Mrs. Bennet's Folly at the Ball

During supper, Mrs. Bennet loudly and indiscreetly discusses her expectation that Jane will soon marry Bingley, unaware that Darcy is within earshot. Elizabeth is mortified by her mother's vulgarity and lack of decorum. This public display of folly confirms Darcy's negative view of the Bennet family and provides him with a strong argument for separating Bingley from Jane. The scene is a turning point, as it solidifies the social obstacles to the match.