Thursday, April 2, 2009

P&P #10: Ch. 19-2

“Her thoughts were all fixed on that one spot of Pemberly House, whichever it might be, where Mr. Darcy then was. She longed to know what at that moment was passing in his mind; in what manner he thought of her, and whether, in defiance of everything, she was still dear to him” (246).

  • Elizabeth had never once wondered what Darcy thought of her. She never valued his supposed arrogant opinions or ideas—and never once did she ever expect this to change. However, this quote depicts this drastic change. Upon Elizabeth’s realization of Darcy’s true character, she shifts from having feelings of hatred and disdain toward Darcy, to respect and admiration. Elizabeth longs for some type of sign that may release her uncertainty of Darcy’s feelings for her through a glance or a mannerism. She wonders if Darcy still has feelings for her, but assumes and expresses certainty that he doesn’t: “It is impossible that he should still love me” (249). However, we gain insight from an outside source that, “it was evident that he was very much in love with her” (257). Elizabeth still remains unsure of her own feelings toward Darcy (258), let alone attempting to figure out Darcy’s.


Multiple Choice:

What are Elizabeth’s feelings on being acquainted with Miss Darcy?

A) Elizabeth felt that it was a compliment of the highest kind
B) Elizabeth dreaded the meeting because Miss Darcy proved to be arrogant
C) Mrs. Reynolds had spoken ill of Miss Darcy’s upbringing and persuaded Elizabeth not to speak with her
D) Indifference

E) Elizabeth was already well acquainted with Miss Darcy and despised her

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

P&P #9: Ch. 14-18

“The general prejudice against Mr. Darcy is so violent, that it would be the death of half the good people in Meryton, to attempt to place him in an amiable light” (221).
  • Once again, the themes first impressions along with prejudice, appears. Elizabeth makes a great assumption in expressing that regardless of any new, good-natured information having to do with Darcy, the people will have an extremely difficult time believing Elizabeth. This is solely due to how society values first impressions. In observing one’s initial portrayal of character, permanent prejudices are formed—either positive or negative. This does not often prove successful: “Pleased with the preference of one, and offended by the neglect of the other, on the very beginning of our acquaintance, I have courted [prejudice] and ignorance, and driven reason away where either were concerned” (205). In this social structure, a person's disposition is already set according to their place, ones responsibility is to act in such a way that reflects on that social level. It is absurd at how many times this practice has failed them and the people still remain stagnant in changing their customs.


Multiple Choice:


What does Elizabeth choose to leave out when telling Jane of all that had occurred?

A) The devious schemes of Wickham
B) How Darcy professed his undying love for Elizabeth
C) That Darcy interfered with the possible relationship between Jane and Bingley
D) Mrs. Bennet and her sisters were responsible for manipulating Bingley into never coming back
E) All of the above

Monday, March 30, 2009

P&P #7: Ch. 6-10

"If his own vanity, however, did not mislead him, he was the cause, his pride and caprice were the cause of all that Jane had suffered and still continued to suffer. He had ruined for a while every hope of happiness for the most affectionate, generous heart in the world; and no one could say how lasting an evil he might have inflicted" (185).
  • Elizabeth absolutely detests Darcy for interfering with the relationship between Mr. Bingley and her sister Jane. Elizabeth assumed that the Bingley sisters were solely responsible for the incident; however, when receiving this information she places Darcy at fault for all of Jane’s time spent suffering and crying. Mr. Darcy has fallen for Elizabeth and the two finally begin to get along, but with this new information, Mr. Darcy has lost his chance to gain Elizabeth’s approval, only to result in a deepening of her abhorrence toward him.

Multiple Choice:


"There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me" (173).

The quotation above describes which character?

A) Elizabeth
B) Mrs. Bennet
C) Charlotte
D) Mr. Collins
E) Maria

P&P #6: Ch. 2-5

“Stupid men are the only ones worth knowing, after all” (154). (Gen)
  • In this quote, Elizabeth expresses a loss of hope in intelligent, well-mannered men and has good reason to. Mr. Bingley, whom she once believed to be a wonderful match for her beloved sister, proved to be a spineless man easily manipulated by his sisters and Darcy. Also, Mr. Wickham, whom Elizabeth had grown very fond of, decides to pursue Miss King in hopes of acquiring Miss King’s inherited wealth. Elizabeth has given up on such men and in saying “stupid men are the only ones worth knowing” (154), one can assume that Mr. Collins could be considered as “stupid” considering the fact that Charlotte is happy and is guaranteed a prudent marriage. Elizabeth continues to be disappointed by the men she thought so highly of; however, she should be disappointed by her own reliability on first impressions.

Multiple Choice:


What can we assume is the reasoning behind Mr. Wickham’s sudden desire to marry Miss King?

A) Prudence
B) Mercenary
C) Love
D) Obligation

E) None of the above

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

P&P #5: Ch. 21-1

“There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of either merit or sense” (135).

  • Through this quote, Elizabeth is shone in a light that increases her amiability from when we were previously faced with her prejudices. Elizabeth is seen as an insightful and levelheaded sister who sees people for who they really are. She acts as a driving force that attempts to have Jane see others in the same light and dissuade her from thinking that "all the world is respectable" (134). Optimism is a good quality; however, one must also be wise in determining certain characteristics in others that may be harmful toward him or her. Also, Elizabeth mentions the “inconsistency” in human beings. However, she is certainly guilty of refusing to see Wickham’s falseness insisting that he is completely innocent. Nonetheless, Elizabeth is very independent and finds no need to depend on anyone or anything because, as seen with Charlotte's nonsensical decision to marry Mr. Collins, "sense" is unreliable.


Multiple Choice:

What can be said for Charlotte Lucas’ reasoning for accepting Mr. Collins’ marriage proposal?

A. Charlotte is madly in love with Mr. Collins and cannot wait for the day that will make her the happiest woman
B. Charlotte accepts out of pity because he had been rejected by her best friend just a few days before
C. Charlotte is convinced that she will live comfortably and considering Mr. Collins situation in life and connections, her chances of happiness are fair
D. Charlotte was forced to accept or else her mother would refuse to speak to her

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

P&P #4: Ch. 17-20

“Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do” (111).
  • This passage is certainly a slap in Mrs. Bennet’s face. After many years of attempting to impose her priorities and adherence to societal structure on Mr. Bennet, he goes against her and firmly takes his own stance on the occurrence: “I have two small favours to request. First, that you will allow me the free use of my understanding on the present occasion” (112). He often reveals his opinion of the absurdity of societal structure through his witty and amusing comments to Mrs. Bennet; however, this quote certainly exemplifies Mr. Bennet’s overt refusal to accept such customs. Also, because Elizabeth is the favorite of her father, Mr. Bennet supports her decision and would not insist that she marry someone out of her will. Mr. Bennet clearly does not care much for his estate remaining in the family as much as he does for his daughter’s happiness.

Multiple Choice:

Which quotation best relates to the idea portrayed in the following passage?

“That it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second or even a third time” (107).


A. “Society has claims on us all; and I profess myself one of those who consider intervals of recreation and amusement as desirable for every body” (88).
B. “If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him” (22).
C. “‘There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil, a natural defect, which not even the best education can overcome’” (58).
D. “A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves; vanity to what we would have others think of us” (21).
E. "A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singin, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word" (40).

Sunday, March 22, 2009

P&P #3: Ch. 11-16

"For almost all his actions may be traced to pride; and pride has often been his best friend. It has connected him nearer with virtue than any other feeling. But we are none of us consistent; and in his behavior to me there were stronger impulses even than pride" (Austen 82).
  • In this quote Mr. Wickham describes Darcy as being a proud man. However, it is reasonable to hold the supposition that Darcy acts in such a way only because of the situation between his father, Wickham, and himself. It is fair that Darcy is angry considering the fact that his father gave his estate to Wickham rather than his own son. On the other hand, it is despicable on Darcy's part because he must be more understanding and appeasing in recognizing that it was not Wickham's fault and should not be taken out on him. However, as Darcy previously stated, "My good opinion once lost is lost for ever" (58). His implacable resentment and haughty nature toward others gives the impression that he is indeed proud and also too stubborn to forgive others. Pride may have possibly "connected him nearer with virtue" however as CS Lewis states, "pride leads to every other vice".
Multiple Choice:

What societal theme is presented in Elizabeth's eagerness in giving credibility to Mr. Wickham's one-sided story?

A. The idea that first impressions are of the utmost importance
B. The belief that a woman's goal was to find a husband agreeable to society
C. The belief that women were to be submissive in society
D. The idea that respect is shown when one family calls on another family, that family must do the same
E. None of the above