Pride and Prejudice Assigned Questions
Pride and Prejudice-Volume I-Chapters 1-5
Due May 5th(class a)/May 6th(class b)
Answer the following questions in point-form. Be sure to cite examples where asked.
1. The first sentence of this novel is considered to be one of the most revealing first lines in the English language. What does this sentence tell the reader about the overall theme of the story? How is it ironic?
2. Compare the personalities of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. Why do you think they married each other?
3. a) Why does Mrs. Bennett so desperately want her husband to visit Mr. Bingley?
b) What do the Bennett girls learn about Mr. Bingley from Mrs. Lucas?
4. Describe each of the 5 Bennett girls in a sentence or two. Who is the favourite of Mr. Bennett
and who are the most likely candidates for marriage?
5. In chapter 3 we meet the important character, Mr. Darcy. Briefly describe him. What do you
think makes him draw “the attention of the room?”
6. What is Darcy’s initial impression of Elizabeth? What is Mr. Bingley’s impression of Jane?
7. Who is Charlotte Lucas? What reasons does she give for her opinion that Mr. Darcy has a
“right to be proud?” Why does Elizabeth say,”…and I could easily forgive his pride, if he
had not mortified mine”?
Vocabulary
Due to time constraints, this not mandatory, but I strongly recommend that you define the following words to help your understanding of the novel, if you are able. The words are in the order that they appear.
Scrupulous Countenance
Vexing Fastidious
Fortnight Ostentation
Circumspection Unassailed
Surmises Ductility
Disconcerted Supercilious
Volume I-Chapters 6-9
Due May 5th(class a)/May 6th(class b)
1. What does Charlotte think about Jane`s ability to maintain her composure around Mr. Bingley,
even though she is falling in love with him?
2. Why does Elizabeth disagree with Charlotte’s assessment of marriage?
3. Why does Mr. Darcy begin to listen to Elizabeth’s conversations with other people?
4. Why is it unfortunate for the Bennett girls that their father’s estate is entailed?
5. Who is Mrs. Phillips and why do Lydia and Kitty enjoy visiting her?
6. What is Mrs. Bennett’s plan to get Jane to spend more time with Mr. Bingley?
7. How does Mrs. Bennett embarrass Elizabeth when she comes to Netherfield to visit
Jane? What does Lydia do that is also an embarrassment?
Vocabulary
Pedantic Decorum
Insipidity Solaced
Intrepidity Ensued
Prognostics
Solicitude
Impertinence
Volume I-Chapters 10-14
Due May 5th(class a)/May 6th(class b)
1. What danger is Darcy worrying about in this passage below:
“Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her. He really believed that, were it not for the inferiority of her connections, he should be in some danger.”
2. List the character faults Mr. Darcy admits to having. What fault in character does he
not admit to having?
3. Why is Mr. Darcy glad Elizabeth and Jane are going home? Why is Mrs. Bennett
sorry they are home?
4. How could Mr. William Collins make amends to the Bennett daughters for the entail?
5. Briefly describe Mr. Collins. Why does Elizabeth think Mr. Collins, “must be an
oddity”?
6. In what sense can Mr. Collins be considered a comical character? What do you think
Austen is saying about the rules of social behaviour through Mr. Collins? (satire)
7. Briefly describe Lady Catherine de Borough and her daughter Miss de Borough.
What does Mr. Collins think of them?
Vocabulary
Odious Affability Pretension Beneficence
Reproof Condescension Implacable Phaeton
Panegyric Quadrille Threadbare
Celerity Vouchsafed Iniquitous
Volume I-Chapters 15-18
Due May 12th(a)/May 13th(b)
1. Why does Mr. Collins decide to pursue Elizabeth as his wife, instead of Jane?
2. Briefly describe Mr. Wickham. How does Darcy react when he sees him along the
road?
3. What indications are there in this chapter that Elizabeth is interested in Mr. Darcy?
4. In what ways does Wickham think Darcy is “disgracing the memory of his father”?
What reason does Wickham give for Darcy’s refusal to honour his father’s will?
5. What is the connection between Darcy and Lady Catherine de Borough? What
interesting information does Elizabeth learn her daughter, Miss de borough?
6. Why is Wickham really not at the Netherfield Ball? Who does Elizabeth have her first
dances with instead?
7. How does Elizabeth insult Darcy while they are dancing. Cite and example.
8. What is the nature of the prejudice that Elizabeth accuses Darcy of in the following passage:
“I remember you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave-that your resentment, once created, was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its being created.”
“I am,” said he, with a firm voice.
“And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice.”
Vocabulary
Veneration Insolent
Obsequiousness Exultation
Atonement Indignant
Complaisant Preferment
Entreaties Languor
Filial
Degenerate
Disinclination
Proxy
Hauteur
Volume I-Chapters 19-23
Due May 12th(a)/May 13th(b)
1. List the reasons Elizabeth gives Mr. Collins for her marriage refusal. Why does Mr. Collins refuse to accept that Elizabeth does not want to marry him?
2. You will recall that satire uses humour to expose something or someone.
This story is a satire that ridicules the importance of marriage to a woman’s security
and happiness. Support this statement with examples that you have seen thus far in the
novel.
3. How does Mrs. Bennett react to Elizabeth’s refusal of the proposal? What does Mr.
Bennett do that surprises Mrs. Bennett and amuses Elizabeth?
4. At this point in the story, what does Austen tell the reader about the following characters to advance the plot:
Collins and Charlotte
Wickham and Elizabeth
Jane and Bingley
5. How does Charlotte justify her decision to marry Mr. Collins? What is Elizabeth’s
reaction?
Vocabulary
Coquetry Incredulous
Reprehensible Rectitude
Deliberation Incensed
Disapprobation Abhorrence
Lamenting
Conjecture
Eloquence
Alacrity
Volume II-Chapters 1-4 or Chapters 24-27
Due May 12th(a)/May 13th(b)
1. After reading the following passage from Volume II-Chapter 1 or Chapter 24, what do you
think is Elizabeth’s opinion of Mr. Bingley?
“That he was really fond of Jane, she doubted no more than she ever had done;
and much as she had always been disposed to like him, she could not think without
anger, hardly without contempt, on that easiness of temper, that want of proper
resolution, which now made him the slave of his designing friends…”
2. What two examples of the “inconsistency of human character” is Elizabeth referring
to in the passage below. *Hint: both are potential or established relationships!
“The more I see of the world the more I am dissatisfied with it: and every day
confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of either merit or sense. I have met with two instances lately…”
3. Briefly describe Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. How does Mrs. Gardiner offer to help Jane?
4. What do Mrs. Gardiner and Wickham have in common?
5. Why does Jane’s letter convince Elizabeth that “accident only could discover to Mr.
Bingley her sister’s being in town.”?
6. Why does Wickham turn his romantic attentions away from Elizabeth to another
young lady?
7. How do the Gardiners cheer up Elizabeth?
Vocabulary
Caprice
Prudence
Circumspect
Hackneyed
Duplicity
Avarice
Effusions
Volume II-Chapters 5-9 or Chapters 28-32
Due May 19th(a)/May 20th(b)
1. What does Charlotte do when her husband says something “of which his wife might
reasonably be ashamed”?
2. Briefly describe Lady Catherine. In what ways can her character be considered
comical? What is Austen satirizing through her?
3. Briefly describe Colonel Fitzwilliam. What is his family connection to Darcy?
4. Support or refute that Darcy is romantically interested in Elizabeth by citing incidents
from Volume II-Chapter 7, or Chapter 30.
5. What is Darcy referring to when he says to Elizabeth, after listening to her play the
piano, “We neither of us perform to strangers.”
6. Why do you think Mr. Darcy continues to visit the parsonage but once there,
makes no real effort to carry on a conversation.
Vocabulary
Discernable
Superlatively
Gig
Minutest
Sallied
Scruple
Proficiency
Tete-a-tete
Disputable
Volume II-Chapters 10-13 or Chapters 33-36
Due May 19th(a)/May 20th(b)
1. Why can Fitzwilliam not pursue Elizabeth as a prospective bride?
2. What is Elizabeth’s reaction when she learns Darcy has recently saved Bingley from
“the inconveniences of a most imprudent marriage.”?
3. Many critics believe Volume II-Chapter 11 or Chapter 34 to be the most dramatic in
the novel. Do you agree? How does Austen’s style of writing serve to heighten the drama in
this scene?
4. Why does Elizabeth feel compassion for Darcy when he proposes marriage to her?
What does he say to change that feeling into anger?
5. What two reasons does Elizabeth give Darcy for her rejection of his proposal?
6. How does Darcy justify his decision to interfere in Bingley’s relationship with Jane?
7. Why does Darcy not defend himself when Wickham maligns Darcy’s character to the
people in Elizabeth’s hometown?
8. In what ways has Elizabeth been “blind, partial and prejudiced towards Mr. Darcy.?
Cite examples from the story to support this behaviour towards Mr. Darcy.
Vocabulary
Penance
Inured
Tractable
Imputing
Derision
Repugnance
Remonstrance
Propensities
Connivance
Contrariety
Profligacy
Volume II-Chapters 14-19 or Chapters 37-42
Due May 19th(a)/May 20th(b)
1. Elizabeth admits to herself that her family has some flaws. What does she see as her
father’s character flaw?
2. By reading this passage below, decide what, according to Elizabeth, is Bingley’s
character flaw:
“Mr. Darcy’s explanation, by restoring Bingley to all her former good opinion,
heightened the sense of what Jane had lost. His affection was proved to have been sincere, and his conduct cleared of all blame, unless any could attach to the implicitness of his confidence in his friend.”
3. Why does Elizabeth decide to wait until they reach Longbourn to tell Jane about
Darcy’s proposal and his involvement in Bingley’s decision to leave Netherfield?
4. What is Jane’s reaction when she tells her about her proposal from Darcy and his letter
discrediting Wickham? Why do the sisters decide to keep the information about
Wickham’s true character to themselves?
5. Who is Mrs. Forster and how does she make Lydia happy?
6. Why does Elizabeth secretly advise her father to stop Lydia from going? What is his
reply?
7. Why does Elizabeth go to Derbyshire with the Gardiners? Why does she agree to
visit Pemberly, Darcy’s estate?
Vocabulary
Obeisance Conjugal
Diminution Impropriety
Chagrin Querulous
Vindication Impunity
Disdain
Volubility
Volume III-Chapters 1-4 or Chapters 43-46
Due May 26th(a)/May 27th(b)
1. What is the “lucky recollection” Elizabeth has while touring Pemberly that saves her
from regretting her decision not to marry Darcy?
2. How does Mrs. Reynolds, the housekeeper at Pemberly, surprise Elizabeth?
3. Why is Elizabeth overpowered by “shame and vexation” when Darcy appears
unexpectedly at his home?
4. What do you think about Darcy’s desire to introduce Elizabeth to his sister? What
does this say about Darcy’s feelings towards Elizabeth?
5. Briefly describe Miss Darcy.
6. How does Bingley behave towards Miss Darcy? What evidence is there that he is still
in love with Jane?
7. In Volume III-Chapter 2, or Chapter 44 Elizabeth examines her feelings towards
Darcy. Why does she feel good will and gratitude toward him?
8. What is the following passage saying about Elizabeth’s intentions concerning a
possible future with Darcy?
“She respected, she esteemed, she was grateful to him; she felt a real interest
in his welfare; and she only wanted to know how far she wished that welfare to
depend upon herself, and how far it would be for the happiness of both that she should
employ the power, which her fancy told her she still possessed, of bringing on the
renewal of his addresses.”
9. What bad news is in Jane’s first letter to Elizabeth? How does the second letter
make the situation worse?
Vocabulary
Aloof Actuated
Pecuniary
Curricle
Perturbation
Prepossessed
Petulance
Acrimony
Genteel
Exigence
Volume III-Chapters 5-8 or Chapters 47-50
Due May 26th(a)/May 27th(b)
1. Mary wishes the following opinion about the importance of a woman’s reputation.
Do you think Mary is serving as a voice for the author on the importance of a
woman’s virtue, or is Mary’s opinion another example of Austen’s satirical style?
2. Who ultimately accepts responsibility for what has happened to Lydia?
3. Why does Mr. Bennett believe Mr. Gardiner gave Wickham money to marry Lydia?
4. What is Elizabeth’s opinion of Lydia’s chances of happiness in marriage to Wickham?
5. Why does Elizabeth believe that Darcy will never want to marry her even after Lydia
is legally married?
6. Mrs. Bennett’s silly behaviour after learning of Lydia’s marriage to Wickham is
another example of Austen’s use of satire to make a point. What is she ridiculing
here?
Vocabulary
Indolence
Vestibule
Dilatory
Tidings
Acceding
Guinea
Connubial
Volume III-Chapters 9-13 or Chapters 51-55
Due June 2nd(a)/June 3rd (b)
1. Why does Elizabeth think Wickham marries Lydia, and what are Lydia’s reasons for
getting married so young?
2. What secret does Lydia inadvertently reveal to Jane and Elizabeth? Why is this secret
particularly interesting to Elizabeth?
3. What do you think is Darcy’s reason for paying Wickham’s debts and arranging for
his marriage to Lydia?
4. What is implied about Darcy’s relationship with Elizabeth in the following passage
from Mrs. Gardiner’s letter?
“I thought him very sly, he hardly ever mentioned your name; but slyness seems in
fashion. Pray forgive me if I have been very presuming, or at least do not punish me
so far as to exclude me from P. I shall never be quite happy till I have been all around
the park.”
5. Why is Elizabeth frustrated when Darcy and Bingley come to dinner? Why is this
scene considered suspenseful? How does Austen create this suspense?
6. After Bingley proposes marriage to Jane, her whole family is thrilled. Mr. Bennett,
a man who usually pokes fun at his family, says to Jane, “Jane, I congratulate you.
You will be a very happy woman.” Why do you think Mr. Bennett believes Jane will
find happiness with Bingley?
Vocabulary
Unabashed
Conjectures
Inducement
Simpers
Covies
Rapacity
Barbarous
Volume III-Chapters 14-19 or Chapters 56-60
Due June 2nd(a)/June 3rd (b)
1. Do you believe that Elizabeth is more outraged, or discouraged about her future with
Darcy after Lady Catherine’s visit? Cite and example to support your opinion.
2. How does Lady Catherine, ironically, help Elizabeth’s chances with Darcy?
3. Volume III-Chapter 16 or Chapter 58 is one of the most interesting and easy to read
chapters of the novel. Why is this so? Give examples to support your opinions.
4. Briefly describe the reactions of the following family members to the news of
Elizabeth’s engagement to Darcy.
Mr. Bennett-
Mrs. Bennett-
Jane-
5. Why is it important to Elizabeth that her father respects Darcy?
6. Now that you have finished reading the novel, what do you think is Jane Austen’s
view of marriage. (A major theme throughout the novel!)
7. In what sense can this novel be seen as an early feminist work?
Vocabulary
Livery
Copse
Repine
Brooking
Mortifications
Perverseness
Reconciled
Approbation
Deference
Officious
Forbearance
Discharging
