Presumably Elizabeth does not wish to believe that opinions she regards as thoroughly wrong could in fact be held by her best friend. She is helped in her dismissal of her friend's words by her own tendency to laugh at things.

17. This type of precise examination and evaluation of a woman's physical attributes is something often found in Jane Austen's novels, both among male and female characters. It also appears in her letters (where it is sometimes applied to men as well). Darcy's initial evaluation of Elizabeth's face gives a sense of how sharp he can be in his judgments.

18. the fashionable world: elite society.

19. easy: relaxed, easy-going.

20. These glimpses into Darcy's thinking, which will be repeated in the early part of the novel, are virtually the only times the reader sees the inner thoughts of anyone besides Elizabeth; they also go beyond what is revealed about the inner thoughts of any other hero in Jane Austen's novels. The glimpses are necessary in this novel to reveal Darcy's growing interest in Elizabeth, since throughout this stage of the novel that interest is only occasionally revealed by his actions.

This passage also hints at two of Darcy's central traits, his scrupulousness and his sense of his own importance. He is very concerned to arrive at the correct verdict on this question—hence his thorough examination and his mortification at finding that his initial judgment had erred. He also considers his verdict a matter of great significance, one that deserves to be shared with others.

21. satirical: censorious. She thinks that Darcy looks at her very critically. While she complains of this quality in him, she often shows a strong satirical side herself.

22. This statement reveals her competitive and defiant spirit, as well as how it shapes her initial treatment of Darcy. One can imagine that she, who appears to be quicker and cleverer than almost everyone she knows, has until now probably encountered few people who have looked at her with the satirical eye she perceives in him. Her further perception, as she sees him more, of his intelligence and of his frequently critical opinions will only increase her sense of defiance.

23. Dancing was often seen as an amusement more popular among women. Men's lesser interest in dancing was at times lamented in writings praising dance, and in a description of a ball in 24. Emma Jane Austen refers to the “husbands, and fathers, and whist players” who stood aloof from dancing.

24. the instrument: the piano. It had grown in popularity in the period preceding this novel, becoming the most common instrument played (that is probably why Charlotte can simply refer to it that way). Jane Austen played the piano, and was devoted enough to practice on it every day. Playing music was common at social events; it was one of the only ways at this time for people to enjoy music. For an example of an instrument of the time, see p. 319.

25. Elizabeth's use of a common colloquial expression (something Darcy never does), as well as the mock gravity she adopts in uttering it, demonstrates the playful and irreverent character that will end up attracting Darcy.

26. Mary and Elizabeth are the only ones who appear to play; though this is the Lucas's instrument, none of their girls ever seem to use it. This was not unusual: pianos had become such a symbol of affluence by this time that families would wish to own one regardless of whether it was actually used.

27. genius: natural aptitude.

28. application: diligence of effort (in practicing music).

29. conceno … Scotch and Irish airs: a concerto is a more formal and difficult piece of music, one that Mary, eager to show her musical sophistication, would naturally start off playing; that this is her motive is signaled by its being a long concerto. Scotch and Irish airs are folk tunes that would be more suitable for dancing. Scotch and Irish music, especially the former, had become extremely popular in England in the decades preceding this novel.

30. Such praise of dancing was a platitude of the time, for dancing was commonly celebrated as a sign of, and stimulus to, elegance and refinement. “Polished societies” was a common term, often seen among social thinkers and historians, to denote more advanced and refined societies; hence Darcy, in his reply, makes reference to savages, who would be the opposite of polished.

31. The sharpness of Darcy's response to Sir William's innocuous statement, like Darcy's earlier stricture on ladies before Elizabeth, indicates a characteristic he will display continually, even in his conversations with his best friend Bingley. Though generally silent and reserved, he is also outspoken and blunt in response to others' statements or questions.

32. science: science of dancing. Many books existed on dancing then, giving precise instructions as to its theory and practice, so calling it a science would seem natural.

33. St. James's: the royal court. Sir William presumes that Darcy's high social position would give him access there, an access that the snobbish Sir William values very highly.

34. Darcy's repeated use of “sir” shows his formality. He is one of the only characters who uses this designation frequently.

35. house in town: a house in London. Thanks to its many and growing amusements, London had become an increasingly popular residence for the wealthy, although those who could afford it, such as Darcy, also maintained a country house.

36. Sir William, not having Darcy's wealth, would have to make London his sole home if he moved there.

37. Presumably it would not be good for her health. Medical opinion of the time attributed many ailments to bad air, and city air was considered especially unhealthy.

38. Elizabeth's steadfast refusal is interesting, for otherwise she never shows any disinclination to dance. It may stem from the concern suggested in her comment that she does not wish to be supposed to be angling for a partner; in fact, she consistently avoids any maneuvers designed to attract or snare men, something that distinguishes her from Miss Bingley and that ends up being part of her attraction to Darcy.