Pride and Prejudice: Lydia's Elopement

Questions and Answers

On what day did Elizabeth receive two letters from Jane?

the third morning of her stay at Lambton

What does the first letter from Jane talk about?

relates that Lydia has eloped with Wickham

What does the second letter from Jane talk about?

there is no word from the couple and that they may not be married yet

What does Mr. Darcy offer Elizabeth to calm her down upon hearing the news that Lydia has run off with Mr. Wickham?

a glass of wine Signup and view all the answers

Why does Elizabeth panic about the news?

because if Lydia doesn't marry Wickham the reputation of the family will be destroyed and ridiculed Signup and view all the answers

Who does Elizabeth rush to find in order to help locate Lydia?

the Gardiners Signup and view all the answers

What does Elizabeth apologize for as she leaves Mr. Darcy?

that they have to postpone dinner plans with Miss Darcy Signup and view all the answers

On their way back to Longbourn, why does Mr. Gardiner think that Mr. Wickham will marry Lydia?

his career and reputation will otherwise be ruined Signup and view all the answers

Where has Mr. Bennet gone to search for Lydia and Wickham?

London Signup and view all the answers

Who does Mrs. Bennet blame for her daughter's disappearance?

Colonel Forster Signup and view all the answers

What is Mrs. Forster's real name?

Harriet Signup and view all the answers

According to the letter she sent Mrs. Forster, what does Lydia look forward to the most?

signing her name 'Lydia Wickham' Signup and view all the answers

What was Mr. Bennet's reaction to hearing that Lydia had run away?

he could not speak a word for a full ten minutes Signup and view all the answers

Where is Lydia going based on the information in her letter to Mrs. Forster?

Gretna Green Signup and view all the answers

How much money does Colonel Forster believe Wickham has to pay to clear his expenses at Brighton?

1,000 pounds Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Gardiner's first name?

Edward Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mrs. Hill?

the Bennet's housekeeper Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Gardiner state in his letter to Mr. Bennet?

he does not believe that Lydia and Wickham are married Signup and view all the answers

When is the letter received?

two days after Mr. Bennet returns home from London Signup and view all the answers

Where is Lydia and Wickham according to Mr. Gardiner?

Haggerston Signup and view all the answers

How old is Lydia when she marries Wickham?

16 (since last June) Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Bennet's philosophy about Lydia's engagement to Mr. Wickham?

he thinks that a marriage to a scoundrel is better than a ruined reputation Signup and view all the answers

Who writes to Elizabeth to inform her of her younger sister's elopement?

Jane Signup and view all the answers

Who does Elizabeth immediately confide in about the scandal of Lydia's elopement?

Darcy Signup and view all the answers

What is the Bennet family's greatest worry after Lydia disappears?

a ruinous scandal Signup and view all the answers

While Mr. Bennet searches for Lydia and Wickham in London, the Bennets receive a rude letter from?

Mr. Collins Signup and view all the answers

What is given as the most likely reason for Wickham agreeing to marry Lydia?

he was paid off Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Events

Elizabeth receives two significant letters from Jane on the third morning of her stay at Lambton.
The first letter reveals that Lydia has eloped with Wickham.
The second letter expresses concern, stating there is no news from Lydia and Wickham, suggesting they may not be married yet.

Elizabeth's Reaction

Mr. Darcy offers Elizabeth a glass of wine to help calm her after hearing about Lydia’s elopement.
Elizabeth panics over the potential ruin of her family’s reputation if Lydia isn't married to Wickham, increasing her sense of urgency.
She rushes to find the Gardiners, seeking assistance to locate Lydia.

Family Dynamics

Elizabeth apologizes to Mr. Darcy for postponing dinner plans with Miss Darcy as she departs to help Lydia.
Mr. Gardiner speculates that Wickham has motives to marry Lydia due to the damage to his career and reputation if he does not.

Search for Lydia

Mr. Bennet travels to London in search of Lydia and Wickham.
Mrs. Bennet unfairly blames Colonel Forster for Lydia's disappearance.

Lydia's Character and Actions

Lydia expresses excitement over the prospect of signing her name "Lydia Wickham" in her letter to Mrs. Forster.
Lydia is identified as being 16 years old at the time of her marriage to Wickham.

Mr. Bennet's Response

Mr. Bennet is initially so shocked by Lydia's elopement that he cannot speak for ten minutes.
He contemplates the situation philosophically, believing that a scandalous marriage is better than a ruined reputation.

Financial Arrangements

Colonel Forster believes Wickham needed to pay £1,000 to settle his expenses in Brighton.
Mr. Gardiner’s letter to Mr. Bennet conveys his doubts that Lydia and Wickham have married, implying Wickham was likely paid to marry Lydia.

Miscellaneous

The letter revealing the outcome of Mr. Bennet’s search arrives two days after his return from London.
While Mr. Bennet seeks out Lydia, the Bennet family faces embarrassment with a rude letter from Mr. Collins.

Terms and Connections

"100 pounds a year during my life and 50 after I'm gone" reflects Mr. Bennet's shock and suspicion regarding Mr. Gardiner's payment to Wickham for Lydia's marriage.
Elizabeth confides in Mr. Darcy about the scandal of Lydia's actions, emphasizing her trust in him during a crisis.

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Description

This quiz explores key events surrounding Lydia Bennet's elopement with George Wickham in Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'. It delves into Elizabeth's reaction and the family's dynamics in response to this scandalous situation. Test your knowledge on how these events unfold and impact the Bennet family.