1 It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a large fortune must be in want of a wife. 2 However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first e

1 It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a large fortune must be in want of a wife.

2 However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful property of someone or other of their daughters.

3 "My dear Mr. Bennet," said his lady to him one day, "have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?"

4 Mr. Bennet replied that he had not.

5 "But it is," returned she; "for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it."

6 Mr. Bennet made no answer.

7 "Do you not want to know who has taken it?" cried his wife impatiently.

8 "YOU want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it."

9 This was invitation enough.

10 "Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it, that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week."

11 "What is his name?"

12 "Bingley."

13 "Is he married or single?"

14 "Oh! Single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!"

15 "How so? How can it affect them?"

16 "My dear Mr. Bennet," replied his wife, "how can you be so tiresome! You must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of them."

Read the passage on the left to answer the following questions:

What is the main idea of this passage?

A) Mrs. Bennet is excited.

B) Mr. Bennet does not talk very much.

C) Netherfield is being rented out by the bachelor, Mr. Bingley.

D) Mrs. Bennet wants one of her daughter's to marry Bingley.

Which statement from the passage is an opinion?

A) Bingley is single.

B) Is he married or single?

C) Bingley is moving into Netherfield.

D) A single man with a large fortune must be in want of a wife.

Based on the conversation between Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, how does Austen feel about society's view of marriage?

A) Austen feels that society focuses too much on marrying for money.

B) Austen feels that society focuses too much on arranged marriages.

C) Austen feels that society focuses too much on the happiness of the couple.

D) Austen feels that society focuses too much on the man's thoughts on marriage.