Plot Summary
Chapter 20 of Pride and Prejudice opens immediately after Elizabeth's refusal of Mr. Collins's marriage proposal. Mr. Collins, far from being discouraged, interprets Elizabeth's rejection as the natural modesty of an elegant female. Mrs. Bennet, who has been anxiously waiting outside the breakfast room, congratulates Collins on what she assumes is a successful proposal. When she learns the truth, she is horrified and declares she will speak to Elizabeth directly, calling her "a very headstrong, foolish girl."
Mr. Collins's Wavering
Ironically, Mrs. Bennet's description of Elizabeth as headstrong causes Mr. Collins to reconsider the match entirely. He reasons that a woman with "defects of temper" would not contribute to his happiness. Mrs. Bennet quickly backtracks, insisting that Elizabeth is headstrong only in such matters and is otherwise perfectly good-natured. She rushes to Mr. Bennet's library, demanding that he order Elizabeth to accept Collins.
Mr. Bennet's Famous Verdict
Elizabeth is summoned to the library, where her father delivers one of the novel's most celebrated speeches. He tells her: "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." Elizabeth smiles at this unexpected support, while Mrs. Bennet is excessively disappointed to discover her husband sides with their daughter.
Charlotte Lucas Arrives
Mrs. Bennet continues her campaign, alternately coaxing and threatening Elizabeth, and even attempting to enlist Jane's help. Meanwhile, Mr. Collins meditates on the rejection, his pride hurt but his feelings largely unaffected since his regard for Elizabeth was "quite imaginary." Charlotte Lucas arrives to find the household in uproar. Lydia gleefully shares the gossip, and Mrs. Bennet begs Charlotte to persuade Elizabeth. The chapter closes with Mr. Collins formally withdrawing his suit, delivering a long-winded speech about resignation to inevitable evils and the duty of a young clergyman blessed with early preferment.