Jane Austin uses the first few chapters to set the tone, and voice of the rest of the novel. She introduces the main characters, their personalities, and their relationships with one another. Being acquainted with the personalities of Elizabeth, Jane, and Mrs. Bennett, is an important part of understanding the significance of seemingly inconsequential events. Also, the theme of the book is introduced. We meet Mr. Bingley, and the party living with him at Netherfield (which is larger than it is in the movie.) The manners of the two single men are described as complete opposites: Mr. Bingley is "agreeable" and "well-mannered" while Mr. Darcy is seen as proud, and haughty.
One of the first major plot developments is when Jane catches cold on the way to Netherfield. This illness not only continues the growth of her relationship with Mr. Bingley, but also is the beginning of the twisted feelings between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, who comes to tend to her sister. During this long stay at Netherfield, we learn about the personalities of its inhabitants. Mr. Bingley's two sisters sink even further in Elizabeth's opinion as the days drag on. She finds them false, proud, and the only good she sees in them is their "affection" for her sister. In the same turn, Miss Bingley, who thinks Elizabeth is simple and rude, becomes jealous when she discovers that Mr. Darcy doesn't dislike her as much as he had originally expressed. Caroline (Miss Bingley) spends most of her time trying to occupy his attention, and showing off in order to gain his praise. It's rather pathetic, and annoying. All the while, Elizabeth sees this, and finds her amusement in listening to them talk, Caroline trying to impress Mr. Darcy, and he being completely uninterested. She also notices that he watches her, and rather wonders-to someone who had thought so little of her before-what he finds interesting now.
At this point, I've just heard Mr. Bennett announce to his wife that the man who is to inherit their property when he dies, is coming to visit. She replies that she'd prefer if he never mentioned Mr. Collins, and protests how sad it is that when he dies, his daughter will have nowhere to go. She believes that her husband could have done something about it, and her daughters attempt to explain to her how an entailment works, with no success.
Here goes chapter 14!
