Kate Hamill's Pride & Prejudice: A Synopsis
Thank you to Trinity Repertory Theater for permission to reprint this synopsis written by Jessica Hatem Lanman, study guide edited by Stephanie Risch.
Mrs. Bennet is determined to see her daughters married. This is a practical concern since women can’t inherit land. When Mr. Bennet dies, the Bennet home will go to a distant cousin, leaving the girls homeless and destitute. Still, this does not make Mrs. Bennet’s prodding and methods of husband-catching any less mortifying for her daughters, particularly the smart and stubborn Lizzy, who has no interest in marrying at all. Lizzy goes so far as to turn down a proposal by the distant cousin, even though it directly hurts her family. She simply can’t risk being unhappy for a lifetime, as she sees her parents doing.
While her mother does everything she can to set up Lizzy’s older sister Jane with the sweet (and wealthy) Bingley, Lizzy is forced to interact with Mr. Darcy, a gravely serious man that Lizzy finds to be unbearably proud. Darcy, in turn, finds Lizzy completely prejudiced against him, although he comes to appreciate her wit and intelligence. The two still clash, particularly when Lizzy meets Lt. Wickham, an old acquaintance of Darcy’s that says Darcy denied him his inheritance. Lizzy can find nothing redeemable about Darcy, a position that only worsens when Bingley unexpectedly moves back to London, and Lizzy learns Darcy played a direct role in it.
While visiting her newly married friend Charlotte, Lizzy meets Darcy again and confronts him about Wickham and Jane’s unhappiness when Darcy unexpectedly declares he has feelings for her. Lizzy is surprised to learn Wickham was denied his inheritance only after he’d tried to seduce Darcy’s very young sister. Darcy also encouraged Bingley to leave when it seemed Jane didn’t care about him. Lizzy corrects Darcy’s assumptions about Jane – she likes Bingley very much, she’s just shy and proper. Both humbled, they still part ways badly with Lizzy declaring she could never marry a man such as Darcy, and Darcy promising to never whisper a romantic word around her again. Lizzy remains upset with Darcy’s presumptions until she talks it over with Charlotte, who helps her see she has been unfair to Darcy.
Lizzy’s visit to Charlotte is cut short when word comes that her youngest sister, the boy-crazy Lydia, has run off with Wickham. Darcy is the one who tracks the pair down and pays Wickham to marry Lydia, saving her reputation. He also brings Bingley to the Bennet home, allowing Jane to finally express her feelings, and the two become engaged. Lizzy is deeply moved by all of Darcy’s actions and finally sees all the good in him, as he sees in her. Perhaps she was too quick to say she would never marry. Still she is uncertain of their future together; his aunt does not approve of her, and her family is ridiculous. Darcy encourages her to let all of that go and dance with him.
More about Pride & Prejudice:
Jane Austen + Pride & Prejudice
Literary Manager and Dramaturg Kamilah Bush explores the life and time period of Jane Austen.
Behind the Curtain: Kate Hamill on Pride & Prejudice
Kate Hamill chats with PCS Literary Manager & Dramaturg Kamilah Bush about adapting Jane Austen, artistic inspiration, the slippery slope of AI, and the strangely complex joy of reality television.
Pride & Prejudice Discussion Questions
See it! Talk about it! Discussion questions for Kate Hamill's Pride and Prejudice provided by Trinity Repertory Theater.
Behind the Curtain: The Rules of Regency Courtship
PCS Literary Manager & Dramaturg Kamilah Bush on the rules of marriage and romance during the Regency era.
Behind the Curtain: The Rules of Regency Courtship
PCS Literary Manager & Dramaturg Kamilah Bush on the rules of marriage and romance during the Regency era.
Kate Hamill's Pride & Prejudice: A Synopsis
A brief synopsis of Kate Hamill's theatrical adaption of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Jessica Hatem Lanman with the permission of Trinity Repertory Theater.
Pride & Prejudice Discussion Questions
See it! Talk about it! Discussion questions for Kate Hamill's Pride and Prejudice provided by Trinity Repertory Theater.
Current & Upcoming
BIPOC Affinity Night: Pride & Prejudice
Join us for our BIPOC Affinity Night for Pride & Prejudice! Enjoy complimentary beverages from Deschutes Brewery, local vendors on our mezzanine, and live music from local R&B act West Note. A free pre-show event :)
COMMUNION by Matthew LaBanca
Fired by the Catholic Church for marrying his husband, Matthew LaBanca transforms his true story into a powerful evening of music, humor, and hope.
PCS Presents: The Pride & Prejudice Halloween Tea Dance
We are throwing a Halloween themed Tea Dance!
Pride & Prejudice is closing and being taken over by zombies looking to whet their appetite before Halloween. Part costume party - Part Halloween Celebration, Part Regency era courting ritual, All afternoon discotheque tea dance vibes. End your weekend on a spooky note with a somewhat civilized if not undead costume dance party.
Regency era and/or Zombie attire encouraged.
Hosted by the fabulous Mona Chrome.
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Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating 20 years at The Armory.
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Our final First Thursday of the calendar year is going to be a special one! Enjoy live music from local act Kiki & The Cuties, our gallery exhibit Then. Now. Next. 20 Years at The Armory, and of course grab yourself a complimentary beer courtesy of Deschutes Brewery. Doors at 5PM, see ya there!!
PCS Teens: Fall Improv Classes
Through fun games, acting lessons, and spontaneous character creation these classes will unlock your inner creative genius and give you the chance to get out of your comfort zone in a fun and safe environment.
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
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