Questions and Answers
Why does Elizabeth ignore Miss Bingley's warning about Wickham?
Austen has established Miss Bingley as a spiteful, treacherous figure, and Elizabeth trusts Wickham.
Why is Darcy unwilling to talk while he and Elizabeth are dancing?
Darcy is unwilling to talk because Elizabeth assumes Wickham is telling the truth.
Who does Mr. Collins speak to at the ball that makes him seem completely absurd?
He approaches Darcy.
How does Mr. Collins's behaviour in proposing to Elizabeth illustrate his obtuseness?
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Why is Mr. Collins's subsequent proposal to Charlotte Lucas far from comical?
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How are Elizabeth's and Charlotte Lucas's thoughts about marriage different?
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Why does Austen have Charlotte Lucas say 'I am not a romantic you know...I ask only a comfortable home'?
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Who must now deal with the snobbery of Miss Bingley?
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What explanation does Wickham's friend Denny give for Wickham's failure to attend the ball at Netherfield?
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At the Netherfield ball, how does Mary Bennet embarrass herself?
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Who does Mr. Collins marry?
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In Miss Bingley's letter informing Jane of the party's return to the city, who does she imply will be married shortly?
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Study Notes
Elizabeth and Miss Bingley’s Warning
- Elizabeth disregards Miss Bingley's warning about Wickham due to Miss Bingley's established character as spiteful and untrustworthy.
- Elizabeth relies on her own judgment and instinctive trust in Wickham instead of valuing Miss Bingley’s opinion.
Darcy’s Reluctance to Communicate
- Darcy is unwilling to engage in conversation with Elizabeth while dancing, perceiving her approach to the topic as biased towards Wickham's truthfulness.
- This situation highlights Elizabeth's initial misjudgment regarding Wickham's character.
Mr. Collins at the Ball
- Mr. Collins’s absurdity is exemplified by his interaction with Darcy, where he fails to notice Darcy’s contemptuous response.
- His self-perception, bolstered by his connection to Lady Catherine, shapes his obliviousness to social cues.
Mr. Collins's Proposal
- Austen often highlights comical elements in rejected proposals; Mr. Collins’s lengthy, oblivious proposal to Elizabeth showcases his ridiculousness.
- His inability to accept rejection reveals his self-absorption and shallow understanding of relationships.
Charlotte's Acceptance of Mr. Collins
- Charlotte Lucas’s acceptance of Mr. Collins's proposal contrasts with the comedy of Mr. Collins's earlier proposal since it reflects the harsh realities of societal expectations for women.
- Her marriage illustrates possible critiques of a society that pressures women into marriage for security rather than love.
Perspectives on Marriage
- Elizabeth's idealism leads her to refuse marriage for mere financial security, demonstrating her commitment to love and respect.
- Charlotte’s pragmatism, in contrast, drives her to accept Mr. Collins for the sake of financial stability, highlighting differing values based on age and socioeconomic status.
Charlotte’s View on Romance
- Charlotte’s statement about seeking only a "comfortable home" critiques romantic ideals by implying that they may be unrealistic in her societal context.
- Elizabeth’s romantic aspirations suggest she expects more than what society offers, placing her at odds with pragmatic views.
Miss Bingley's Snobbery Towards Jane
- Jane is the target of Miss Bingley’s disdain, paralleling Elizabeth’s earlier experiences with Miss Bingley’s contempt, emphasizing class prejudices.
- Miss Bingley insinuates that a match between Bingley and Darcy’s sister is more suitable than one with Jane, revealing her elitist attitude.
Wickham's Absence at the Ball
- Denny informs others that Wickham is avoiding Darcy, fuelling the intrigue surrounding Wickham's interactions with the Bennets.
Mary Bennet's Performance
- Mary Bennet embarrassingly performs a poorly received song at the Netherfield ball, emphasizing her lack of social graces.
Mr. Collins’s Marriage
- Mr. Collins marries Charlotte Lucas, highlighting the pragmatic choices women must make.
Miss Bingley’s Letter to Jane
- In a letter to Jane, Miss Bingley hints that Bingley may soon marry Georgiana Darcy, suggesting continued societal pressures and prejudices regarding whom one should marry.
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Description
Test your understanding of Chapters 18-23 of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' with these flashcards. Explore character motivations and relationships, specifically focusing on Elizabeth, Darcy, and Wickham. This quiz will help reinforce key themes and events from these chapters.
