Smarr Publishers
English
for
Classical Studies
A Student’s Companion to
Pride and
Prejudice
by Abigail E. Schoolfield
Copyright © Watson Educational Services, Inc., 2006
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Pride and Prejudice / 1
J
Introduction to Pride and Prejudice
ANE AUSTEN was born in 1775 into the family of George Austen, the rector of Steventon,
which suggests why her novels have clergymen in them. Her life was a quiet one among the
rural villages of England. Her works reflect this simple, unhurried life and centers on the
manners and customs of the landed gentry. Unlike many of the Romantic writers during her
time, Miss Austen was able to infuse humor into her novels and avoided the accepted gothic
genre.
In January 1805 Miss Austen’s father died. As would have been the case for the Bennets in
Pride and Prejudice and as was the case for the Dashwoods in Sense and Sensibility, the
income due to the remaining family (Mrs. Austen and her two daughters, the only children still
at home) was considerably reduced. Since most of Rev. Austen’s income had come from parish
tithes, the Austen ladies were largely dependent on support from the Austen brothers, for a total
of about £450 a year.
Austen revised Sense and Sensibility which was accepted in late 1810 by a publisher, but
published only at her own risk, which meant she really was a self-publisher. The novel appeared
anonymously simply as “By a Lady” in October 1811, and at first only her immediate family
knew of her being the author. Sense and Sensibility received at least two favorable reviews, and
the first edition turned a profit of £140 for Miss Austen. One of these reviews appeared
anonymously, which praised the new author and helped her onto fame. The review (as it was
later learned) was written by none other than Sir Walter Scott, who became an admirer of Miss
Austen’s works.
Encouraged by this success, Miss Austen began to revise Pride and Prejudice, having been
untouched for nearly fifteen years, which was the amount of time of its being first rejected by
the publisher. Her “own darling child” was finally published in late January 1813. Miss Austen
had already started composing Mansfield Park in 1812 and worked on the book during 1813.
During 1813 knowledge of her authorship began to leak outside her family; as Miss Austen
wrote in a letter dated September 25, 1813: “Henry heard P. & P. warmly praised in Scotland,
by Lady Robert Kerr & another Lady;—& and what does he do in the warmth of his brotherly
vanity and Love, but immediately tell them who wrote it!”
Since Miss Austen did not have any study, James Edwards told the story of the creaking door,
which she requested not to be fixed. The sound gave Miss Austen sufficient warning of any
approaching visitors, so that she could hide her manuscript before they came into the room.
Miss Austen was conscious of her impending death due to her sickness. In a letter dated
November 6, 1813, at 37 years of age, Miss Austen wrote: “By the bye, as I must leave off
being young, I find many Douceurs in being a sort of chaperon [at dances], for I am put on the
Sofa near the Fire & can drink as much wine as I like.” Just days earlier, Miss Austen had
written, “I bought a Concert Ticket and a sprig of flowers for my old age.”
On May 24 Miss Austen went to Winchester for medical treatment, and she died there on
Friday, July 18, 1817, at the age of 41. It was not known what had caused her death, but many
scholars guess that the illness was Addison's disease. Jane Austen was laid to rest in Winchester
Cathedral on July 24, 1817. In the early 19th century, women did not attend funerals, so her
sister Cassandra was not present.
Regarding the loss of Jane Austen, Sir Walter Scott stated what many people have felt after
reading her books, “What a pity such a gifted creature died so early!”
ROBERT W. WATSON
2 / Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice
Lesson One
1.1 Vocabulary
ostentation n.
fastidious adj.
pedantic adj.
complaisance n.
1.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The professor lectured in the usual way he had done for the past fifteen years:
________________, lifeless, and boring.
2. The way Jane bragged to Mrs. Wentworth was a vain ______________, because the great
lady is not impressed with such showiness.
3. While __________________ can be a good trait when developing human relationships, it is
never good to willingly yield to governmental decrees without critical analysis.
4. The reason why I kept my desk very neat and organized is perhaps because of my
_________________ mother, who insisted in everything being in its proper place.
1.3 Reading Assignment: Pride and Prejudice, chapters 1–6
1.4 Recall Questions
1. What news does Mrs. Bennet have for Mr. Bennet?
2. Why does Mrs. Bennet want Mr. Bennet to visit Mr. Bingley?
3. What sort of man is Mr. Darcy?
4. Why does Mrs. Bennet especially dislike Mr. Darcy?
5. Which of the Bennet girls does Mr. Bennet like?
6. What is the name of Elizabeth’s best friend?
7. What are Charlotte’s views on marriage?
8. What are Mr. Darcy’s feelings towards Elizabeth?
9. What does Mr. Darcy do that annoys Elizabeth?
Pride and Prejudice / 3
10. Who is the plainest of the five Bennet sisters?
11. What does Elizabeth reply when Mr. Darcy asks her to dance?
1.5 Critical Thinking

Explain why it is ironic when Elizabeth criticizes Jane for her inability to see a person’s true
character.
1.6 Bonus Thought

Jane Austen originally wrote this story in 1797 and called it First Impressions, but could not
get the work published. Austen then rewrote the book in 1812, calling the work, Pride and
Prejudice, which was then published in 1813.

The Novel of Manners: Nathaniel Hawthorne suggests in the preface of his House of the
Seven Gables that there are two kinds of prose fiction: the romance and the novel. The
romance has simple characters who are generally bigger than life. The distinction between
villains and heroes is clearly drawn and the plot centers on adventure. On the other hand,
the novel is the fictional account of events that are realistic. The characters are complex
whose motives are not always consistent. These characters are a part of a social class which
participates in believable, daily activities.
One sub-category of the novel is the novel of manners. These particular works center on the
social customs and manners during a particular time in history. The writer who fully
developed the novel of manners is Jane Austen. Austen writes about the simple country life
as life really was. Her Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma are the best
examples. However, George Eliot’s Silas Marner and The Mill on the Floss are also
outstanding examples of this genre.

Irony: In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austin begins her novel with a delightful, ironic
statement: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good
fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Of course, what is implied is that a single women wants
a wealthy man to marry.
Very broadly, irony is an implied meaning that is quite different from what is expressed or
asserted. Undoubtedly, you are already familiar with the best known irony, which is
sarcasm. We find two good examples of irony in the Bible. Job makes a very memorable
remark in Job 12:2—“No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.” The
expressed meaning is that Job’s friends embodied all of mankind and contained total
wisdom. Of course, Job does not believe this for a moment.
Even the Lord Jesus Christ was not above using irony. After telling the parable about the
unjust steward, the Lord says, “And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the
mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting
habitations” (Luke 16:9). The irony is clear. The Lord is emphasizing that one should not
waste his time by making friends with the unrighteous, since unrighteous mammon will
never befriend anyone who is “down on his luck,” much less provide anyone with a
perpetual dole.
4 / Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice
Lesson Two
2.1 Vocabulary
prognostic n.
indolent adj.
panegyric n.
alacrity n.
2.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Thomas Jefferson had only contempt for the ______________ citizen who did not labor to
remain a free man.
2. My teacher said that whenever the mass media starts telling everyone to buy gold, that was
a good ______________ to sell all the gold one has.
3. The messenger jumped on his horse and rode with _______________ to the front lines.
4. After the mayor finished speaking, the audience was pleased that his speech was not a
harangue, but rather a ______________ that praised the community.
2.3 Reading Assignment: Pride and Prejudice, chapters 7–10
2.4 Recall Questions
1. Why is it important for the Bennet girls to marry someone with money?
2. What is the big attraction in Meryton for Catherine and Lydia?
3. Why does Mrs. Bennet refuse Jane the use of the carriage?
4. What news does Jane send home the next morning?
5. How do the Bingley sisters feel about Elizabeth?
6. Why does Mrs. Bennet not want Jane to recover too quickly?
7. How does Mrs. Bennet embarrass Elizabeth?
8. Of what does Lydia remind Mr. Bingley?
9. About what do Elizabeth and Darcy argue?
10. What does Elizabeth think is the reason for Mr. Darcy’s staring at her?
Pride and Prejudice / 5
11. What does Darcy consider to be the one thing that would keep him from loving Elizabeth?
12. What does Miss Bingley do to try to make Darcy dislike Elizabeth?
2.5. Critical Thinking

Explain how both Elizabeth and Darcy display their pride and their prejudice.
2.6. Bonus Thought:

Jane Austen made a point to put good dialogue in her novels. There is a practical reason for
good dialogue. Because many people in Austen’s day would read novels aloud, good
dialogue was essential.
Jane Austen (1775–1817)
6 / Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice
Lesson Three
3.1 Vocabulary
propensity n.
propitious adj.
laconic adj.
obsequiousness n.
3.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. I have contempt for people who use _________________ when they fawn after superiors
with hopes of “getting ahead.”
2. The steady breeze and clear skies provided a ________________ sign that sailing on the
lake would be smooth today.
3. For some odd reason, my sister has the strange ______________ to put different shoes on
her left and right feet.
4. Mr. Hanson rarely spoke, but when he did his speech was ______________: always short,
sweet, and to the point.
3.3 Reading Assignment: Pride and Prejudice, chapters 11–16
3.4 Recall Questions
1. Why does Miss Bingley ask Elizabeth to walk with her?
2. What does Darcy say his major fault is?
3. Why is Darcy glad to see Jane and Elizabeth leave?
4. Who is the stranger visiting the Bennets?
5. What is his reason for visiting?
6. What is the name of Mr. Collins’s patroness?
7. What does Mr. Bennet think of Mr. Collins?
8. What is Mr. Collins’s profession?
9. Who is Mr. Collins’s second choice for a wife after he finds out Jane is not available?
Pride and Prejudice / 7
10. What is the name of the new officer the girls meet in Meryton?
11. What incident in this chapter does Elizabeth find strange?
12. What does Wickham say is the reason for his dislike of Darcy?
13. How is Mr. Darcy related to Lady Catherine?
14. What is the name of Mr. Darcy’s sister?
3.6 Critical Thinking

Explain how her conversation with Wickham is completely uncharacteristic of Elizabeth.
3.6 Bonus Thought

In her novels Jane Austen offers an excellent study of human character and weakness. Note
the many different types of characters, both comical and serious, in Pride and Prejudice.
Through all of them, Austen effectively shows the strengths and failings of real men and
women.
8 / Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice
Lesson Four
4.1 Vocabulary
incumbent adj.
probity n.
imprudent adj.
vestibule n.
4.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Driving a very expensive car may be _______________, if one is trying to keep a low
profile.
2. Martha could not believe that the ________________ to the mansion was larger than her
small house in Cartersville.
3. The directors of our club thought it was _______________ upon us to participate with
another organization that supported us in our jellybean drive.
4. During the 19th century, many farmers were able to get loans just by being members of a
local church, a testimony of the member’s ___________________.
4.3 Reading Assignment: Pride and Prejudice, chapters 17–20
4.4 Recall Questions
1. What is Jane’s opinion about the story of Darcy and Wickham?
2. What happens to dampen Elizabeth’s excitement about the Bingleys’ ball?
3. What huge disappointment does Elizabeth experience at the ball?
4. Why does Elizabeth accept Darcy’s request for a dance?
5. What warning does Miss Bingley give to Elizabeth?
6. What two embarrassing incidents take place at supper?
7. Why do the Bennets have to leave the ball after all the others?
8. What does Mr. Collins think is the reason for Elizabeth’s refusing his proposal of marriage?
9. What makes Mr. Collins change his mind about Elizabeth?
Pride and Prejudice / 9
10. What does Mrs. Bennet threaten to Elizabeth if she does not marry Mr. Collins?
4.5 Critical Thinking

Compare Elizabeth’s conversation with Darcy to her conversation with Wickham. How
does Darcy show Wickham more kindness than Wickham shows him?

Contrast Elizabeth’s feelings toward Darcy and Jane’s toward Wickham. Which is more
reasonable?
4.6 Bonus Thought

In many novels of Jane Austen’s period, authors add to the story some information about
what is happening in their country at that time. Notice that Pride and Prejudice does not
include any historical facts. Austen wrote only about what she knew, and her world was
pretty far removed from all the historical events of the period.
10 / Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice
Lesson Five
5.1 Vocabulary
assiduous adj.
disapprobation n.
rectitude n.
transient adj.
5.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. If we ever realize how ________________ life really is, we will be less prone to waste
valuable time on activities that do not edify us and others.
2. The voters expressed their __________________ of the bribery by Senator Jones by
frustrating the politician’s bid for reelection.
3. The new senator from our district has a background of impeccable _______________, being
a good father and church member.
4. While John had his failings, no one could accuse him of his not being _______________ on
the job.
5.3 Reading Assignment: Pride and Prejudice, chapters 21–24
5.4 Recall Questions
1. To whom did Mr. Collins turn his attentions when Elizabeth refused him?
2. What does Wickham admit to Elizabeth?
3. What announcement arrives in a letter from Miss Bingley?
4. Whom does Miss Bingley want her brother to marry?
5. For what purpose does Mr. Collins sneak out of the house in the early morning?
6. What are Elizabeth’s feelings about Charlotte marrying Mr. Collins?
7. What is the only thing Charlotte expects out of marriage?
8. Whom did Mrs. Bennet blame for the match between Charlotte and Mr. Collins?
9. How does Mr. Bennet feel about Jane’s disappointment?
Pride and Prejudice / 11
10. Who cheers the Bennet family during this period?
5.5 Critical Thinking

Compare and contrast Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. In what ways are they similar? In what ways
are they different?

Explain how Elizabeth feels differently about the Bingleys’ departure from her earlier
disagreement with Mr. Darcy about listening to one’s friends.
5.6 Bonus Thought

Of all her heroines, Jane Austen claimed that Elizabeth Bennet was her favorite.
12 / Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice
Lesson Six
6.1 Vocabulary
paling n.
phaeton n.
conciliate v.
mercenary adj.
6.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. My aunt finally got the ____________ that she always wanted to enclose her cottage
garden.
2. Mom usually would ___________ the petty squabbles between us sisters; I hope to be a
peacemaker like her.
3. While visiting Charleston, our family rode in a ______________, a carriage drawn by two
of the most beautiful horses that I ever saw.
4. Mr. Sloan was disappointed to learn of his cousin’s _________ attitude towards the old
homestead; Mr. Sloan wanted to preserve it; his cousin wanted to sell it.
6.3 Reading Assignment: Pride and Prejudice, chapters 25–29
6.4 Recall Questions
1. Who comes to visit the Bennets during Christmas?
2. What does Mrs. Gardiner suggest in order to make Jane feel better?
3. Why is Elizabeth sure that Jane will not encounter Bingley in London?
4. What warning does Mrs. Gardiner give Elizabeth?
5. What finally convinces Jane that Elizabeth was right about Caroline Bingley?
6. What assures Mrs. Gardiner that Elizabeth will never be involved with Wickham?
7. What surprises Elizabeth about Charlotte’s countenance?
8. Why does Maria so frantically call Elizabeth downstairs?
9. What is Elizabeth’s opinion of Lady Catherine?
Pride and Prejudice / 13
10. What sort of questions does Lady Catherine ask Elizabeth?
11. How does Elizabeth reply to the questions?
6.5 Critical Thinking

Compare Elizabeth’s manner with Lady Catherine with that of everyone else visiting her.
6.6 Bonus Thought

In old England, it was very customary for younger sisters to be kept from society to give the
older sisters the opportunity to marry first. That is why Lady Catherine was shocked to hear
that Elizabeth’s sisters were all out and seeing young men.
14 / Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice
Lesson Seven
7.1 Vocabulary
gig n.
prudential adj.
rencounter n.
officious adj.
7.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Bonnie was only seven years old when her grandfather bought her a small ___________ to
be pulled by her pony.
2. Staying home today proved to be a _______________ decision, because it rained all day.
3. The _______________ between the two warring factions touched off a fierce conflict.
4. The ______________ advice by Shannon to Jack Philips was presumptuous, because she
was only a junior in college, while Mr. Philips was a well-known writer.
7.3 Reading Assignment: Pride and Prejudice, chapters 30–34
7.4 Recall Questions
1. What two gentlemen come to visit Lady Catherine?
2. Why does Elizabeth ask Mr. Darcy if he had seen Jane in London?
3. What does Elizabeth think is the reason for Darcy’s staring at her while she plays the piano?
4. What does Charlotte say must be the reason for Mr. Darcy’s calling at the parsonage?
5. What does Elizabeth accidentally find out from Colonel Fitzwilliam?
6. Who arrives while Elizabeth is alone at the parsonage?
7. What is Darcy’s reason for visiting?
8. Why has Darcy struggled with his feelings for Elizabeth so long?
7.5 Critical Thinking

Compare Lady Catherine with Mrs. Bennet. How are they alike, although different in rank?
Pride and Prejudice / 15
7.6 Bonus Thought

Jane Austen wrote her novels during the Romantic period when writers believed that feeling
was more important than intellect or reason. However, Jane Austen always emphasized the
importance of reason in her novels, which was very unfashionable for her time.

English Romanticism began in 1798 when William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge
published their Lyrical Ballads. While tradition holds that the Romantic period ended with
the passage of the Reform Bill of 1832, Romanticism prevailed long into the Victorian
Period, influencing the works of Charles Dickens and Lord Tennyson. If you wish to learn
the manifesto for Romanticism, you must carefully read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The
Romantic poets include Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Keats, and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
The two outstanding novelists of this period were Jane Austen and Sir Walter Scott.
As a movement, Romanticism reacted against Neoclassicism. The authors and poets set out
to establish a new standard for literature with fresh values. The emerging writers had no
loyalty to classical forms, nor desired to be bound by classical precedent. The key word to
the Romantic writers was individualism. Men were not part of a grand design, or great chain
-of-being, where one must accept his lot in life with stoic resignation. The Romantics
gloried in their uniqueness as individuals. While Alexander Pope wrote about man-ingeneral in his Essay on Man, Wordsworth wrote about the specific-man—William
Wordsworth—in The Prelude: Growth of a Poet's Mind. Thus, the Romantic writers had a
preference for the specific over the general.
In addition to its fondness for the individual, Romanticism centered on intuition and
emotion. The Romantics distrusted reason and particularly science with its offspring,
technology. While the Neoclassic authors believed that “being natural” meant do what was
rational and logical, the Romantic writers understood the expression to mean getting oneself
in touch with Nature, which was seen as a benign and gentle force to help everyone to live
peacefully with himself and with others. Perhaps arguably, the Methodist revival added to
this rebellion against rationalism as church members rose up against religious formalism,
against predestination, and against church hierarchy. Even though they often wrote about
nature, the Romantic writers believed the rural setting was merely the stimulus to prompt
the individual to turn from the outside world to the inward soul in order to meditate about
the human condition. Thus, country life was preferred with its solitude.
Romanticism embraced subject matter that was abandoned by Neoclassic writers. We find a
renewal in an interest for the supernatural, for nature, for the common man, and for the
medieval period. The hero was no longer bigger than life, but was the simple man striving
against the collective. Nature is no longer the impersonal force that works like a well-tuned
clock, but rather was a healer and a comforter to those who embraced Mother Earth. The
medieval period was not a period of gross darkness and ignorance, but a time of simple
faith, gallant men, and beautiful ladies.
The only significant difference between the Romanticists and the Victorians is that the
former were more idealistic and visionary, while the latter added realism to their writings.
The Victorians saw themselves as the moral prophets of the world by addressing the social
issues of their day
16 / Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice
Lesson Eight
8.1 Vocabulary
verdure n.
wanton adj.
pecuniary adj.
chagrin n.
8.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The _______________ of Michael was clear, when he realized that he had studied the
wrong chapters for the test.
2. General Sherman had such a ______________ disregard for the lives and property of the
citizens of Georgia and South Carolina that today such behavior would be considered a war
crime.
3. His reasons for volunteering for the mission was purely _______________; the mercenary
was motivated by money, and not by principle.
4. After driving through the desert for two days, I was surprised to find a paradise of
_______________ in the middle of it.
8.3 Reading Assignment: Pride and Prejudice, chapters 35–39
8.4 Recall Questions
1. What does Mr. Darcy give to Elizabeth when she runs into him while taking a walk?
2. What explanation does Darcy give for separating Bingley and Jane?
3. What occupation did Wickham pretend to have instead of the clergy?
4. What did Wickham do when Darcy refused to give him more money?
5. What does Elizabeth say is the reason for her blind prejudice?
6. What does Lady Catherine think is the reason for Elizabeth’s low spirits?
7. Where does Elizabeth stop on her way home?
8. What news does Lydia have when Elizabeth and Jane arrive?
9. What is Elizabeth particularly upset about on seeing her younger sisters?
Pride and Prejudice / 17
8.5 Critical Thinking

Explain why Darcy thought marriage into the Bennet family would be a step down in his
society standing.
8.6 Bonus Thought

Feminist Interpretation: Many modern literary critics say Jane Austen’s works contain
feminist views on the limited opportunities of women. The feminists argue that this is
evident in Pride and Prejudice when the family fortune is given to the male cousin instead
of the daughters. However, the majority of critics still hold the view that Austen was not
advocating feminism in her novel. After all, Austen is merely relating the mores and
traditions in England at the time of her writing and is not suggesting the existence of some
covert conspiracy to subjugate women.

Turnpike: This word comes from the Middle English word, turnpyke. This was the name
given to a spiked barrier that went across a road. After a traveler paid a toll, the barrier was
removed. Therefore, today a turnpike is a toll road.
18 / Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice
Lesson Nine
9.1 Vocabulary
allay v.
volubility n.
conjugal adj.
querulous adj.
9.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The candidate was known for his ______________, but no substance; in other words, he
said a lot about nothing.
2. The mother could not __________ the fears of her little girl during the terrible storm, even
though the girl was held tightly.
3. The young boy whimpered and whined the whole time I watched him; he was the most
_____________ child I had ever known.
4. Even though Mr. and Mrs. Bennet had opposite personalities, their _____________ life was
marked by respect and tolerance.
9.3 Reading Assignment: Pride and Prejudice, chapters 40–43
9.4 Recall Questions
1. About what does Elizabeth ask Jane’s advice?
2. What do the two sisters decide to do?
3. Why does Elizabeth decide not to tell Jane about the other part of the letter?
4. What happens to cheer up Lydia?
5. What was Elizabeth looking forward to as she passed the next few weeks with her family?
6. How does the Pemberly housekeeper feel about Darcy?
7. What is the one thing that keeps Elizabeth from being sorry she turned down Darcy’s
proposal?
8. Why is Elizabeth happy to introduce Darcy to the Gardiners?
9. What does Darcy ask of Elizabeth?
Pride and Prejudice / 19
9.5 Critical Thinking

Explain how Mr. Bennet contributes to the lack of understanding and silliness in his family.
9.6 Bonus Thought
 Class Consciousness: Even today, although to a lesser extent, crossing over into another
class can raise eyebrows in Great Britain. During the days of Jane Austen, the class
structure was strict. At the top of the social order was the peer. The knights belonging to the
peerage were descendents from ancient families who were holders of vast estates. The peers
were very few. Even when James I was king, the peers numbered no more than one
hundred. Politically, the peers participate in the House of Lords.
A larger class of landowners than the peers was the gentry. Even though they numbered in
the thousands, these squires were a small number in contrast with the entire population.
Most of their income came from agriculture and from the rents of their tenants, who were
controlled by the gentry. A gentleman’s participation in the country’s politics was the
commissioner of the peace, locally, and the House of Commons, nationally.
With the growth of cities, a class of wealthy merchants arose called the elite. These men
made their fortunes in trade or manufacturing. Many of the more influential merchants were
knighted by the monarch and even acquired land, thus allowing their descendents to become
part of the peers, or gentry. Politically, the elite participated in the House of Commons,
unless they became peers; then they entered the House of Lords. The elite was clearly not a
part or nor had much in common with the urban middle class.
The urban middle class was called the bourgeoisie. These folks included the shop
owners, artisans, petty bureaucrats, and retailers. Most of those in this class had little or
no land. If they participated in government at all, it was generally in the bureaucracy and
occasionally in the House of Commons.
The rural middle class composed of the lesser gentry, or the gentlemen. However, this
was more of a social title, since it did not reflect the wealth of the gentleman. Many of
the yeomanry, who were freeholders and tenant farmers, did as well oftentimes as the
gentlemen. The gentleman’s participation in politics was limited to the local level acting
as a juryman, a constable, or a churchwarden.
The commoners comprised well over fifty percent of the population. As for the political
process, the commoner was completely removed from it. This class consisted of the
peasantry, servants, and semi-skilled and unskilled laborers. With the increased
industrialization of England, more peasants were displaced from the land and had to
move to the cities for work. Before, the peasant could survive by living off the land. But
now, coming to the city as an unskilled laborer, the commoner had to rely on wages
alone, which had become unreliable with the business cycles of boom and bust.
In the case of the Bennet girls they belonged to the rural middle class which is a lower class
than the gentry to which Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley belonged.
20 / Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice
Lesson Ten
10.1 Vocabulary
curricle n.
petulance n.
palliation n.
paddock n.
10.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. My chore on the ranch was to inspect the ______________ to ensure that the fence was in
good repair and that there were no breaks for the horses to escape.
2. The lawyer tried to convince the jury of the _____________ of his client’s crime as he
described the pitiful man who only wished to get food for his hungry children.
3. After I offered my plan for restructuring the company, the president assailed me with a
_______________ that suggested I look for another employer.
4. While the Thompsons came in their _____________, we came in our gig, which is pulled
by one horse and not by two like the Thompsons had.
10.3 Reading Assignment: Pride and Prejudice, chapters 44–47
10.4 Recall Questions
1. What does Elizabeth immediately recognize about Miss Darcy’s character?
2. Who else arrives with Mr. Darcy and his sister?
3. What are Elizabeth’s present feelings toward Darcy?
4. What are Miss Bingley’s feelings when Elizabeth visits Pemberly?
5. What news is revealed in a letter from Jane?
6. What is the family more concerned about than Lydia’s marriage?
7. Who arrives just as Elizabeth runs to find Mr. Gardiner?
8. Why does Elizabeth blame herself for what happened?
9. In what state does Elizabeth find her mother?
Pride and Prejudice / 21
10. What reveals to the Bennet family that at least Lydia’s intentions were honorable?
10.5 Critical Thinking

Explain how the elopement in this chapter serves to let Darcy know that Elizabeth no longer
dislikes him and that she believes what he said in his letter.

Explain what role “first impressions” play in Pride and Prejudice.
10.6 Bonus Thought

Literary critics believe that the story of Pride and Prejudice, when it was entitled First
Impressions, was written in the form of letters to and from the different characters.
22 / Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice
Lesson Eleven
11.1 Vocabulary
dilatory adj.
augment v.
copse n.
connubial adj.
cogent adj.
11.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Tom set a pattern of postponing everything to the last minute when he was _____________
in his studying in school.
2. The senator demonstrated an uncommon good sense as he offered _____________ reasons
for ending foreign trade completely.
3. Even though our land is mostly fields for planting crops, we do have a delightful
___________ that affords us some shade and a place to relax.
4. The regular army is often _____________ with additional troops from the reserve forces.
5. If families were once again required to give a dowry to the bridegroom, maybe
____________ relationships would be entered into more seriously.
11.3 Reading Assignment: Pride and Prejudice, chapters 48–51
11.4 Recall Questions
1. How does Kitty suffer from Lydia’s misbehavior?
2. What news is revealed from Mr. Gardiner?
3. What does Wickham require of Mr. Bennet in exchange for marrying Lydia?
4. What does the Bennet family think is the reason for Wickham’s demanding so little money?
5. What is Mrs. Bennet’s reaction to the news?
6. Why is Mrs. Bennet so shocked at Mr. Bennet?
7. Why is Elizabeth convinced Darcy will want nothing more to do with her?
8. What additional news does Mr. Gardiner send?
Pride and Prejudice / 23
9. What does Lydia ask to do before she goes north?
10. What is Lydia’s attitude when she gets home?
11. Who was present at her wedding, which Lydia accidentally reveals to Elizabeth and Jane?
11.5 Critical Thinking

What types of marriages have taken place in the novel so far? In your opinion, what are the
basis of these marriages? According to the Bible, what is considered a successful marriage?
11.6 Bonus Thought

In spite of her good opinions on love and marriage, Jane Austen never married.
24 / Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice
Lesson Twelve
12.1 Vocabulary
palatable adj.
concurrence n.
barbarous adj.
12.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The fact that Susan was studying Victorian literature, which she enjoyed greatly, made
Chemistry ______________.
2. Even in war, certain acts are considered ________________ and outside the scope of
civilized conduct.
3. The _________________ of the mayor and council was a rare event when agreement
between the two was seldom witnessed.
12.3 Reading Assignment: Pride and Prejudice, chapters 52–55
12.4 Recall Questions
1. Who is really the one who found Wickham and Lydia?
2. How did this gentleman find Wickham?
3. What did the gentleman hope to do by speaking to Lydia?
4. What was the one thing Darcy insisted on when he talked with Mr. Gardiner?
5. What happens to relieve Mrs. Bennet’s sadness about Lydia’s departure?
6. Who is with Bingley when he visits the Bennets?
7. What did Elizabeth discover when she walked in on Mr. Bingley and Jane alone?
8. What does Bingley say had been the one thing that made him leave the village?
9. What does Elizabeth say she must have in order to be as happy as Jane?
10. Where is Darcy during all of this?
Pride and Prejudice / 25
12.5 Critical Thinking

Notice the conversation between Elizabeth and Wickham. How is this a reversal of their
first conversation?

Discuss whether a woman must be married in order to be fully happy as the novel seems to
suggest.
12.6 Bonus Thought

Jane Austen and her sister Cassandra had a relationship that mirrors the relationship
between Elizabeth and Jane in Pride and Prejudice.

Barbarous: Originally barbarous meant one who did not speak your own language. It came
to mean one who was foreign and ignorant. The barbarians were feared as dauntless and
fierce warriors; thus the world also is used as cruel or merciless. The word brave in English
comes from the same root word.
26 / Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice
Lesson Thirteen
13.1 Vocabulary
hermitage n.
tacit adj.
incessant adj.
epithet n.
13.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Charles had the ___________ the Great, because he was truly a great man who desired his
children and subjects to be educated.
2. Even though Mr. Pierce did not say I had to work for his company, I knew that there was a
__________ agreement that I would work for him since he paid most of my college tuition.
3. It was impossible for me to express my opinion, because Fred was an _______________
talker who did not pause between thoughts.
4. Old Ben kept to himself and lived alone in a log cabin on his ten acres; the neighborhood
children called his place the ______________.
13.3 Reading Assignment: Pride and Prejudice, chapters 56–61
13.4 Recall Questions
1. Who suddenly visits the Bennets one morning?
2. What is the reason for the visit?
3. Whom does Lady Catherine want Darcy to marry?
4. How will Elizabeth know if Darcy takes his aunt’s advice?
5. Why does Mr. Collins write to Mr. Bennet?
6. To whom does Darcy say he and Elizabeth owed their happiness?
7. What confession had Darcy made to Bingley the night before he left for London?
8. Why is Mr. Bennet glad Darcy was the one who arranged Lydia’s marriage?
9. What is Mrs. Bennet’s reaction upon hearing of Elizabeth’s engagement?
Pride and Prejudice / 27
10. What was one of the main reasons Darcy falls in love with Elizabeth?
11. Why do Mr. Collins and Charlotte come to Lucas Lodge?
12. Where do the Wickhams continually go for money?
13.5 Critical Thinking

How are the minor characters like Miss Bingley, Mr. Collins, and Lady Catherine important
in bringing Elizabeth and Darcy together? Discuss.

Mr. Bennet is an important character in Pride and Prejudice. Does Austen portray Mr.
Bennet in a positive or a negative light? Discuss.

Explain how Austen uses satire to criticize the snobs in Pride and Prejudice.
13.6 Bonus Thought

Pride and Prejudice is commonly thought of as a book suitable only for women. However,
many men have also found it captivating. One of the most notable is Sir Walter Scott, who
reportedly read the novel at least three times in his lifetime.
28 / Pride and Prejudice
Glossary for Pride and Prejudice
alacrity (…-l²k“r¹-t¶) n. Cheerful willingness; eagerness; speed or quickness; celerity
allay (…-l³“) v. To reduce the intensity of; relieve
assiduous (…-s¹j“›-…s) adj. Constant in application or attention; diligent
augment (ôg-mμnt“) v. To make something greater, as in size, extent, or quantity
barbarous (bär“b…r-…s) adj. Primitive in culture and customs; uncivilized; lacking refinement or
culture; coarse
chagrin (sh…-gr¹n“) n. A keen feeling of mental unease, as of annoyance or embarrassment,
caused by failure, disappointment, or a disconcerting event
cogent (k½“j…nt) adj. Appealing to the intellect or powers of reasoning; convincing
complaisance (k…m-pl³“s…ns) n. The inclination to comply willingly with the wishes of others;
amiability
conciliate (k…n-s¹l“¶-³t”) v. To overcome the distrust or animosity of; appease; to regain or try to
regain friendship by pleasant behavior
concurrence (k…n-kûr“…ns) n. Agreement in opinion; cooperation
conjugal (k¼n“j…-g…l) adj. Of or relating to marriage or the relationship of spouses
connubial (k…-n›“b¶-…l) adj. Relating to marriage or the married state
copse (k¼ps) n. A thicket of small trees or shrubs
curricle (kûr“¹-k…l) n. A light, open, two-wheeled carriage, drawn by two horses abreast
dilatory (d¹l“…-tôr”¶) adj. Intended to delay; tending to postpone or delay
disapprobation (d¹s-²p”r…-b³“sh…n) n. Moral disapproval; condemnation
epithet (μp“…-thμt”) n. A term used to characterize a person or thing; a term used as a descriptive
substitute for the name or title of a person; an abusive or contemptuous word or phrase
fastidious (f²-st¹d“¶-…s) adj. Possessing or displaying careful, meticulous attention to detail;
difficult to please; exacting
gig (g¹g) n. A light, two-wheeled carriage drawn by one horse
hermitage (hûr“m¹-t¹j) n. The habitation of a hermit or group of hermits; a monastery or an
abbey
imprudent (¹m-pr›d“nt) adj. Unwise or indiscreet; not prudent
incessant (¹n-sμs“…nt) adj. Continuing without interruption
incumbent (¹n-k¾m“b…nt) adj. Imposed as an obligation or a duty; obligatory
indolent (¹n“d…-l…nt) adj. Disinclined to exert oneself; habitually lazy
laconic (l…-k¼n“¹k) adj. Using or marked by the use of few words; terse or concise
mercenary (mûr“s…-nμr”¶) adj. Motivated solely by a desire for monetary or material gain
obsequiousness (¼b-s¶“kw¶-…s) n. Full of or exhibiting servile compliance; fawning
officious (…-f¹sh“…s) adj. Marked by excessive eagerness in offering unwanted services or
advice to others
ostentation (¼s”tμn-t³“sh…n) n. Pretentious display meant to impress others; boastful showiness
paddock (p²d“…k) n. A fenced area, usually near a stable, used chiefly for grazing horses.
paling (p³“l¹ng) n. One of a row of upright, pointed sticks forming a fence; a fence made of
pales or pickets
palatable (p²l“…-t…-b…l) adj. Acceptable to the taste; sufficiently agreeable in flavor to be eaten;
acceptable to the mind or sensibilities
Pride and Prejudice / 29
palliation (p²l“¶-³”sh…n) n. Extenuation; mitigation, as to making a crime less severe
panegyric (p²n”…-j¹r“¹k) n. A formal composition intended as a public compliment; elaborate
praise
pedantic (p…-d²n“t¹k) adj. Characterized by a narrow, often affected concern for book learning
and formal rules
pecuniary (p¹-ky›“n¶-μr”¶) adj. Of or relating to money
petulance (pμch“…-l…ns) adj. Unreasonably irritable or ill-tempered; peevish; contemptuous in
speech or behavior
phaeton (f³“¹-tn) n. A light, four-wheeled open carriage, usually drawn by a pair of horses
probity (pr½“b¹-t¶) n. Complete and confirmed integrity; uprightness
prognostic (pr¼g-n¼s“t¹k) n. A prediction; an omen
propensity (pr…-pμn“s¹-t¶) n. An innate inclination; a tendency
propitious (pr…-p¹sh“…s) adj. Presenting favorable circumstances
prudential (pr›-dμn“sh…l) adj. Arising from or characterized by prudence
querulous (kwμr“…-l…s) adj. Given to complaining; peevish
rectitude (rμk“t¹-t›d”) n. Moral uprightness; righteousness
rencounter (rμn-koun“t…r) n. An unplanned meeting; a hostile encounter or contest
tacit (t²s“¹t) adj. Not spoken; implied by or inferred from actions or statements
transient (tr²n“sh…nt) adj. Passing with time; remaining in a place only a brief time
verdure (vûr“j…r) n. The lush greenness of flourishing vegetation; vigorous greenery
vestibule (vμs“t…-by›l”) n. A small entrance hall or passage between the outer door and the
interior of a house or building.
volubility (v¼l“y…-b…l) n. A ready flow of speech; fluency
wanton (w¼n“t…n) adj. Immoral or unchaste; lewd; gratuitously cruel; merciless
30 / Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice (Lessons 1–5)
Vocabulary Quiz #1
1. ______ Although he does not show much outward ___________ when his wife asks him to
visit Mr. Bingley, Mr. Bennet actually fully intends to do so.
(A) ostentation
(B) panegyric
(C) complaisance
(D) disapprobation
(E) rectitude
2. ______ The constant and ___________ search of Mrs. Bennet for husbands for her five
daughters is the whole occupation of her life.
(A) fastidious
(B) assiduous
(C) indolent
(D) pedantic
(E) laconic
3. ______ Although she is not as silly and shallow as Kitty and Lydia, Mary is unsociable,
bookish, and __________.
(A) imprudent
(B) incumbent
(C) prognostic
(D) pedantic
(E) propitious
4. ______ In her efforts to win the affections and approval of Mr. Darcy, Caroline Bingley
displays a sort of pretentious ________________ toward him.
(A) obsequiousness
(B) ostentation
(C) propensity
(D) disapprobation
(E) rectitude
5. ______ Although Mr. Bingley is very fond of Hertfordshire and its residents, his two sisters
and Mr. Darcy possess a strong ____________ for the manners and breeding of the
Hertfordshire residents.
(A) ostentation
(B) obsequiousness
(C) disapprobation
(D) rectitude
(E) probity
CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE
1
11. ______ Although the ostentation of Mr.
Collins is amusing for a while, sensible
people soon grow tired of his society.
6. ______
Mrs. Bennet initially despises Mr. Collins,
A
whom is to inherit Longbourn upon Mr.
B
C
D
Bennet’s death. No error.
E
7. ______
The word “ostentation” means
(A) amiability.
(B) eagerness.
(C) showiness.
(D) disapproval.
(E) uprightness.
Full of praise for the house and the Bennet
A
daughters, Mr. Bennet and the girls are
B
amused by Mr. Collins’s efforts to please the
C
D
family. No error.
E
8. ______
12. ______ While Mr. Bingley’s two sisters
are both snobbish, Mr. Bingley’s brother
-in-law, Mr. Hurst, is indolent.
The word “indolent” means
(A) lazy.
(B) concise.
(C) unwise.
(D) difficult to please.
(E) diligent.
Each of the sisters are very interested in Mr.
A
Wickham upon first meeting him, but only
B
Elizabeth notices the cold greeting between
C
D
Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy. No error.
E
13. ______ As she listened to Mr. Wickham
give his account of his history with Mr.
Darcy, Elizabeth had no doubt of the
story’s truth and Mr. Wickham’s
probity.
9. ______
The word “probity” means
At a gathering in the home of Elizabeth’s aunt,
A
Mr. Wickham tells her about his connection
B C
D
with Mr. Darcy’s family. No error.
E
(A) amiability.
(B) integrity.
(C) showiness.
(D) public praise.
(E) diligence.
10. ______
The dislike of Elizabeth for Mr. Darcy
A
increases when she blames him for Mr.
B
C
Wickham’s absence from the ball at
D
Netherfield. No error.
E
CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE
2
After seeing the coldness between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham,
14
Elizabeth is very curious to learn the story of their acquaintance. Her
curiosity is satisfied the following evening when Mr. Wickham tells her
15
his version of the story. Although she prides herself on her discernment.
16
Elizabeth takes the word of Mr. Wickham, who she only met the day
17
before, without hearing the other side of the story. The blind sort of a
18
prejudice Elizabeth feels toward Mr. Darcy keep her from looking at
19
Wickham’s accusations with an open mind. The fondness of Elizabeth
for his engaging manners persuades her that he is a good man.
20
END
3
14. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
dangling modifier
fused sentence
fragment
15. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
Elizabeth
hers
her’s
16. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
fragment
dangling modifier
fused sentence
17. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
whose
who’s
whom
18. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
sort of
type of a
kind of a
19. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
keeping
did keep
keeps
20. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
whoever
Wickham
this
4
Pride and Prejudice (Lessons 6–10)
Vocabulary Quiz #2
1. ______ While Mrs. Gardiner worried that Mr. Wickham’s attentions to the rich Miss King
might be ___________, Elizabeth believes Wickham is only being sensible.
(A) wanton
(B) prudential
(C) mercenary
(D) querulous
(E) petulant
2. ______ Apparently in an effort to make Elizabeth regret her refusal of his proposal, Mr.
Collins tries to convince his guests of his _________ happiness with Charlotte by taking
them on a tour of his home and garden.
(A) pecuniary
(B) prudential
(C) mercenary
(D) officious
(E) conjugal
3. ______ The authoritative Lady Catherine continually gives Charlotte ___________ advice
about housekeeping.
(A) officious
(B) querulous
(C) pecuniary
(D) wanton
(E) mercenary
4. ______ During her visit at Hunsford, Elizabeth had an unexpected ___________ with Mr.
Darcy, who was visiting Lady Catherine.
(A) phaeton
(B) rencounter
(C) curricle
(D) palliation
(E) verdure
5. ______ Upon hearing from Colonel Fitzwilliam that Mr. Darcy had separated Mr. Bingley
and Jane, Elizabeth is so upset that she could hardly conceal her __________.
(A) palliation
(B) volubility
(C) prudence
(D) chagrin
(E) rencounter
CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE
1
11. ______ After discussing what Elizabeth
had learned from Mr. Darcy about
Wickham, Elizabeth and Jane both
decide not to tell their general
acquaintance about Mr. Wickham’s lack
of character and wanton lifestyle.
6. ______
Elizabeth is very surprised one morning when
A
Mr. Darcy arrives unexpectedly
B
C
at the parsonage while Elizabeth was alone.
D
No errors.
E
The word “wanton” means
(A) immoral.
(B) wise.
(C) peevish.
(D) ill-tempered.
(E) lazy.
7. ______
In spite of his feelings for Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy
A
feels hesitant to marry a girl whom is beneath
B
C
him in fortune and connections. No error.
D
E
12. ______ Although Jane has a sweettempered disposition and is never
querulous, Elizabeth sees that Jane has
still not recovered from Bingley’s
departure.
8. ______
The word “querulous” means
While dancing with Elizabeth, Darcy hears Sir
A
William Lucas speak of marriage among Mr.
B
C
Bingley and Jane as a definite event.
D
No error.
E
(A) wise.
(B) immoral.
(C) lazy.
(D) greedy.
(E) whiny.
13. ______ Looking forward to a trip with
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner helps to allay
some of the unhappiness Elizabeth feels
after returning home from Hunsford.
9. ______
After reading Mr. Darcy’s account of his
A
acquaintance with Mr. Wickham, Elizabeth
B
realizes how blind been concerning Wickham.
C
D
No error.
E
The infinitive “to allay” means
(A) to steal.
(B) to advise.
(C) to relieve.
(D) to comply.
(E) to delay.
10. ______
In an effort to spare Jane’s feelings, she
A
B
decided to say nothing to Jane about Mr.
C
Darcy’s part in persuading Mr. Bingley to stay
D
in London. No error.
E
CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE
2
After learning the truth of what happened between Mr. Wickham and
Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth very gradually starts to respect and appreciate
him.
14
Elizabeth is at first reluctant to admit to herself that Wickham, whom
she has always preferred, is in fact the one in the wrong but when
looking at the facts objectively, Elizabeth sees the truth.
15
Later, when Elizabeth visits Pemberly and meets Mr. Darcy’s servants
and sister, her feelings for Mr. Darcy increases. The kindness of Mr.
16
Darcy toward his servants, his sister, and her own aunt and uncle
causes her to see him in a new light. Mr. Darcy’s feelings for
17
Elizabeth, meanwhile, have remained the same for the young lady.
Much to the chagrin of the jealous Caroline Bingley. Elizabeth,
18
who knows that Miss Bingley has never liked her, realizes that
19
them visiting Mr. Darcy at the same time must not be very
20
agreeable to Miss Bingley.
END
3
14. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
them
Mr. Darcy
his
15. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
dangling modifier
fragment
fused sentence
16. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
increase
increased
did increase
17. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
hers
Elizabeth
she
18. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
fragment
fused sentence
dangling modifier
19. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
whom
whose
who’s
20. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
they
there
their
4
Pride and Prejudice (11–13)
Vocabulary Quiz #3
1. ______ Even while his family anxiously awaits news of Lydia, Mr. Bennet is as ________
with letter writing as every.
(A) barbarous
(B) dilatory
(C) tacit
(D) palatable
(E) incessant
2. ______ As Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet search for Lydia, Jane and Elizabeth are obliged
to constantly listen to their mother’s __________ complaining and fears.
(A) tacit
(B) palatable
(C) incessant
(D) dilatory
(E) cogent
3. ______ In his letter to Mr. Bennet, Mr. Collins states that his satisfaction in having been
refused by Elizabeth is now ______________ because of Lydia’s disgraceful behavior.
(A) augmented
(B) incessant
(C) dilatory
(D) cogent
(E) barbarous
4. ______ Although Wickham does eventually marry Lydia, Elizabeth realizes that Wickham
and Lydia will not have much _________ happiness.
(A) Dilatory
(B) Palatable
(C) Barbarous
(D) Connubial
(E) Tacit
5. ______ Although Jane and Elizabeth would like Lydia to visit at Longbourn after the
wedding, it took some pleading and reasoning to gain Mr. Bennet’s _____________.
(A) copse
(B) epithet
(C) hermitage
(D) curricle
(E) concurrence
CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE
1
11. ______ Although Jane tries to convince
herself and Elizabeth that she is not
expecting any renewal of Mr. Bingley’s
attentions, Elizabeth does not consider
Jane’s reasoning entirely cogent.
6. ______
When Lydia returns to Longbourn, Jane and
A
Elizabeth are shocked to see that Lydia feel
B
C
no regret or embarrassment over her actions.
D
No error.
E
7. ______
The word “cogent” means
(K) agreeable
(L) uncivilized
(M)convincing
(N) continual
(O) unspoken
Because he feels guilty for failing to make
A
Wickham’s character known, he uses his
B
C
influence and money to make Wickham marry
D
Lydia. No error.
E
8. ______
12. ______ The reports that Elizabeth is to
marry Mr. Darcy are not at all palatable
to Lady Catherine, who visits Elizabeth
to make sure such reports are untrue.
The word “palatable” means
(A) agreeable
(B) uncivilized
(C) convincing
(D) continual
(E) unspoken
There are much surprise and anxious feelings
A
in the Longbourn household when they learn
B
C
that Mr. Bingley is to return to Netherfield.
D
No error.
E
13. ______ Elizabeth’s refusal to comply
with Lady Catherine’s wishes conveyed
to Mr. Darcy a tacit admission that
Elizabeth would consent to marry him if
he asked her again.
9. ______
The marked attentions of Mrs. Bennet to Mr.
A
Bingley, along with her coldness to Mr. Darcy,
B
causes Jane and Elizabeth great
C
D
embarrassment. No error.
E
The the word “tacit” means
(A) uncivilized
(B) agreeable
(C) continual
(D) delayed
(E) implied
10. ______
Although he accompanies Bingley to
A
Longbourn, Mr. Darcy exhibits none of the
B
C
friendliness he had shown to the Gardiners at
D
Pemberley. No error.
E
CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE
2
By making Wickham marry Lydia, he not only gains more of
14
Elizabeth’s love and respect, he saved the entire Bennet family from
15
disaster. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, whom are both inadequate as parents,
16
are responsible for Lydia’s elopement with Wickham.
Careless of their daughter’s unruly tendencies, Lydia allows herself to
17
be seduced by Wickham. Causing Mr. Darcy to have to perform the
duties that actually belong to Mr. Bennet.
18
Motivated by his love for Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy puts forth the effort
19
and money necessary to save the Bennets from social disgrace and
financial ruin. Elizabeth she gives her gratitude, respect, and love to
20
Mr. Darcy in return for his generosity to her family.
END
3
14. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
his
Mr. Darcy
him
15. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
saves
did save
has saved
16. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
whose
whoever
who
17. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
dangling modifier
fragment
fused sentence
18. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
dangling modifier
fragment
fused sentence
19. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
love of
love with
love to
20. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
double negative
double comparisons
double subject
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Answer Keys to Pride and Prejudice
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 1
1. pedantic
2. ostentation
3. complaisance
4. fastidious
Lesson 1
1. The news was that a rich newcomer is in town named Mr. Bingley.
2. Mrs. Bennet wants to marry off one of her daughters to a rich man.
3. Mr. Darcy is proud and unfriendly.
4. Mrs. Bennet dislikes Mr. Darcy, because he insulted Elizabeth.
5. Mr. Bennet likes Jane.
6. Her name is Charlotte Lucas.
7. Charlotte believes that couples should know much about each others’ faults before the
marriage.
8. Mr. Darcy thinks Elizabeth is pretty and well behaved in spite of his criticism.
9. Mr. Darcy listens to Elizabeth’s conversation with Colonel Fortster
10. Mary is the plainest.
11. Elizabeth refuses to dance with Mr. Darcy.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 2
1. indolent
2. prognostic
3. alacrity
4. panegyric
Lesson 2
1. Their father’s fortune does not include an inheritance for the girls.
2. The officers stationed in Meryton.
3. It is supposed to rain and the Bingleys will be forced to keep her all night
4. Jane is sick, and the Bingleys insisted on keeping her until she is well.
5. The sisters think she is unladylike, and they do not like her.
6. Mrs. Bennet wants Jane to stay at Netherfield long enough for Bingley to fall in love with
her.
7. Mrs. Bennet embarrass Elizabeth by arguing with Mr. Darcy so much and by constantly
bragging on Jane.
8. Lydia reminds Mr. Bingley to give a ball at Netherfield.
9. Elizabeth and Darcy argue over his criticism of Bingley.
10. Elizabeth believes his stares show his dislike of her.
11. Darcy would not fall in love with a woman of low connections.
12. Miss Bingley keeps talking about the possibility of his marrying Elizabeth.
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Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 3
1. obsequiousness
2. propitious
3. propensity
4. laconic
Lesson 3
1. Miss Bingley wants to get Mr. Darcy’s attention.
2. Darcy says his major fault is the inability to forgive people.
3. Darcy is glad to see the girls leave, because he realizes he likes Elizabeth too much.
4. The stranger is their cousin, Mr. Collins.
5. Mr. Collins’s sole purpose is to marry one of the Bennet girls.
6. Mr. Collins’s patroness is Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
7. Mr. Bennet finds Mr. Collins silly and self-absorbed.
8. Mr. Collins is a clergyman.
9. Mr. Collins chooses Elizabeth.
10. The new officer’s name is Wickham.
11. Elizabeth is puzzled by the uncomfortable reaction of Darcy and Wickham when the two
men meet each other.
12. Darcy had refused to let Wickham have a clergyman’s living, which Darcy’s father had
intended for him.
13. Darcy is Lady Catherine’s nephew.
14. Darcy’s sister’s name is Georgiana.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 4
1. imprudent
2. vestibule
3. incumbent
4. probity
Lesson 4
1. Jane believes it is a misunderstanding without fault on either side.
2. Mr. Collins asks Elizabeth for the first two dances.
3. Mr. Wickham has gone on business.
4. Elizabeth is so shocked that Darcy asks her, that she responded without thinking.
5. Elizabeth is not to believe everything Wickham says about his treatment from Darcy.
6. Mr. Darcy overhears Mrs. Bennet joyfully talking of Jane, and Bingley and Mary sings.
7. Mrs. Bennet had arranged to delay the carriage in order to stay longer.
8. It is popular for a young lady to refuse a proposal when in reality she secretly means to
accept it later.
9. Mrs. Bennet tells Mr. Collins that Elizabeth is headstrong and foolish.
10. Mrs. Bennet threatens never to speak to Elizabeth again.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 5
1. transient
2. disapprobation
2
3. rectitude
4. assiduous
Lesson 5
1. Mr. Collins turned his affections to Charlotte Lucas.
2. Wickham admits that he had not attended the ball at Netherfield in order to avoid Darcy.
3. Everyone has all left Netherfield for the winter.
4. Miss Bingley wants her brother to marry Mr. Darcy’s sister, Georgiana.
5. Mr. Collins goes to propose to Charlotte.
6. Elizabeth is shocked and a little sad that Charlotte will be marrying Mr. Collins.
7. Charlotte only expects a comfortable home.
8. Mrs. Bennet blames Elizabeth for Mr. Collins marrying Charlotte.
9. Mr. Bennet states that girls like to be disappointed in love every now and then and does not
seem to take it seriously.
10. Wickham cheers up the Bennet family.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 6
1. paling
2. conciliate
3. phaeton
4. mercenary
Lesson 6
1. Mrs. Bennet’s brother—Mr. Gardiner—and his wife come to visit the Bennets during
Christmas.
2. Mrs. Gardiner suggests that Jane come and stay with her in London.
3. Mr. Gardiner is a merchant, and Mr. Darcy would not let him visit that part of London.
4. Elizabeth should not hurriedly fall in love with Wickham since he does not have money.
5. Jane experiences Caroline’s coldness toward her in London.
6. Wickham is attached to another lady.
7. Elizabeth cannot believe that Charlotte could be so cheerful with Mr. Collins for a husband.
8. Maria is so frantic because Lady Catherine’s daughter has arrived.
9. Elizabeth thinks Lady Catherine is rude and conceited.
10. Lady Catherine asks questions about Elizabeth’s sisters, education, and age.
11. Elizabeth is polite, but very frank and decided.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 7
1. gig
2. prudential
3. rencounter
4. officious
Lesson 7
1. The two men who come to visit Lady Catherine are Darcy and his cousin Colonel
Fitzwilliam
2. Elizabeth wants to see Darcy’s reaction.
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3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Elizabeth thinks Darcy is trying to make her nervous.
Charlotte thinks Darcy must be in love with Elizabeth.
Elizabeth learns that Darcy is the one who talked Charles Bingley out of marrying Jane.
Darcy arrives while Elizabeth is alone.
Darcy desires to propose to Elizabeth.
Darcy struggled with his feelings because of Elizabeth’s “inferior” family.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 8
1. chagrin
2. wanton
3. pecuniary
4. verdure
Lesson 8
1. Darcy gives to Elizabeth a letter.
2. Darcy says he did not believe Jane had really loved Bingley.
3. Wickham pretended to be in the practice of law instead of the clergy.
4. Wickham tried to elope with Darcy’s sister.
5. Elizabeth states that the reason for her prejudice is her vanity.
6. Lady Catherine thinks Elizabeth is sad about leaving soon.
7. Elizabeth stops to pick up Jane on her way home.
8. Mr. Wickham is not going to marry Miss King.
9. Elizabeth is upset with her sisters’ giddiness.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 9
1. volubility
2. allay
3. querulous
4. conjugal
Lesson 9
1. Elizabeth asks Jane whether or not to expose Wickham’s true character.
2. Elizabeth and Jane decide not to expose Wickham.
3. Elizabeth thought it was best that Bingley explain it himself.
4. Mrs. Forster invites Lydia to Brighton.
5. Elizabeth was looking forward to her northern tour with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.
6. The housekeeper has a very high respect and regard for Darcy.
7. Elizabeth remembers Darcy’s opinion of the Gardiners’ low connections.
8. Elizabeth is happy to show Darcy that some members of her family are intelligent people.
9. Darcy asks Elizabeth for permission to introduce her to his sister.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 10
1. paddock
2. palliation
3. petulance
4. curricle
4
Lesson 10
1. Miss Darcy is not proud, but kind and shy.
2. Mr. Bingley arrives with Darcy and his sister.
3. Elizabeth respects Darcy, but is not sure whether she loves him or not.
4. Miss Bingley is very jealous of Elizabeth’s visiting Pemberly.
5. Lydia has run off with Wickham.
6. The family is concerned about the possibility that Lydia is not married.
7. Mr. Darcy arrives at the time Elizabeth leaves.
8. Elizabeth thinks that if she had let her family know Wickham’s true character, the
elopement would not have happened.
9. Mrs. Bennet is sick and in hysterics.
10. Lydia does leave a letter for Mrs. Forster.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 11
1. dilatory
2. cogent
3. copse
4. augmented
5. connubial
Lesson 11
1. Kitty suffers from the rules for her become stricter in the future.
2. Mr. Gardiner has found Lydia, but Lydia and Wickham are not married.
3. Wickham demands the portion of the 5,000 pounds Lydia is to inherit, plus one hundred
pounds a year.
4. The family thinks Mr. Gardiner has given Wickham the rest.
5. Mrs. Bennet is very happy about the news.
6. Mrs. Bennet is shocked, because Mr. Bennet says he will not receive Lydia at Longbourne
and will not give her money to buy any clothes.
7. Elizabeth is convinced that Lydia’s disgrace will cause Darcy not to want to be related to
Wickham.
8. Mr. Gardiner states that Wickham is leaving the militia to join the regulars in the North of
England.
9. Lydia asks to visit her family.
10. Lydia is happy to be married and completely unaware of her disgrace.
11. Mr. Darcy was at the wedding.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 12
1. palatable
2. barbarous
3. concurrence
Lesson 12
1. Mr. Darcy was the one who found Wickham and Lydia.
2. Darcy contacted a close friend of Wickham’s who knew where Wickham was.
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3. Darcy hoped to persuade Lydia to come home.
4. Darcy wanted to make all the arrangements.
5. Mr. Bingley comes back to Netherfield.
6. Mr. Darcy accompanies Mr. Bingley to the Bennets.
7. Mr. Bingley had proposed marriage to Jane.
8. Bingley left, because he was not sure Jane loved him.
9. Elizabeth states that she would need Jane’s goodness in order to as happy as her sister.
10. Darcy is in London.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 13
1. epithet
2. tacit
3. incessant
4. Hermitage
Lesson 13
1. Lady Catherine comes for a sudden visit.
2. Lady Catherine wants to make sure Elizabeth does not marry Darcy.
3. Lady Catherine wants her daughter to marry Darcy.
4. If he does not return to Netherfield, then Elizabeth knows that Darcy had listened to his
aunt.
5. Mr. Collins wishes to warn Mr. Bennet of Lady Catherine’s disapproval of Elizabeth’s
engagement to Darcy.
6. Darcy states that he and Elizabeth owed their happiness to Lady Catherine.
7. Darcy told Bingley of his interference between Jane and him.
8. Mr. Bennet was glad, because he would not have to pay Darcy back.
9. Mrs. Bennet is overjoyed and forgets her dislike of Mr. Darcy.
10. Darcy admires the way Elizabeth had enough courage to be honest and tell him what she
thought, unlike the other ladies.
11. Mr. Collins and Charlotte come to Lucas Lodge to get away from Lady Catherine while she
is so angry.
12. The Wickhams continually ask Jane or Elizabeth for money.
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Quiz #1
1. C
2. B
3. D
4. A
5. C
6. B (pronoun case)
7. A (misplaced mod.)
8. A (S-V agreement)
9. C (indefinite obj.)
10. E
11. C
12. A
13. B
14. A
15. B (indefinite obj.)
16. B
17. D (pronoun case)
18. B (idiom)
19. D (S-V agreement)
20. C (indefinite subj.)
Quiz #2
1. C
2. E
3. A
4. B
5. D
6. E
7. C (pronoun case)
8. C (comparison)
9. A (pro. antecedent)
10. B (indefinite subj.)
11. A
12. E
13. C
14. C (indefinite obj.)
15. D
16. B (S-V agreement)
17. C (indefinite obj.)
18. B
19. A
20. D (pronoun case)
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Quiz #3
1. B
2. C
3. A
4. D
5. E
6. C (S-V agreement)
7. B (indefinite subj.)
8. C (indefinite subj.)
9. C (S-V agreement)
10. E
11. C
12. A
13. E
14. C (indefinite subj.)
15. B (tense shift)
16. D (pronoun case)
17. B
18. C
19. A
20. D
8