Plot Summary
Chapter 15 of Pride and Prejudice opens with a detailed portrait of Mr. Collins, the clergyman cousin who stands to inherit the Bennet estate. Austen reveals that Collins is not a sensible man: raised by an illiterate and miserly father, he has developed a peculiar blend of obsequiousness and self-importance. His good fortune in securing the patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh has inflated his already weak sense of self-worth, making him "altogether a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility."
Collins Chooses a Bride
Having secured a comfortable living, Collins has come to Longbourn with a specific matrimonial plan: he intends to marry one of the Bennet daughters as "atonement" for inheriting their father's estate. He initially fixes on Jane, the eldest and most beautiful, but a brief conversation with Mrs. Bennet before breakfast redirects him. Mrs. Bennet hints that Jane is likely to be engaged soon, steering Collins toward Elizabeth instead. The switch is accomplished with comic speed — "done while Mrs. Bennet was stirring the fire" — and Mrs. Bennet is delighted at the prospect of two daughters married.
The Walk to Meryton and Wickham's Introduction
The Bennet sisters (except Mary) walk to Meryton with Mr. Collins. Collins fills the walk with "pompous nothings," but the younger sisters lose interest the moment they enter town and begin scanning the streets for militia officers. Their attention is captured by a strikingly handsome stranger walking with Mr. Denny, an officer they already know. The stranger is introduced as Mr. Wickham, newly arrived from London with a lieutenant's commission. Wickham's appearance and manners are immediately captivating — he is charming, well-spoken, and possesses "a happy readiness of conversation."
The Darcy-Wickham Encounter
While the group is talking, Darcy and Bingley ride up on horseback. Bingley greets the party warmly, directing his attention to Jane, while Darcy accompanies him with a bow. Then Darcy and Wickham catch sight of each other, and the effect is dramatic: "Both changed colour, one looked white, the other red." Wickham touches his hat after a few moments, a salutation Darcy barely deigns to return. Elizabeth, who happens to see both their faces at the moment of recognition, is filled with astonishment and curiosity. Bingley, apparently noticing nothing, takes his leave and rides on.
Mrs. Phillips and the Evening Plans
Wickham and Denny walk the young ladies to Mrs. Phillips's house, where the sisters' aunt welcomes them warmly. Collins introduces himself with elaborate apologies and excessive courtesy, which Mrs. Phillips receives with some awe. The conversation quickly turns to Wickham, though Mrs. Phillips can only confirm what the sisters already know — that Denny brought him from London and he has a commission in the regiment. She promises to invite Wickham to her gathering the following evening, along with several officers, for "a nice comfortable noisy game of lottery tickets, and a little bit of hot supper afterwards." On the walk home, Elizabeth tells Jane about the strange encounter between Darcy and Wickham, but neither sister can explain it.
Themes
This pivotal chapter accomplishes several important narrative tasks. Mr. Collins's character is fully established as a comic creation — pompous, obsequious, and absurdly mechanical in his approach to marriage. The introduction of Wickham sets up the novel's major subplot and provides a foil for Darcy: where Darcy is reserved and proud, Wickham is immediately charming and accessible. The charged encounter between the two men plants seeds of mystery that will drive much of the plot forward. Austen also continues her comic treatment of Mrs. Bennet's matchmaking, which here proves effective as she deftly redirects Collins's attention from Jane to Elizabeth.