Jane Austen Stories: Pride and Prejudice Part 8

Host: Dame Julie Andrews
Episode Release: October 23, 2025
Focus: Chapters 19–21—Mr. Collins’ Proposal, Elizabeth’s Rejection, and Jane’s Disappointment

Episode Overview

This episode of Jane Austen Stories brings a dramatic turn in the fortunes of the Bennet family. Dame Julie Andrews narrates the comic yet uncomfortable proposal from Mr. Collins to Elizabeth Bennet and its swift, emphatic refusal. The episode explores both the social pressures facing Elizabeth and Jane, as well as the fallout from the abrupt departure of Mr. Bingley’s party from Netherfield, shattering Jane's romantic hopes. The tone is at turns wry, poignant, and brisk, true to Austen's original wit and insight.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mr. Collins’ Marriage Proposal to Elizabeth (02:50–13:40)

• Mr. Collins' Rationale for Marriage: Mr. Collins launches into a long, self-important explanation citing duty as a clergyman, personal happiness, and, most importantly, the advice of his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
  • Quote:

    "My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it is a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances like myself to set the example of matrimony in his parish." (07:00, Mr. Collins)

• Lady Catherine’s Influence: He emphasizes Lady Catherine's advice regarding marriage and offers her “notice and kindness” as a substantial benefit to any future wife.
• Estate Inheritance Angle: Collins candidly explains he chose a Bennet daughter to ease their family's pain when Longbourn is entailed away upon Mr. Bennet’s death.
• Elizabeth’s Clear Rejection: Elizabeth finally interrupts, firmly refusing his proposal.
  • Quote:

    "Accept my thanks for the compliment you are paying me... but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than decline them." (10:50, Elizabeth)

• Mr. Collins’ Willful Delusion: He insists her refusal is mere coquetry, a ritual before inevitable acceptance—reflecting Regency social conventions and his own comic obliviousness.
  • Quote:

    “It is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept..." (11:20, Mr. Collins)

2. Familial Reactions and the Family Showdown (13:41–21:30)

• Mrs. Bennet’s Fury & Mr. Bennet’s Defiance:
  • Mrs. Bennet insists that Elizabeth marry Collins, resorting to threats of never speaking to her again.
  • Mr. Bennet delivers the standout parental intervention:
    • Quote:

      "An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr Collins. And I will never see you again if you do." (18:52, Mr. Bennet)

• Mrs. Bennet’s Desperation:
  • She tries to recruit Jane and Charlotte Lucas to her cause, but both politely refuse to interfere. Mrs. Bennet's lamentations about her "nerves" underscore her comic melodrama.
• Mr. Collins’ Dignified Withdrawal—Sort Of:
  • He attempts to resign himself and apologizes for any offense, claiming that his “object has been to secure an amiable companion for myself, with due consideration for the advantage of all your family.” (23:30, Mr. Collins)
  • He quickly turns his attentions to Charlotte Lucas, signaling a new plot twist.

3. The Bingleys Leave Netherfield – Jane’s Disappointment (24:15–35:05)

• Letter from Caroline Bingley: Jane receives a message explaining the Bingley party’s abrupt departure for London with “no intention of coming back again.”
  • Quote:

    “I do not pretend to regret anything I shall leave in Hertfordshire, except your society, my dearest friend…” (27:08, Caroline Bingley's letter)

• Elizabeth’s Skepticism: Lizzy believes Caroline is manipulating the situation, working to keep her brother away from Jane and steer his affections toward Georgiana Darcy (Mr. Darcy’s sister).
  • Quote:

    "Miss Bingley sees that her brother is in love with you and wants him to marry Miss Darcy... and tries to persuade you that he does not care about you." (29:12, Elizabeth)

• Jane’s Goodness: Jane charitably suggests Caroline must be mistaken, not deceitful—a recurring theme of Jane’s character.
• Elizabeth’s Blunt Logic:
  • Lizzy is clear-eyed throughout, both about Mr. Collins’ ridiculousness and about Miss Bingley’s motives.
• Resolution for Mrs. Bennet:
  • Even after hearing only part of the truth, Mrs. Bennet is “exceedingly unlucky” yet clings to hope Bingley will soon return, already planning a grander dinner.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Mr. Collins’ Self-Importance and Tone-Deafness:

  “To fortune I am perfectly indifferent, and shall make no demand of that nature on your father, since I am well aware that it could not be complied with…” (09:21, Mr. Collins)

• Elizabeth’s Wit and Defiance:

  "Upon my word, sir... your hope is rather an extraordinary one after my declaration. I do assure you that I am not one of those young ladies… who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the chance of being asked a second time." (11:45, Elizabeth)

• Mr. Bennet’s Standout Interjection:

  "Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do." (18:52, Mr. Bennet)

• Mrs. Bennet’s Petulant Lament:

  “If you take it into your head to go on refusing every offer of marriage in this way, you will never get a husband at all. And I am sure I do not know who is to maintain you when your father is dead. I shall not be able to keep you. And so I warn you, I have done with you from this very day.” (22:25, Mrs. Bennet)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:50–13:40] – Mr. Collins’ proposal & Elizabeth’s repeated refusals
• [13:41–21:30] – Aftermath: Mrs. Bennet’s reaction, Mr. Bennet’s intervention
• [24:15–35:05] – Jane receives Caroline Bingley’s letter; sisters analyze motives and prospects

Tone and Language

Julie Andrews' narration preserves Austen's sly wit and brisk dialogue, vividly voicing both comic absurdities and heartfelt emotion. Collins’ oblivious bombast and Lizzy’s sharp intelligence are played to their full satirical effect. Domestic tension is always colored by humor; heartbreak never dwelled upon for long before logic—or laughter—intervenes.

Closing Teaser

Julie highlights the cliffhanger: Elizabeth’s friendship with Charlotte Lucas is under threat, and Mr. Collins prepares a second proposal—hinted to land elsewhere. Listeners are invited to join the next episode for more twists in the lives of the Bennet sisters and their associates.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking an in-depth but accessible guide to this pivotal episode, with the spirit of Regency England and Austen’s humor preserved.