Advanced Placement Literature and Composition - Ms. Wright [email protected]
Pride and Prejudice
By Jane Austen (1775-1817)
Although Jane Austen was born the year before the Declaration of Independence and lived through the turbulent era of the Napoleonic Wars and the Battle of Waterloo, she enjoyed a quiet life in the English countryside. While caring for her widowed father, a clergyman, she created characters from the comfortable, upper-middle class into which she had been born. Because of her understanding of the foibles of human nature and her ability at satirical observations, the late eighteenth-century/early nineteenth century author distinguished herself as one who set the stage for the realistic English novel while bridging the literary time periods of the Enlightenment and Romanticism. Pride and Prejudice, her best-known work, was published anonymously (“By a Lady”). Set in rural England in the early nineteenth century, the comedy of manners deals with the business of courtship and marriage. Here the characters learn to know themselves by relinquishing that which has kept them from seeing the truth. Since the early nineteenth century, society has changed considerably. Because the idea of the class into which one was born was more respected in Austen’s day than now, fortune and societal rank were formally regarded. Thus, marriage was a social act. As you read and take notes, consider marriage as the major premise of the novel. Also in your notes include Austen’s use of humor through satire and irony. You will want to put page numbers of specific examples for reviewing.
*NOTE: I recommend that you view the BBC presentation of the movie (the one starring Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy) before you read the novel. It cannot replace the reading, but it will establish a visual reference for the use of the language, the social customs, the geography, and more that will be unfamiliar to most modern students.
Pride and Prejudice Vocabulary
Add the definitions after the word. The sentence provided gives you context from the book.
Chapter 1 1. scrupulous You are over scrupulous surely.
2. caprice Mr. Bennet was a mixture of … sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice.
Chapter 3 3. fastidious I would not be so fastidious as you are.
Chapter 6 4. pedantic Mary had a pedantic air and conceited manner.
5. propriety Mr. Darcy with grave propriety requested to be allowed the honour of her hand, but in vain.
6. complacency Her resistance had not injured her with the gentleman, and he was thinking of her with some complacency.
Chapter 7 7. entailed Mr. Bennet’s property was entailed in default of heirs male.
8. felicity Mr. Philips visited all the officers, and this opened to his nieces a source of felicity unknown before.
Chapter 8 9. indolent Mr. Hurst was an indolent man, who lived only to eat, drink, and play at cards.
Chapter 9 10. profuse Mrs. Bennet was profuse in her acknowledgements.
11. partiality It is what everyone says of Jane; I do not trust my own partiality.
Chapter 10 12. alacrity Miss Bingley moved with alacrity to the piano-forte.
Chapter 11 13. implacable Implacable resentment is a shade in a character, a failing indeed.
14. propensity And your defect is a propensity to hate everybody.
Chapter 13 15. impertinent It was very impertinent of him to write to you at all.
Chapter 14 16. constitution Miss DeBourgh is of a sickly constitution.
Chapter 16 17. imprudence He asserted that I had forfeited all claim to inheritance by extravagance and imprudence.
Chapter 18 18. consequence Charlotte cautions Lizzy against favoring Wickham instead of Darcy, a man of ten times his consequence.
Chapter 19 19. affectation Collins believes Elizabeth’s refusal is really just the affectation and coquetry of an elegant female.
20. coquetry See the sentence above.
Chapter 31 21. ill breeding Mr. Darcy looked ashamed of his aunt’s ill breeding.
22. arch Elizabeth turned to him with an arch smile.
23. impolitic It was very impolitic to mention all you knew of my trouble.
Chapter 35 24. verdure Every day was adding to the verdure of the trees.
Chapter 46 25. acquiescence Darcy shook his head in silent acquiescence.
Chapter 51 26. unabashed Lydia was Lydia still: untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy, and fearless.
Chapter 52 27. palatable Sermon-making was not so palatable to you as it seems to be at present.
Chapter 56 28. frivolous Your arguments have been as frivolous as the application was ill-judged.
29. importuned I must beg to be importuned no farther on the subject.
Chapter 60 30. vulgarity Mrs. Philips’s vulgarity was another tax on his forbearance.
31. forbearance See the sentence above.
32. badinage (See the remarks between Darcy and Elizabeth in chapters 10 and 11, among others.)
33. obsequious (Decide which character fits this descriptive word.)
Chapters 1-6
1. Describe Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their relationship. Are they convincing characters? If so, how?
2. What details does Jane Austen select to convey to the reader the kind of person Mr. Bingley is?
What details does she use to show the reader the kind of person Mr. Darcy is?
3. What contrasting qualities does the reader find in Elizabeth and Jane Bennet?
Which sister seems more interesting? Why?
4. Why is the conversation between Elizabeth and Charlotte Lucas about marriage revealing?
How do their points of view differ?
5. Jane Austen has a keen eye and ear for the little signs of ill will and jealousy between people. Point out such signs in these early chapters.
6. In Chapter 6 the reader is given a hint of possible conflict in Darcy. What is this conflict?
How do you think it may be resolved from what you already know?
7. How does Austen reveal her sense of humor about people in these early chapters? Give examples.
8. What do you think is Austen’s opinion of the party at Sir William Lucas’s?
What is the difference between her attitude and Darcy’s to the people present?
9. How does Miss Bingley’s attitude to Darcy differ from Elizabeth’s?
10. In these early chapters, Austen has given several clues as to the future development of the plot. What do you think these clues are?
Chapters 7-12
11. Do you think Mr. Bennet’s criticism of Lydia and Catherine in Chapter 7 is justified?
What criticism do you have of him as a father?
What criticism do you have of Mrs. Bennet as a mother?
12. What aspect of Elizabeth’s personality is revealed in her walking three miles to see Jane?
How does this quality show itself during Elizabeth’s visit at Netherfield?
13. What qualities were looked for in an “accomplished young lady” of the late eighteenth century?
How does Elizabeth fit into this picture?
What qualities do you think Austen particularly prizes in a young lady?
14. What does the discussion about books and reading in Chapter 8 reveal about Mr. Hurst?
About Miss Bingley?
About Mr. Darcy?
15. In your opinion what does Austen think of Miss Bingley?
How is this shown in what Miss Bingley says and does in these chapters?
16. What in particular attracts Darcy to Elizabeth, beyond the fact that she is pretty?
Why would this quality be more attractive to Darcy than to Bingley? Explain.
How does Darcy’s attraction to Elizabeth affect the reader’s opinion of him? Why?
17. Near the end of Chapter 11, Elizabeth says: “…Follies and nonsense, whims and inconstancies do divert me, I own, as I laugh at them whenever I can.” Show specifically how this is Austen’s own point of view in these chapters.
18. Very little happens during Elizabeth’s visit to Netherfield. In fact, it can be considered quite dull in terms of outward occurrences. Why then, are these chapters interesting and lively?
Chapters 13-18
19. In Chapter 13, the threatening entailment subplot hinted at in Chapter 7 assumes flesh and blood in the person of Mr. William Collins. Why is this threat particularly effective? How is this subplot related to the main plot? Consider both plot development and theme.
20. What is the chief criticism in the way Mr. Collins sees people?
21. From Mr. Collins’ description, what is your impression of Lady Catherine de Bourgh?
Would you trust his description of her? Why?
22. Although Mr. Collins is an amusing character, does Austen have a serious purpose in showing how he goes after acquiring a wife?
Do you think the author is preparing the reader for anything? What?
23. How does Austen create a feeling of interest and quiet suspense in the way she introduces Mr. Wickham?
Is Elizabeth justified in believing Mr. Wickham’s story? Why?
24. When Elizabeth and Darcy meet at the Netherfield ball, what confirms her belief in Mr. Wickham’s story?
What questions might you have asked Darcy if you were Elizabeth?
25. Why is Elizabeth humiliated at the supper table?
How does Mary add to the humiliation?
Why do you think Austen included these incidents?
26. In what way does the author show that people at the Netherfield ball are self-centered and unaware of their effect on other people?
27. Can you explain why Elizabeth might have been Mrs. Bennet’s least favorite child?
Chapters 19-24
28. Why is Mr. Collins unable to believe Elizabeth when she refuses his offer of marriage?
What criticism of men is implied here?
What are the “rules” about proposals and rejections?
What are the prospects of the Bennet family that result from Elizabeth’s decision?
29. What do you see behind the departure of Bingley and the others for London?
What does the reaction of Elizabeth and Jane to this news reveal about each of them?
30. In Chapter 22 Charlotte Lucas “realistically” surveys her situation and decision. Do you agree with her conclusion?
Has she left out any important considerations?
31. What does Elizabeth’s reaction to Charlotte’s news reveal about her attitude toward marriage?
Is there anything “practical” in Elizabeth’s point of view as expressed to her sister Jane?
32. What is Jane’s criticism of her mother in regard to Bingley?
What is wrong with the way Mrs. Bennet thinks of marriage for her children?
33. How does the author delicately arouse the reader’s interest at the end of Chapter 24?
Chapters 25-31
34. In Chapter 25 what makes Mrs. Bennet’s complaints to Mrs. Gardiner amusing?
How does the author also show Mrs. Bennet’s selfishness at this point?
35. What differences are to be seen between Mrs. Gardiner and her sister-in-law, Mrs. Bennet?
How does Mrs. Gardiner’s warning to Elizabeth about Wickham, however, show that she and her sister-in-law agree on the subject of marriage?
36. Why do you think Elizabeth does not resent Mrs. Gardiner’s advice?
What do you surmise is the author’s opinion of people’s motives when they give advice?
37. Is Elizabeth justified in displaying a general dissatisfaction with men in her talk with Mrs. Gardiner? Why?
What in her manner, however, makes her attractive even as she shows dissatisfaction?
38. Why is the reader interested in Elizabeth’s visit to Mr. and Mrs. Collins?
What specific observations does she make showing how Charlotte has gone about solving the problem of being married to a man like Mr. Collins?
Do you approve of Charlotte’s methods? 39. Point out passages where the author’s satirical sense shows itself in her description of the dinner at Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s. First, define satire:
40. How is Elizabeth’s reaction to Lady Catherine and her world different from the other guests’ reactions? Why do you think this may be important later on in the story?
41. Explain how the introduction of Colonel Fitzwilliam serves as a dramatic contrast to Darcy.
Do you sense any change in Darcy since he was last seen in Chapter 18?
Does his explanation of why he was not friendlier at Netherfield seem convincing?
Chapters 32-37
42. What suspicion of Darcy is confirmed in Elizabeth’s conversation with Colonel Fitzwilliam?
In light of the following chapter, why is this important?
43. What is Darcy’s large mistake in proposing to Elizabeth?
How has the author prepared the reader for this?
44. Why is Elizabeth’s anger in the proposal scene attractive?
How has the author prepared the reader for her response?
45. Do you believe Darcy’s account of events as described in his letter to Elizabeth? Why or why not?
If what he says is true, what is the big implication for Elizabeth?
46. What is Elizabeth’s chief criticism of herself after she has thought about the letter? Do you admire her at this point? Why?
47. Think about Shakespeare’s five-act structure. What chapter is considered the center of this novel? Why?
State the chief conflict in the novel now that you have reached the midway point.
Do you think this conflict exists today? Explain.
Chapters 38-43
48. What details does the author choose in Chapter 39 to show the kind of person Lydia Bennet is?
How does she serve as a foil to Elizabeth and Jane? First, define foil:
49. Are Elizabeth and Jane correct in deciding not to tell anyone about Wickham’s true character?
Can you see any possible difficulty arising from this?
50. What are Elizabeth’s misgivings about Lydia’s going to Brighton with Colonel Forster’s wife?
Do you think Mr. Bennet is correct in letting her go? Why?
51. How does Elizabeth act on hearing that she and the Gardiners are not going to the lakes for vacation?
Compare this to Kitty’s reaction on hearing she is not to go with Lydia to Brighton.
Why does Elizabeth’s visit to Pemberley create an atmosphere of quiet anticipation?
52. What does the house at Pemberley reveal about Darcy’s tastes?
What does the reader find out about Darcy’s character through the housekeeper?
53. Why is the visit to Pemberley a turning point for Elizabeth? Give specific details to show this.
54. How do you explain the change in Darcy?
Do you think it is genuine?
Why do you think he wants Elizabeth to meet his sister?
Chapters 44-49
55. Compare Miss Darcy to her brother. How are they alike and different?
How do you think Miss Darcy and Miss Bingley get along together?
56. Why does the author say that Mrs. Annesley, Miss Darcy’s companion, is more well-bred than Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst?
In what way does Miss Bingley show her malice?
What is her purpose in the story as a character?
57. How has the author prepared the reader from the beginning for what occurs with Lydia and Wickham?
Do you feel others have contributed to this situation? Explain.
58. How do Mary and Kitty react to what has occurred to their sister?
What criticism of them does the author imply?
Have you seen this criticism implied earlier in the novel in relation to other members of the Bennet family? When?
59. The author makes many critical observations about people during the crisis about Lydia. What, for example, does Austen say about neighbors like Lady Lucas?
About relatives like Mrs. Phillips?
About people like Mr. Collins?
What makes Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner’s attitude different from the others?
60. What do you think Mr. Bennet’s chief criticism of himself is?
Does his attitude in Chapters 48 and 49 show that he has learned something and has changed?
61. How does the author maintain suspense, even though Mr. Gardiner’s letter implies that the trouble with Lydia has been settled?
62. What is the “folly” from which Elizabeth wants to escape at the end of Chapter 49?
What does the author think about people learning from experience?
Do you agree? Why?
Chapters 50-55
63. Why is Elizabeth convinced that Darcy will never want to continue their relationship?
Is she justified in thinking this?
64. What is the chief criticism of Lydia and Wickham when they arrive to see the Bennet family?
What is the chief surprise in Lydia’s account of her marriage? 65. How is Darcy’s true character revealed to Elizabeth?
What makes his behavior admirable?
Has the author made it convincing?
66. Why do you think Bingley has returned to Netherfield?
Do you think it would be wise for Jane to revive her hopes? Why or why not?
67. Can you explain Darcy’s silence and cold behavior in visiting the Bennets with Bingley when the reader has now come to expect something else?
What does the author achieve by this?
68. What makes Mrs. Bennet’s behavior to Bingley embarrassing to Jane?
How does Mrs. Bennet make Elizabeth extremely uncomfortable?
How could Mrs. Bennet have been more useful to her daughters?
69. How does the author satirize the people of Meryton?
Do you think her observation of human nature is true? Give an example from your own experience.
Chapters 56-61
70. What is the essential difference in the personalities of Elizabeth and Lady Catherine de Bourgh?
How are they alike?
What does Lady Catherine represent in the novel?
How is she like Darcy?
What two similar acts do they commit?
71. What has been the essential conflict between Elizabeth and Darcy?
How is it resolved?
How has each person changed?
What larger social conflict is also resolved?
72. How does Elizabeth’s previous attitude to Darcy now embarrass her with her family?
Why should Elizabeth not have worried about her mother’s reaction to the news about Darcy and herself?
73. Mr. Bennet talks seriously to Elizabeth about the necessity of a married couple respecting each other. Is he correct?
Discuss this in relation to the various couples in the book, such as
Jane and Bingley –
Charlotte and Mr. Collins –
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet –
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner –
Lydia and Wickham -
74. How did Lady Catherine’s behavior produce the opposite effect from the one for which she had hoped?
What does Lady Catherine’s attitude indicate about the upper classes of England at that time?
What does her eventual reconciliation with Darcy and Elizabeth show?
Summary Questions
1. What role does each of the following major characters play? What makes each character believable? a. Mrs. Bennet
b. Mr. Bennet
c. Elizabeth
d. Jane
e. Mary
f. Catherine (Kitty)
g. Lydia
h. Mr. Darcy
i. Mr. Bingley
j. Miss Caroline Bingley
k. Mr. Collins
l. Lady Catherine de Bourgh
2. How does Jane Austen use contrast among her characters to achieve dramatic effects? Give examples.
3. Originally, this novel was titled First Impressions. What is the significance of the new title, Pride and Prejudice?
4. What were the various obstacles to the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy? How was each problem resolved?
5. Who were the three other young men in Elizabeth’s life?
What is their thematic function?
6. Think about the pursuit of happiness in this novel. What are the general characteristics of women and men in this process of courtship?
What characters are exceptions to such a general characterization?
7. Compare the process of courtship of the Bennet sisters. What moral lessons and what insight into romantic love and marriage are presented through these three different stories?
8. Examine the last paragraph of the novel and comment on its appropriateness. What does it suggest about true parenting?