Volume 1: Chapter 8 Summary

Dinner at Netherfield is for Elizabeth an insufferable experience that night. While she is grateful for Mr. Bingley's obvious concern for her sister, Miss. Bingley and Mrs. Hurst (Mr. Bingley's married sister) have no concern whatsoever for Jane when she is not immediately in front of them. As soon as she has finished eating, Elizabeth excuses herself to return to Jane's bedside. The minute she has left the room Miss. Bingley begins abusing her, finding her manners to be bad, a mixture of "pride and impertinence," and lacking in "conversation, style, taste and beauty." Both Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy speak in Elizabeth's defense, but Miss. Bingley is not to be silenced, and although Mrs. Hurst speaks of Jane fondly, it is not without constant reference to her poor connections.

Volume 1: Chapter 8 Analysis

After dinner, we learn that Elizabeth has been...