Illustration of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy with neutral expressions on their faces

Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen

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1. Reread the initial two sentences of chapter 1. Does the novel validate these sentences? Why do families eagerly compete for eligible bachelors like Charles Bingley?

2. Examine Bingley's personality. He is wealthy, amiable, and outgoing, yet he abandons Jane quite readily. How do you assess his treatment of her? Why doesn't he more strongly oppose his sisters' attempts to separate him from Jane?

3. Reflect on the dance scenes in chapters 3 and 5. How do the townspeople's opinions of Darcy evolve? What do these scenes reveal about how people form judgments?

4. Why do the Bingley sisters form lasting opinions of the Bennets based on the events that follow Jane's visit to Netherfield? What plan does Mrs. Bennet concoct? What prevents Jane from returning home? How do the Bingleys interpret her extended stay? What is their view on Elizabeth walking from Longbourn to Netherfield?

5. Who is Mary Bennet, the middle daughter? What sets her apart within her family? Is she a satirical character? Why or why not?

6. What is Mr. Collins's primary reason for wanting to marry? Why does he choose to propose to one of the Bennet daughters? Why does Elizabeth refuse him, and why does this rejection upset her mother? Is Mrs. Bennet wrong?

7. When Charlotte accepts Mr. Collins's proposal, Elizabeth is both shocked and upset. Why does Charlotte decide to marry the unimpressive clergyman? Is Elizabeth's critical view of Charlotte justified?

8. When Darcy first proposes to Elizabeth, he confesses his love for her. Why, then, is she offended? What attitudes does he reveal through his proposal?

9. Besides disliking Darcy's general demeanor, Elizabeth resents him for two specific actions—mistreating Wickham and persuading Bingley to reject her sister Jane. Although Darcy ultimately treated Wickham better than he deserved, what about his influence over Bingley? Why should Elizabeth forgive him for causing her sister's heartache?

10. Why does Elizabeth believe it is inappropriate for Lydia to spend two months in Brighton with Colonel Forster's wife? Why does Lydia want to go? Although Mr. Bennet listens to Elizabeth's objections, he allows Lydia to go. Why? Why does the elopement disgrace the family?

11. What kind of woman is Lady Catherine de Bourgh? How would you describe her interactions with others? Which of her traits are evident in her nephew Darcy? In her daughter Anne? Although she tries to control others, she inadvertently facilitates the marriage she wishes to prevent. How does this happen? Why does Elizabeth encourage Darcy to reconcile with her, despite her insults toward Elizabeth?

12. While Jane and Elizabeth marry happily, Lydia's life appears bleak. Do you think the ending is cruel and vindictive? Does it seem like the narrator is almost reveling in Lydia's misfortune?

13. Does the world depicted in the novel appeal to you? Would you want to live in it? Why does Jane Austen hold country life in high regard?

14. Given Elizabeth's remarkable talents, what potential career paths might she pursue in today's world?

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