to lay all the ill-consequences of Lydia's flight on her
own folly alone. He meant to resign his commission immediately; and as
to his future situation, he could conjecture very little about it. He
must go somewhere, but he did not know where, and he knew he should have
nothing to live on.

"Mr. Darcy asked him why he had not married your sister at once. Though
Mr. Bennet was not imagined to be very rich, he would have been able
to do something for him, and his situation must have been benefited by
marriage. But he found, in reply to this question, that Wickham still
cherished the hope of more effectually making his fortune by marriage in
some other country. Under such circumstances, however, he was not likely
to be proof against the temptation of immediate relief.

"They met several times, for there was much to be discussed. Wickham of
course wanted more than he could get; but at length was reduced to be
reasonable.

"Every thing being settled between _them_, Mr. Darcy's next step was to
make your uncle acquainted with it, and he first called in Gracechurch
street the evening before I came home. But Mr. Gardiner could not be
seen, and Mr. Darcy found, on further inquiry, that your father was
still with him, but would quit town the next morning. He did not judge
your father to be a person whom he could so properly consult as your
uncle, and therefore readily postponed seeing him till after the
departure of the former. He did not leave his name, and till the next
day it was only known that a gentleman had called on business.

"On Saturday he came again. Your father was gone, your uncle at home,
and, as I said before, they had a great deal of talk together.

"They met again on Sunday, and then _I_ saw him too. It was not all
settled before Monday: as soon as it was, the express was sent off to
Longbourn. But our visitor was very obstinate. I fancy, Lizzy, that
obstinacy is the real defect of his character, after all. He has been
accused of many faults at different times, but _this_ is the true one.
Nothing was to be done that he did not do himself; though I am sure (and
I do not speak it to be thanked, therefore say nothing about it), your
uncle would most readily have settled the whole.

"They battled it together for a long time, which was more than either
the gentleman or lady concerned in it deserved. But at last your uncle
was forced to yield, and instead of being allowed to be of use to his
niece, was forced to put up with only having the probable credit of it,
which went sorely against the grain; and I really believe your letter
this morning gave him great pleasure, because it required an explanation
that would rob him of his borrowed feathers, and give the praise where
it was due. But, Lizzy, this must go no farther than yourself, or Jane
at most.

"You know pretty well, I suppose, what has been done for the young
people. His debts are to be paid, amounting, I believe, to considerably
more than a thousand pounds, another thousand in addition to her own
settled upon _her_, and his commission purchased. The reason why all
this was to be done by him alone, was such as I have given above. It
was owing to him, to his reserve and want of proper consideration, that
Wickham's character had been so misunderstood, and consequently that he
had been received and noticed as he was. Perhaps there was some truth
in _this_; though I doubt whether _his_ reserve, or _anybody's_ reserve,
can be answerable for the event. But in spite of all this fine talking,
my dear Lizzy, you may rest perfectly assured that your uncle would
never have yielded, if we had not given him credit for _another
interest_ in the affair.

"When all this was resolved on, he returned again to his friends, who
were still staying at Pemberley; but it was agreed that he should be in
London once more when the wedding took place, and all money matters were
then to receive the last finish.

"I believe I have now told you every thing. It is a relation which
you tell me is to give you great surprise; I hope at least it will not
afford you any displeasure. Lydia came to us; and Wickham had constant
admission to the house. _He_ was exactly what he had been, when I
knew him in Hertfordshire; but I would not tell you how little I was
satisfied with her behaviour while she staid with us, if I had not
perceived, by Jane's letter last Wednesday, that her conduct on coming
home was exactly of a piece with it, and therefore what I now tell
you can give you no fresh pain. I talked to her repeatedly in the most
serious manner, representing to her all the wickedness of what she had
done, and all the unhappiness she had brought on her family. If she
heard me, it was by good luck, for I am sure she did not listen. I was
sometimes quite provoked, but then I recollected my dear Elizabeth and
Jane, and for their sakes had patience with her.

"Mr. Darcy was punctual in his return, and as Lydia informed you,
attended the wedding. He dined with us the next day, and was to leave
town again on Wednesday or Thursday. Will you be very angry with me, my
dear Lizzy, if I take this opportunity of saying (what I was never bold
enough to say before) how much I like him. His behaviour to us has,
in every respect, been as pleasing as when we were in Derbyshire. His
understanding and opinions all please me; he wants nothing but a little
more liveliness, and _that_, if he marry _prudently_, his wife may teach
him. I thought him very sly;--he hardly ever mentioned your name. But
slyness seems the fashion.

"Pray forgive me if I have been very presuming, or at least do not
punish me so far as to exclude me from P. I shall never be quite happy
till I have been all round the park. A low phaeton, with a nice little
pair of ponies, would be the very thing.

"But I must write no more. The children have been wanting me this half
hour.

"Yours, very sincerely,

"M. GARDINER."

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