Jane Austen Stories – Pride and Prejudice Part 25

Host/Narrator: Dame Julie Andrews (for Noiser)
Date: December 23, 2025
Episodes Covered: Chapters 58–61 (Finale)

Overview

In this climactic and heartfelt finale of "Pride and Prejudice," Dame Julie Andrews narrates the final turn of events for Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and their families. The episode explores the aftermath of Lady Catherine’s dramatic visit, Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s long-awaited candid conversation, mutual professions of love, subsequent engagements, and the resolutions of supporting characters’ stories. Gentle, witty, and warmly insightful, Andrews gracefully brings to a close the journey of misunderstandings, growth, and ultimate happiness at the heart of Jane Austen’s classic.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. After Lady Catherine: The Walk and Emotional Declarations

[01:47–17:50]

• Bingley's Visit: Instead of keeping Mr. Darcy away, Bingley arrives at Longbourn with him soon after Lady Catherine’s confrontation.

• The Walk: The party goes for a walk; Jane and Bingley deliberately lag behind, while Elizabeth, Darcy, and Kitty form the leading group.

• Confession of Gratitude: With Kitty soon excused, Elizabeth and Darcy are left alone.

  • Elizabeth bravely thanks Darcy for his "unexampled kindness to [her] poor sister Lydia."
    • Quote:

    "I can no longer help thanking you for your unexampled kindness to my poor sister Lydia."
    (Elizabeth, 05:10)

• Darcy’s Motivation: Darcy admits his actions were for Elizabeth’s happiness alone, not the family's.

  • Quote:

    "If you will thank me, let it be for yourself alone that the wish of giving happiness to you might add force to the other inducements which led me on, I shall not attempt to deny, but your family owe me nothing—much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you."
    (Darcy, 06:27)

• The Renewed Proposal: Darcy reiterates his unchanged feelings, inviting Elizabeth to respond candidly.

• Elizabeth Returns His Affection: She, now transformed in her feelings, admits her change—“with gratitude and pleasure.”

• Discussion of Misunderstandings:

  • The two revisit their earlier falling out—Elizabeth’s sharp criticism ("had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner"), Darcy’s “unpardonable” behavior, and his subsequent self-improvement.
  • Quote:

    "Your reproof so well applied, I shall never forget: 'Had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner.' Those were your words — you know not, you cannot conceive how they have tortured me."
    (Darcy, 10:09)

  • Elizabeth and Darcy share mutual regret over harsh judgments and acknowledge their self-growth.

• Letter Reflections: Darcy hopes Elizabeth destroyed his explanatory letter due to its "dreadful bitterness." Elizabeth counters, noting the letter "did not end so."

2. Family Revelations and Consent

[27:57–50:16]

• Back at Longbourn: Elizabeth is pressed by Jane and the family about her mysterious walk. She initially evades; then confides in Jane about her engagement.

• Jane's Amazement and Support: Jane finds the idea incredible, but ultimately offers wholehearted congratulations, ensuring Elizabeth’s sincerity and happiness.

  • Quote:

    "My dear Lizzy, I would—I do—congratulate you. But are you certain?... Do you really love him?"
    (Jane, 32:32)

• Mr. Bennet’s Reaction:

  • Darcy applies to Mr. Bennet for Elizabeth’s hand. Mr. Bennet, anxious, questions Elizabeth’s change of heart and ascertains that her affection is real.
  • Quote:

    "Have you any other objections," said Elizabeth, "than your belief of my indifference?"
    "None at all. We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man, but this would be nothing if you really liked him."
    (Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet, 39:47)

  • Elizabeth’s assurances and recounting of Darcy’s past aid to the family sway Mr. Bennet, who grants his blessing.

• Mrs. Bennet's Reaction: Overjoyed by the grandeur Darcy brings, she indulges in visions of Lizzy’s future “pin money,” carriages, and jewels, proving her approval is boundless when advancement is at stake.

3. Further Consequences & Closing Resolutions

[51:17–77:45]

• Elizabeth and Darcy—Playfulness Restored:

  • The couple jokingly dissect how Darcy could possibly have fallen in love with Elizabeth despite (or because of) her “impertinence.”
  • Quote:

    "For the liveliness of your mind I did."
    (Darcy, 52:14)

• Family and Connections:

  • Elizabeth writes to her aunt with glee, while Darcy pens the difficult letter to Lady Catherine, who reacts with fury.
  • Mr. Bennet writes slyly to Mr. Collins:

    "Dear Sir, I must trouble you once more for your congratulations. Elizabeth will soon be the wife of Mr. Darcy. Console Lady Catherine as well as you can, but if I were you, I would stand by the nephew. He has more to give."
    (Mr. Bennet, 57:31)

  • Miss Bingley expresses insincere delight; Georgiana, heartfelt joy at gaining Elizabeth as a sister.
  • Mr. Collins and Charlotte return to Lucas Lodge, escaping Lady Catherine's wrath.

• Social Adjustments:

  • Darcy bears well the excessive civility and vulgarity of some extended family, much to Elizabeth’s concern.
  • Jane and Bingley take an estate near Derbyshire to remain close to the Darcys.
  • Lydia and Wickham’s marriage remains unsettled and financially strained, with Lydia continuing to seek help.
  • Kitty flourishes away from Lydia, improving under the guidance of her elder sisters.
  • Mary becomes Mrs. Bennet’s companion at home, finding some relief in no longer being compared unfavorably.

• Wider Community Reactions:

  • Lady Catherine is initially livid, but over time is reconciled (curiosity and familial ties overcoming pique).
  • The Gardiners are warmly included in the Darcys’ circle, recognized as key to Lizzy and Darcy’s union.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Darcy’s Growth:

  "I have been a selfish being all my life... Such I was from eight to eight and twenty, and such I might still have been, but for you. Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth, what do I not owe you?"
  (Darcy, 13:53)

• On Falling in Love:

  "I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun."
  (Darcy, 52:07)

• Elizabeth’s Joy:

  "I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but no one, one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane. She only smiles, I laugh."
  (Elizabeth’s letter to Mrs. Gardiner, 55:31)

• Mrs. Bennet's Change of Heart:

  "Mr. Darcy! Who would have thought it? And is it really true? Oh, my sweetest Lizzy, how rich and how great you will be...I'm so pleased, so happy. Such a charming man. So handsome, so tall."
  (Mrs. Bennet, 45:54)

• Banter Restored:

  "My good qualities are under your protection, and you are to exaggerate them as much as possible. And in return, it belongs to me to find occasions for teasing and quarreling with you as often as may be."
  (Elizabeth, 53:22)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:47] – Recap and entrance of Bingley and Darcy at Longbourn
• [05:10] – Elizabeth thanks Darcy for helping Lydia
• [06:27] – Darcy confesses his selflessness toward Elizabeth
• [10:09] – Darcy reflects on Elizabeth’s piercing rebuke
• [13:53] – "What do I not owe you?" – Darcy declares his transformation and gratitude
• [27:57] – Jane’s incredulity and eventual joy about Elizabeth’s engagement
• [39:47] – Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth’s emotional conversation
• [45:54] – Mrs. Bennet’s effusive approval
• [52:07] – Darcy explains how love for Elizabeth overtook him
• [55:31] – Elizabeth’s radiant happiness in her letter to her aunt
• [57:31] – Mr. Bennet’s witty letter to Mr. Collins
• [69:15–73:00] – The resolutions: Jane and Bingley’s move, Kitty’s improvement, Lydia and Wickham’s continuing troubles, Lady Catherine’s reluctant acceptance, the Gardiners’ warm welcome
• [77:35] – Final thanks and closing remarks from Julie Andrews

Tone & Language

• The narration by Dame Julie Andrews is warm, arch, and sensitive, perfectly matching Austen’s style—ironically witty but deeply humane.
• Emotional moments are given due gravity, while comic and farcical family reactions are handled with affectionate humor.
• The exchanges between Elizabeth and Darcy are especially lively and sincere, echoing both the maturity they've gained and the teasing playfulness that marks their relationship.

Summary

Pride and Prejudice Part 25 brings the beloved story to a joyful yet nuanced close. Elizabeth and Darcy finally confess their true feelings beneath the shadow of past misunderstandings and family pressures, proving that honesty, humility, and self-improvement can unite even the most unlikely hearts. Jane and Bingley, steadfast and sweet, settle into nearby happiness. Kitty finds herself improved by proximity to her elder sisters, while Lydia and Wickham remain the cautionary tale. Mr. Bennet wryly blesses the match, and Mrs. Bennet, ever mercenary, rejoices in her daughter's grand fortune. The episode closes with elegant reflections on family, love, social change, and the enduring wisdom of Austen’s humor and compassion.

A perfect conclusion to Austen’s masterpiece, charmingly rendered by Dame Julie Andrews for listeners old and new.