Themes and Style
1. In Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen presents an interesting view of 19th century life in England. A key part of her presentation involves humor. Describe the presence of humor in the beginning of the novel. What examples of humor do you find? (e.g. in the dialogue between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet pp. 3-4.) What does this humor suggest about the tone of the novel?
2. This novel addresses a variety of themes, including issues involving marriage, financial status, and social appearances.
"Mrs. Bennet and her two youngest girls":
an llustration by Hugh Thompson,
from the 1894 edition of Pride and Prejudice (source)
o The novel begins with one of the most famous first sentences in all novels. What does this sentence mean? What is the view of marriage that it suggests? In what ways is the conversation between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet in chapter one a commentary on this sentence?
o Do you think Mr. Bennet would agree with this sentence? Would Darcy agree? Would Elizabeth?
o In chapter 6, Elizabeth and Charlotte Lucas are concerned about Jane and her relationship with Bingley. What do they think Jane should do? Elizabeth and Charlotte express different views of marriage. How do they think a person should prepare for marriage? What do they expect from marriage?
After reading chapter one, most of which is a dialogue between husband and wife, and chapter two, how would you describe the marriage between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet? What is Mr. Bennet like as a husband and father? What is Mrs. Bennet like as a wife and mother? (e.g. Kitty's coughing)
Money and Social Status --
All the major families (e.g. the Bennets, the Bingleys, the Lucas and the Darcys) are introduced with explanation of the fortune they have and the place they live in. What does this suggest about the importance of money and social status in this novel?
The novel moves between a variety of different settings: Longbourn House, Netherfield, Lucas Lodge, Meryton, and town. Who lives in each of these places? What are their economic situations? Describe and characterize each of those settings.
How is trade mentioned in the novel in the cases of the Lucas and the Bingleys? ("[The Bingley sisters] were of a respectable family in the north of England; a circumstance more deeply impressed on their memories than that their brother's fortune and their own had been acquired by trade.")
6. Describe the Bennet sisters. In what ways do Elizabeth and Jane contrast (e.g. chap 4)?
7. How would you describe Mary? Catherine (Kitty)? Lydia? How do the parents think about them?
8. Who is Mr. Bingley? What is his financial status? How does this relate to his marriage prospects? Bingley is also accompanied by his friend Darcy. Just as Elizabeth and Jane contrast each other, Bingley and Darcy also contrast. Describe the differences in their personalities, bearing, and attittudes (e.g. pp. 8, 12).
9. Describe Bingley's two sisters (Mrs. Hurst and Ms. Bingley). What do they feel about the Bennets? How does Ms. Bingley relate to Darcy?
Themes -- first impressions and their modifications, pride and prejudice
The cloak room, Clifton Assembly Rooms, 1817 - 18; a social gathering (source)
10. What is Jane's first impression of Bingley? What is his impression of her?
11. What is Elizabeth's first impression of Darcy? What does she overhear him say? What is her opinion of him after that? Is her opinion based only on appearance or other more substantial criteria? How about Mrs. Bennet's view of Darcy (10)? And Charlotte's (14)? Although they all think that Darcy is proud, are there differences in their views? How about the narrator's view (12)?
12. What is Darcy's first impression of Elizabeth? What is it based on (9)? Why does Darcy start to change his view of Lizzy (16)? Besides the beautiful eyes, what more does he see in him?
13. How well does Elizabeth understand herself? How does she view herself? How well does Darcy understand himself? How does he view himself? How do you view both Elizabeth and Darcy at this point in the novel?
Themes -- prejudice, social propriety and class difference
14. Why does Jane become sick at Netherfield? Is Mrs. Bennet upset by her daughters sickness? Is Elizabeth upset? What does she do? Was that proper behavior for a young lady? How do the residents of Netherfield respond to Elizabeths action?
15. As Elizabeth and Jane stay at Netherfield, what more does Elizabeth learn about Bingleys sisters? How would you describe the relationship between Miss Bingley and Darcy? Does Elizabeths view of Darcy change? Does Darcys view of Elizabeth change? By the time that Elizabeth returns to Lonbourn, Darcy has conflicting feelings about Elizabeth. What does he feel? What does he decide to do about it?
16. What do the Bingley sisters think of Elizabeth? Of Jane? Of Mrs. Bennet?
Chapters 13-23: The Collins Episode
Themes -- Social Status, Social Manners and Marriage
1. The Bennet family, as you learned in earlier chapters, consists of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their five daughters. What will happen to the Bennet property after the death of Mr. Bennet? Who will become the owner of this estate? The expected loss of their property makes the hunting for husband necessary. How does Mrs. Bennet do it improperly, say, in the episode of Jane's sickness and then at the Netherfield park?
2. In chapter 13 we are first introduced to Mr. Collins. What is his occupation? What is his social position and financial status? The narrator says that Collins has a mixture of "pride and obsequiousness." Can you find examples of this description (e.g. his mentioning of Lady Catherine and his marriage proposal)? Can you find out reasons for this peculiar mixture?
3. How would you describe Mr. Collins' proposal of marriage to Elizabeth? Is it romantic? Passionate? What is his view of marriage? How does Elizabeth respond to him? Does he accept her reply? How does he interpret her response? How does Mrs. Bennet respond to Elizabeth's decision? How does Mr. Bennet respond?
4. Within three days of proposing to Elizabeth, Mr. Collins' proposes to someone else. Who does he propose to? Does she accept? Why or why not? What is her view of marriage? How does this effect her relationship with Elizabeth? How does Mrs. Bennet respond to the news?
B. Turning point in Bingley - Jane relationship:
What happens simultaneously in these chapters is Mr. Bingley's departure for London with no return date, which we get to know from Ms. Bingley's letter (chapter 21). What does Jane learn from that letter? How does Jane interpret the letter? How does Elizabeth's understanding of the letter differ from Jane's? What could be the possible reasons for Bingley's behavior? We will not know the actual reasons until chapters later, but there are clues that prepare us for it (e.g. p. 34 and the Netherfiled ball).
C. Prejudices: Elizabeth - Darcy - Wickham:
While Collins bumps into the "marriage market," switches his attention from Jane to Elizabeth, and then, being rejected by Elizabeth, to Charlotte, we see Elizabeth drawn closer Wickham and further away from Darcy. What do you think about Elizabeth's judgments of Darcy and of Wickham? How does she get out of her infatuation for Wickham?
Style: Wit and Irony
There are a lot of witty play of language and ironies in the dialogue between Elizabeth and Darcy. Try to find out their multiple meanings. For instance, Lizzy's response to Darcy's first and second dance invitations ("Mr. Darcy is all politeness"  and p. 36); their discussion of rules of conversation in chapter 18.
A. Collins --
5. What are Elizabeth's first impressions of Mr. Collins? What does she base her judgement of him on? Do you agree with her initial assessment of him? In chapter 14 we learn about Mr. Bennet's opinion of Mr. Collins. What does Mr. Bennet think of his visitor? After learning more about Mr. Collins in subsequent chapters, what is your opinion of him?
6. Who is Lady Catherine de Bourgh? What does Mr. Collins think of her? Does Elizabeth agree with Mr. Collins views on Lady Catherine? Why or why not? What are your impressions of her? Mr. Collins talks a great deal about Rosings Park, Lady Catherine's home. What are his thoughts about Rosings? How does Rosings contrast with Longbourn?
7. Why has Mr. Collins come to Longbourn? Which of the Bennet daughters is he initially attracted to? After learning of her possible future engagement, how does Mr. Collins respond? Who does he next direct his affections to? Is it difficult for him to transfer his affections from one daughter to another?
An officer in the Oxford militia, of the kind Lydia Bennet could not resist. (source)
• Chapter 15 introduces George Wickham. Who is he? What is his occupation and social position?
• In this novel which frequently draws attention to appearances and how appearances can be deceptive, how would you describe Mr. Wickham's appearance? The Bennet sisters, including Elizabeth, are initially attracted to him. What is it about Mr. Wickham that attracts them?
• When Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy happen to meet in Meryton, how do the two men respond to each other? In chapter 16 Mr. Wickham explains his troubled relationship with Darcy. What is the relationship between the two men, according to Wickham? What does Wickham claim that Darcy has done to him? How does Elizabeth respond to Wickham's account of his past experiences with Darcy? Jane's response to Wickham’s account differs from Elizabeth's. How does Jane respond?
• From Wickham Elizabeth also learns of Darcy's relationship with Lady Catherine. What is that relationship?
17. Elizabeth is eager to meet Wickham at the ball given by Mr. Bingley at Netherfield, but her high hopes are not actualized. Why not? Why does Elizabeth not dance with Wickham at the Netherfield ball? Who does she dance with? What happens between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth at the ball? How does Elizabeth feel about Darcy at the ball? How does Darcy feel about her? What happens between Jane and Mr. Bingley at the ball?
18. Elizabeth is embarrassed by the behavior of several members of her family at the ball. What do Mrs. Bennet, Mary, Mr. Bennet, and Mr. Collins do that cause Elizabeth to feel uncomfortable? How do the Bingley sisters and Mr. Darcy respond to the actions of the Bennet family?
VISIT TO CHARLOTTE WITH PROPOSAL OF DARCY IN THE MIDDLE
19. In chapter 24 we learn about another letter in this novel which contains many letters. Jane receives a second letter from Miss Bingley. What does Miss Bingley tell Jane? How does Jane interpret this letter? How does Elizabeth interpret it?
20. Characterize Jane by examining her responses to the Darcy-Wickham controversies, to Bingley's absence, to Charlotte's marriage, and then Ms. Bingley's letter.
21. After Jane goes to London with her aunt and uncle, what contact does she have with the Bingley family? How does Jane respond to her first meeting with Miss Bingley? How does she respond to their second meeting?
22. On the way to see Charlotte and Mr. Collins Elizabeth, Sir William Lucas, and Maria Lucas stop briefly in London to see Jane and the Gardiner family. Elizabeth is surprised to learn about Jane's present condition. Why? How is Jane? What is bothering her?
B. The Gardiners
We meet more of Elizabeth and Jane's relatives in chapter 25: Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. How are they related to Elizabeth? How do Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner differ from Elizabeth's other relatives? W hat do the Gardiners offer to do for Jane? Does Jane accept the offer? Why? What does Jane expect from her relationship with Miss Bingley?
Themes -- Social Status, Social Manners and Marriage
A. Wickham and Elizabeth
23. Before the Gardiners and Jane return to London, Mrs. Gardiner also has numerous opportunities to talk with Mr. Wickham. What do Mrs. Gardiner and Mr. Wickham have in common? What do they talk about? What does she think of him? Mrs. Gardiner also makes it a point to talk to Elizabeth about Mr. Wickham. What words of advice does Mrs. Gardiner offer? Why does she offer this advice? How does Elizabeth respond to her aunt?
24. At the end of chapter 26, Elizabeth's relationship with Mr. Wickham abruptly changes. Why does it change? To whom does Mr. Wickham re-direct his attentions? What are his motives? How does Elizabeth react to this? How would you describe the relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Wickham as she leaves for London and Hunsford?
When Elizabeth tells her aunt about Mr. Wickham's relationship with Miss King, how does Mrs. Gardiner respond? Is Elizabeth being consistent when she criticizes Charlotte for marrying Mr. Collins but accepts Mr. Wickham's relationship with Miss King?
A. Elizabeth and Charlotte
25. How does Elizabeth change her attitudes toward Charlotte during the revelation of the latter's marriage and afterwards?
Before Charlotte Lucas marries Mr. Collins, she asks two favors of Elizabeth. What does she ask? How does Elizabeth respond to these two requests? How does Elizabeth respond to the first letters that she receives from Charlotte after her marriage?
B. Lady Catherine
26. Before Elizabeth and the Lucas's leave for Hunsford, Mrs. Gardiner invites Elizabeth to travel in the future with the Gardiners. Where will they go? Which of Elizabeth's acquaintances lives there?
27. When Elizabeth arrives at the Collins's house, what does she learn about the marriage between Charlotte and Mr. Collins?
28. What are Elizabeth's first impressions of Mrs. Jenkinson and Lady Catherine's daughter? What does Elizabeth think of the park surrounding Rosings? How does Elizabeth's response to Lady Catherine and the first evening at Rosings differ from those of Sir William, Maria, and Mr. Collins? What does Elizabeth think of Lady Catherine? How would you describe and characterize Lady Catherine? How does Lady Catherine treat Elizabeth?
29. Elizabeth is surprised by the arrival of Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam at Rosings. How is Lady Catherine related to the two men? What are Elizabeth's initial feelings about Fitzwilliam? How would you characterize the relationship between Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam as they get to know each other better?
Themes -- Pride and Prejudice of Elizabeth and Darcy
30. How would you describe the first meeting of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy at Hunsford? How does Mr. Darcy feel about Elizabeth? As they spend more time together, does he completely understand her words and actions? How does Elizabeth feel about him? Does Elizabeth understand his feelings, thoughts, and actions? Can you give examples of Elizabeth and Darcy's misunderstandings of each other? Does Charlotte understand Darcy's attitude toward Elizabeth?
31. In this novel about pride and prejudice, which characters do you think are proud? Which are prejudiced? Do you think it is completely accurate to say, for example, that Darcy is proud and Elizabeth is prejudiced? Or are both characters a combination of pride and prejudice? Which other characters are also proud? Prejudiced?
32. As the novel develops till this point, what do you think about Darcy's pride and coldness, esp. in Meryton assembly? How do different people, e.g. Charlotte and Fitzwilliam, respond to his pride and stubborness (e.g. 39-40; 125)? How does Darcy himself explain it (pp. 34; 119)?
33. During one of her regular walks in the park around Rosings, Elizabeth meets Fitzwilliam. While talking with him, Elizabeth learns more about Darcy's involvement in Mr. Bingley's estrangement from Jane. How does she respond to this in front of Fitzwilliam and by herself? Does she show any lack of judgment in her defense of her own family? Will you respond the same way as Elizabeth?
34. As Elizabeth considers the news she learned from Fitzwilliam, Darcy pays her a visit and, to Elizabeth's surprise, makes a marriage proposal. Are you surprised, too? (In other words, are there clues to prepare us for it?) How would you describe his proposal? Does he present an overwhelming passion for Elizabeth? How does Elizabeth respond to his proposal? Why does she respond this way? What does she tell him?
35. The next morning Darcy hands Elizabeth a letter he has written to her. In this letter he explains his involvement in the relationship between Jane and Mr. Bingley, as well as his relationship with Wickham. What does this letter say? How does Elizabeth initially respond to this letter? After she has had a chance to think about the letter, how does she respond to it? Does she have a chance to talk with Darcy about this letter? Why not? How does Darcy's letter change Elizabeth's understanding of herself?
Themes -- Marriage and Social Status
36. So far a sequence of events --the general pursuit of Mr. Bingley, Charlotte's marrying Mr. Collins, Wickham's pursuit of Ms. King, Darcy's interruption of Bingley-Jane relationship, and then Darcy's proposal -- reveal very clearly the society's major concerns in their "marriage market": that the couple should be of the same rank, or one can improve his/her social/economic status through marriage while the other should avoid bad connections. Do you agree that family background can be so important?
Fashionable Bath: The Axford and Paragon Buildings (source)
Chapters 38 - 46: Trip to Brighton and Pemberley visit
Characters -- Maria and Lydia, Elizabeth and Jane
37. When Elizabeth and Maria Lucas leave Mr. and Mrs. Collins and head toward London and their homes, the two women have different thoughts about their six week stay in Hunsford. What are their different reactions? Why does Elizabeth feel that she must keep secret some of her experiences?
38. As Elizabeth, Jane, and Maria travel from London to their homes, they are met by Lydia and Kitty. What more do you learn about Lydia in chapter 39? Is she very prudent in her purchase of a new bonnet? Why does she buy it? How does she welcome her sisters and Maria back? Who has to pay for this "treat"? Is she very attentive to her sisters? What news does Lydia have about the relationship between Mr. Wickham and Miss King? What news does Lydia tell her sisters about the military men that have been stationed in Meryton?
39. Elizabeth confides in Jane SOME of what happened between herself and Darcy in chap 40. What does she tell Jane? What does she not tell her? How does Jane respond to the news? How does Elizabeth feel about Mr. Darcy at this point in the novel?
Plot -- Preparation for Lydia's elopement: Unfortunate coincidences or charcter flaws? [Chap 42]
40. Why do the two sisters decide not to make public what they know about Mr. Wickham?
41. Why do Lydia and Mrs. Bennet want to spend the summer in Brighton? How does Mr. Bennet feel about this? How do Mr. and Mrs. Bennet respond when Colonel Forster and his wife ask Lydia to accompany them to Brighton? What does Elizabeth think of this plan? What does she tell her father? How does Mr. Bennet respond to Elizabeth? What are his reasons for allowing Lydia to go?
42. Describe Elizabeth's relationship with Mr. Wickham before he leaves for Brighton.
Themes -- Social Manners, Marriage and The Bennets
In chapter 42 we are told more about the reasons why Mr. Bennet married his wife. What were his reasons? What is Elizabeth's opinion of her father as a husband? How does she think the relationship between her father and mother has influenced the children?
Plot -- Preparation for the Pemberley visit
43. Elizabeth's planned tour to the Lakes with her aunt and uncle is cancelled. Instead of going so far North, where do the Gardiners now plan to go? Which one of Elizabeth's acquaintances lives in Derbyshire?
Themes -- Pemberley visit and the themes of 1) social status and marriage and 2) [corrections of] prejudices
44. Why does Elizabeth go to Pemberley? What does she think of Pemberley? How does it compare and contrast with Rosings Park?
Elizabeth's views of Darcy: After the first correction of Elizabeth's prejudice by Darcy's letter, how does she change her views of Darcy?
45. What do Elizabeth and the Gardiners learn about Darcy from Mrs. Reynolds? Does Elizabeth's attitude toward Darcy change while at Pemberley and after talking with Mrs. Reynolds? What does she think about him now?
46. When Elizabeth meets Darcy at the Pemberley estates, she is surprised by his behavior. How has he changed since she saw him last? How does he treat her? Her aunt and uncle? What does Elizabeth think has caused this change in Darcy? And how do Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner look at Darcy?
47. How does Elizabeth feel about Darcy's intention of introducing Ms. Darcy? Describe Elizabeth's meeting with Miss Darcy. Is Miss Darcy as proud as Wickham had described her? When Elizabeth meets Mr. Bingley, she detects some hints that he may still be thinking of Jane. What are those hints? Describe Elizabeth's meeting with Miss Bingley.
48. How does Elizabeth feel about Darcy after spending more time with him (pp. 177, 179)? Can gratitude, esteem and respect be a good foundation of love? See how Elizabeth thinks about it on p. 186.
Chapters 46-61 : Lydia's Elopement & Three Marriages
Plot -- Lydia's Elopement
49. In chap 45, Elizabeth receives two surprising letters from Jane. What shocking news about Lydia does Jane communicate? This elopement, as you will see, brings together the Lydia-Wickham plot and Elizabeth-Darcy one. At this point, how does she think this news about Lydia will influence her relationship with Darcy? What do the Gardiners and Elizabeth decide to do in response to the letter?
Characters: the Bennets' and Collins' different responses to the elopement
50. When Elizabeth and the Gardiners arrive back in Longbourn, they find the Bennet family quite disturbed about Lydia. What do they fear has happened between her and Wickham? Where is Mr. Bennet? Why has he gone there? What is Mrs. Bennet's response to the news? What has Jane been doing?
51. In the letter that Lydia left for Mrs. Forster, what does she say that she and Wickham are about to do? How would you describe the tone of her letter? What does that tone suggest about her?
52. Mr. Collins in a letter explains his view of Lydia's behavior. What is his opinion of her actions? What does he suggest Mr. Bennet do?
53. When Mr. Bennet returns from London, how does he feel about his own behavior as a father?
Lydia's marriage and money: chaps 49 - 52
54. Plot -- Three letters: In chapter 49 Mr. Bennet receives a letter from his brother-in-law, Mr. Gardner informing the Bennets how everything is settled for Lydia to be married to Wickham. What is required of Mr. Bennet? Why does Mr. Bennet think so little has been asked of him? Who does he think has financially assisted in this matter? When Mr. Bennet receives a second letter from Mr. Gardner--in chapter 50--does it reconfirm his thoughts about his brother-in-law's generosity? Why will it be difficult for Mr. Bennet to repay him? How does the letter in chapter 52 reveal about the ways the whole thing is settled? What is Wickham's motivation in eloping with Lydia?
Characters: the Bennets' and the Wickhams
55. Mr. Bennet: What does the beginning of chapter 50 suggest about Mr. Bennet's handling of financial affairs? What does the whole event show about Mr. Bennet as a father? Is his decision in prohibiting officers in their house, as well as not letting Kitty go to any balls without her sister, a good one (pp. 202-3)? How about the decision of not letting Lydia in?
56. How do Elizabeth and Jane respond to this news ? How does Elizabeth respond to Lydia when she comes home for a visit? What does she think to be the reasons for their marriage (pp. 212-13)?
57. When Mrs. Bennet is informed of the developments, how does she respond? In what ways is her response similar to Lydia's? Describe Lydia's homecoming after her marriage in chap 51. How does she understand and present her elopement and marriage? How does her view differ from those of Elizabeth, Jane, and Mr. Bennet?
58. Describe Elizabeth's relationship with Wickham while he stays at Longbourn. And how does Wickham behave?
Elizabeth and Darcy
59. In the plot of Elizabeth's education and growth, the elopement also plays a role of humbling her. Now that the crisis surrounding Lydia is resolved, Elizabeth begins to think once again of Mr. Darcy. What are her thoughts and feelings for him now (p. 208)?
60. When Lydia describes her wedding day, she mentions, much to Elizabeth's surprise, that Mr. Darcy was at the wedding. After Elizabeth asks her aunt about the reasons for Mr. Darcy's presence at the wedding and his involvement with Lydia and Wickham's wedding arrangement, her aunt sends a long, detailed letter. What information does this letter contain? How did Darcy help to facilitate the wedding? Mrs. Gardner offers several explanations for why Darcy helped. What are her explanations? How does Elizabeth respond to this letter? How does this influence her views of Darcy?
61. When Mr. Bingley comes to pay a visit at Longbourn, who else is with him? How does Darcy act while visiting? How does Elizabeth respond to him? Why is she disappointed?
Two obstacles which turn out to help the couple
62. Shortly after Lady Catherine's visit Mr. Bennet receives a letter from Mr. Collins. What news and advice does Mr. Collins offer? How does Mr. Bennet respond to this letter? When he reads parts of that letter to Elizabeth, how does she respond?
63. A week after Jane and Bingley's engagement, Lady Catherine stops at Longbourn. What is her reason for visiting? How would you describe her manners and behavior? What does she talk to Elizabeth about? How does Elizabeth respond to Lady Catherine's questions and demands?
64. After Lady Catherine talks to Elizabeth, Lady Catherine goes to London and meets with Darcy. What does she tell him? How does he respond to this news from his aunt? When he returns to Longbourn, he has a long walk and conversation with Elizabeth. What do they talk about? What do they decide to do? How have they both changed since he first proposed to her?
65. The Bennet family is surprised by the engagement of Elizabeth and Darcy. When Jane learns about their engagement, how does she respond? How does Mr. Bennet respond? Mrs. Bennet?
Jane and Bingley
66. After Lydia and Wickham leave Longbourn for the north of England, the Bennet family receives news that one of their neighbors is returning to the neighborhood. Who is coming back? How does Jane respond to this news? How does Mrs. Bennet respond?
67. What does Mrs. Bennet do to foster the relationship between Jane and Bingley? Does it work? What do Jane and Bingley decide to do?
The happy ending
68. In the dialogue between Elizabeth and Darcy, how does Elizabeth explain the reason for his attraction to her? After the account of Darcy's self-improvement, what do you think about their marriage? Is Elizabeth lucky to marry such a rich man? Does she deserve it?
69. After Jane's marriage to Bingley and Elizabeth's to Darcy, the Bennet family experiences some changes. How does Kitty benefit from the marriages? How does Mr. Bennet respond? Mrs. Bennet? Lydia and Wickham? Mary?