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Chapter 38
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Pride and Prejudice, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Pride
Prejudice
Family
Marriage
Class
Summary
Analysis
On their way to Longbourn, Elizabeth and Jane are met by Kitty and Lydia, who talk constantly about the soldiers. Lydia tells them the regiment will soon leave for Brighton, and that she hopes to convince their parents to take everyone there for the summer. Lydia adds, with delight, that the girl Wickham was pursuing has left town, leaving Wickham available.
Lydia is completely blind to the reality of Wickham's situation. Like Elizabeth, she doesn't care about marrying for money. But she also doesn't seem to care about marrying for love. She just seems to be "boy crazy."
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
When they arrive home, Mr. Bennet is glad to see Elizabeth and Jane, Mrs. Bennet wants to hear about the latest fashions, and Kitty and Lydia want to walk to Meryton to see the officers. To avoid seeing Wickham, Elizabeth chooses not to accompany them.
A portrait of the Bennet family's different interests. Elizabeth's desire to avoid Wickham highlights her own embarrassment for being wrong about him.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
