Pride and Prejudice Chapter 1 — Summary and Analysis
This article is part of our annotated guide to Pride and Prejudice.
Original Text (Opening)
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
Modern translation: Everyone agrees that a rich single man must need a wife.
Annotation: This opening line is one of the most famous in English literature. It is deeply ironic — Austen is mocking the idea that wealthy men are desperate to marry. In reality, it was poor women (and their mothers) who were desperate to find wealthy husbands. The statement is presented as “universal truth” but is actually social gossip dressed up as fact.
Chapter Summary
The chapter opens at the Bennet family home, Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet excitedly tells her husband that Netherfield Park, a nearby estate, has been leased by a wealthy young man named Mr. Bingley.
| Character | Role |
|---|---|
| Mr. Bennet | Father, sarcastic, loves his library |
| Mrs. Bennet | Mother, obsessed with marrying off her five daughters |
| Mr. Bingley | Wealthy new neighbor, unmarried |
Mrs. Bennet’s single goal is to get one of her daughters married to Mr. Bingley. She urges Mr. Bennet to visit him first (as local etiquette required). Mr. Bennet teases her relentlessly, pretending not to care, before revealing he has already visited Mr. Bingley — delighting his wife.
Key Themes Introduced
Marriage as economics — The chapter immediately establishes marriage as a financial transaction. Mr. Bingley has “good fortune” (money), and Mrs. Bennet sees him as a solution to her daughters’ lack of inheritance (the Bennet estate is entailed away from female heirs).
Pride and prejudice — Mr. Bennet takes pride in his wit and uses it to mock his wife. Mrs. Bennet is prejudiced in favor of any wealthy man. Both characters demonstrate the flaws named in the title.
Irony — Austen’s signature. She says one thing (“universally acknowledged”) while meaning the opposite. The entire novel will use this technique.
Notable Quotes
“What say you, Mary? For you are a young lady of deep reflection, I know, and read great books and make extracts.”
Mr. Bennet’s dry wit on full display — he knows Mary will have nothing useful to say, but asks her anyway to amuse himself.
Chapter 1 Summary (Quick)
- Mrs. Bennet hears Mr. Bingley is moving nearby
- She demands Mr. Bennet visit him
- Mr. Bennet teases her
- He reveals he already visited
- Mrs. Bennet is thrilled
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