Chapter 2

Summary

Mr. Bennet is one of the first callers on Mr. Bingley, and he withholds this information merely to vex his wife. Still in the dark about her husbandÂ’s visit, Mrs. Bennet seems ludicrously desperate to have her husband call on the new neighbor, and her husbandÂ’s incessant talk about Mr. Bingley seems to rub salt over her wounds. As Mrs. Bennet grows more impatient and irritated with her husband, he casually informs his wife and daughters about his visit. They are all astonished at his promptness, and Mrs. Bennet is full of praise for him. She remarks that he is an "excellent father." Mr. Bennet, disgusted with his wifeÂ’s outburst, leaves the room to take refuge in his study.

Notes

The second chapter is filled with unimportant events, but through them the author shows how important Mr. BingleyÂ’s arrival is to the country village. Everyone seems to be excited that a man of means is to live amongst them. The Bennets are particularly excited. Mr. Bennet is one of the first persons to visit Bingley at Netherfield Park, but he chooses to keep his visit a secret from his family. Mrs. Bennet, unaware of the visit, grows impatient and irritated with her husband for not greeting the eligible newcomer. Mrs. Bennet also reveals her preference for Lydia, her youngest daughter who is vain and stupid, and for Mary, the third daughter who pretends to be scholarly and reflective and is actually pompous and silly.

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