Chapter 3
Summary
Mr. Bingley returns Mr. Bennet’s visit but they do not meet him. At the Meryton Assembly ball, the Bennet sisters meet Mr. Bingley and his proud friend Mr. Darcy. Bingley dances with Jane and clearly likes her. Darcy refuses to dance with Elizabeth, insulting her appearance.
Original Text
Mr. Bingley was good-looking and gentlemanlike; he had a pleasant countenance, and easy, unaffected manners.
“She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me.”
Simplified English
Mr. Bingley was handsome and well-mannered. He had a pleasant face and relaxed, natural behavior.
“She is acceptable-looking, but not pretty enough to interest me.”
Vocabulary Notes
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| countenance | face, facial expression |
| unaffected | natural, not pretending |
| tolerable | acceptable, passable |
| tempt | attract, persuade |
Analysis
The Meryton Assembly introduces the novel’s central romantic tensions. Bingley’s immediate attraction to Jane contrasts sharply with Darcy’s cold rejection of Elizabeth. This moment plants the seeds of Elizabeth’s prejudice against Darcy — a prejudice she will need to overcome as she learns his true character. Darcy’s famous insult “not handsome enough to tempt me” is ironic given that he will later fall deeply in love with her.
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