Jane Austen Stories: Pride and Prejudice Part 13

Host: Narrator Dame Julie Andrews (Noiser)
Episode Date: November 11, 2025

Episode Overview

In this emotionally charged episode, Julie Andrews continues her masterful narration of Jane Austen’s classic, focusing on the dramatic events of Chapters 33 and 34 of Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth Bennet’s stay at Hunsford reaches a tipping point, as important revelations come to light about Mr. Darcy's interference in her sister Jane’s happiness, culminating in Mr. Darcy’s intensely awkward marriage proposal—and Elizabeth’s withering refusal. Deep misunderstandings, simmering resentments, and wounded pride are on full display, setting the stage for seismic shifts in both plot and character perspective.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Chance Encounters and Growing Tensions

Elizabeth’s walks in the countryside lead to repeated, seemingly coincidental meetings with Mr. Darcy. His behavior is marked by awkwardness and curiosity—he asks odd, probing questions about her stay and happiness at Hunsford (03:00–04:45).

• Elizabeth’s Perception: She finds his repeated appearances frustrating and is increasingly unsettled by these meetings—wondering if his comments imply intentions toward Colonel Fitzwilliam or possibly herself.
• Darcy’s Awkwardness: He turns back to walk with her, asking about her preferences and opinions but never directly stating his own feelings.
• Quote (Elizabeth’s observation):

  “He never said a great deal, nor did she give herself the trouble of talking, or of listening much.” (03:45)

2. Colonel Fitzwilliam’s Confession and Revelations

Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam share a frank, playful conversation about privilege, marriage, and the limits of choice for the “younger sons” of nobility (06:30–12:40).

• Marriage and Money: Fitzwilliam confesses that, as a younger son, he cannot marry without attention to wealth, highlighting the realities of social class.

  “A younger son, you know, must be accustomed to self denial and dependence.” (07:23, Fitzwilliam)

• Guardianship of Miss Darcy: Fitzwilliam reveals both he and Darcy act as guardians for Darcy’s younger sister, hinting at family responsibilities and hinting at her willful character.
• Critical Revelation:
  Fitzwilliam inadvertently confirms that Darcy interfered in stopping a friend from an “imprudent marriage”—which Elizabeth realizes must be her sister Jane and Mr. Bingley.

  “He congratulated himself on having lately saved a friend from the inconveniences of a most imprudent marriage, but without mentioning names or any other particulars.” (12:35, Fitzwilliam)

• Elizabeth’s Reaction: She is deeply distressed, her indignation growing at Darcy’s presumptuousness and interference.

3. Elizabeth’s Reflections and Pain

Elizabeth revisits her letters from Jane, becoming more convinced of Darcy’s role in her sister’s heartbreak. Her agitation produces a feverish headache and causes her to decline a social invitation to Rosings (15:30–17:50).

• Quote:

  “She was quite decided at last that [Darcy] had been partly governed by this worst kind of pride, and partly by the wish of retaining Mr. Bingley for his sister.” (15:15)

4. Mr. Darcy’s Proposal and Elizabeth’s Refusal

This segment is the crux of the episode, featuring one of the most iconic confrontations in English literature (18:21–32:59).

a. Darcy’s Emotional Declaration

• The Proposal: Darcy arrives, visibly agitated, and, unable to restrain himself, declares his love in a flustered, pride-tinged speech.

  “In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” (19:40, Mr. Darcy)

• Conflicting Emotions: He dwells not only on his affection for Elizabeth but also on the “degradation” of her social standing—a simultaneously passionate and wounding confession.

b. Elizabeth’s Blistering Response

• Initial Reaction: Elizabeth is shocked, then increasingly incensed by his assumption of acceptance and his insulting tone regarding her family.

  “I have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly.” (21:45, Elizabeth)

• Key Accusations:
  • She rejects his proposal, citing both his arrogance and his part in separating Jane and Bingley.
  • She confronts him about Mr. Wickham’s situation, accusing Darcy of injustice and cruelty.

  “You have reduced [Mr. Wickham] to his present state of poverty… You have done all this, and yet you can treat the mention of his misfortunes with contempt and ridicule.” (25:52, Elizabeth)

• Darcy’s Admission and Justification:
  • He does not deny his actions:

    “I have no wish of denying that I did everything in my power to separate my friend from your sister, or that I rejoice in my success.” (26:32, Darcy)

  • He defends his honesty and derides the “inferiority” of her connections.
• Elizabeth’s Withering Condemnation:

  “From the very beginning…your manners impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others… I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed upon to marry.” (29:58, Elizabeth)

c. The Aftermath

• Darcy’s Reaction: Mortified and stung, Darcy quickly leaves.

  “You have said quite enough, madam. I perfectly comprehend your feelings and have now only to be ashamed of what my own have been.” (31:20, Darcy)

• Elizabeth’s Shock: Overcome, she collapses into tears and reflects on the confrontation. She is surprised both by his proposal and the strength of his feelings, but her anger over his actions and “abominable pride” prevails.

5. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Darcy’s Unvarnished Proposal:

  “In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed.” (19:40, Darcy)

• Elizabeth’s Cold Refusal:

  “You could not have made me the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it.” (29:20, Elizabeth)

• On Pride and Prejudice:

  “His pride, his abominable pride, his shameless avowal of what he had done with respect to Jane… soon overcame the pity which the consideration of his attachment had for a moment excited.” (34:06, Elizabeth’s reflection)

Segment Timestamps (Key Scenes)

• 01:07–03:00: Julie Andrews’ recap and seamless segue into Chapter 33
• 03:00–06:30: Elizabeth’s awkward meetings with Darcy
• 06:30–12:40: Walk with Colonel Fitzwilliam, revelations about marriage and money
• 12:40–15:30: Fitzwilliam hints at Darcy’s interference with Bingley and Jane; Elizabeth’s inward turmoil
• 18:21–32:59: Chapter 34—Darcy’s proposal; Elizabeth’s refusal; confrontation about Wickham and Jane
• 34:03–35:30: Elizabeth’s emotional collapse and introspection

Tone and Language

The narration is rich, immersive, and true to Austen’s masterful prose, with Dame Julie Andrews lending warmth and gravitas. The dialogue crackles with wit, irony, and biting emotion, while Elizabeth’s internal monologue captures the searing pain and righteous indignation of a proud, wounded spirit.

Conclusion: Setting the Stage for Revelations

The episode ends with Elizabeth emotionally shattered by her clash with Darcy and poised on the cusp of new revelations. Andrews teases the fallout: a letter is coming that will upend Elizabeth’s understanding of Darcy and Wickham, promising even more dramatic developments in the next installment.

For those unfamiliar with these chapters, this episode stands as one of the emotional and thematic high points of Pride and Prejudice—a riveting battle of pride, misunderstanding, affection, and integrity that radically alters the trajectories of its principal characters.