Meryton

the local town

The local Hertfordshire town whose assembly introduces the Bennets to Bingley's party.

Story so far

Meryton is the local town where the Bennets and their neighbours meet at an assembly. Its room gives Mr. Bingley the opportunity to charm the principal people, dance twice with Jane Bennet, and establish himself as a welcome new neighbour.

The same gathering turns the town against Mr. Darcy, whose refusal to dance or be introduced makes him seem proud and disagreeable. For Elizabeth, the place is where she first hears Darcy's insult; for the Bennets, it is the public stage on which Jane's attraction to Bingley becomes unmistakable.

Appearance

It is a Hertfordshire town with an assembly room. Its streets, buildings, shops, and surrounding landscape are not yet described.

Role

It is the principal local social centre and site of the Bennets' first encounter with the Netherfield party.

Relationships

Meryton Assembly — The Meryton Assembly is the social event at which the town's key introductions occur.

Longbourn — Longbourn is the Bennet home in the village from which the family attends local society.

Netherfield Park — Netherfield Park supplies the rich new party that changes Meryton's social attention.

Sources — 1 recorded facts, by chapter

Chapter 4

The local Hertfordshire town whose assembly introduces the Bennets to Bingley's party.