Opening Irony and Tone
The concept declared to be “universally acknowledged” in the novel’s opening line.
What is that a wealthy single man must be in want of a wife?
The Bennet daughter most admired for her beauty in Chapters 1–5.
Who is Jane Bennet?
Mr. Darcy’s initial reaction to the local society at the ball.
What is disdain or disinterest?
The event that officially introduces Bingley and Darcy to the neighborhood.
What is the Meryton assembly?
The narrative perspective used in Chapters 1–5.
What is third-person limited?
The literary technique Austen uses to signal that the opening statement should not be taken at face value.
What is irony?
Elizabeth Bennet’s defining trait as revealed in her early dialogue.
What is wit or intelligence?
The statement Darcy makes that Elizabeth overhears at the ball.
What is that she is “tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt” him?
Why Mrs. Bennet insists Jane visit Netherfield on horseback.
What is to increase the likelihood Jane will stay overnight if she falls ill?
The character whose thoughts most often shape the narration early on.
Who is Elizabeth Bennet?
The way Austen subtly mocks social expectations in the first paragraph.
What is by presenting marriage as an assumed economic transaction rather than romance?
Mr. Bennet’s primary method of dealing with his wife.
What is sarcasm or ironic detachment?
The immediate effect of Darcy’s comment on Elizabeth.
What is that she laughs at him and forms a negative opinion?
The assumption made about Bingley’s wealth before he even appears.
What is that he is a highly desirable match?
The technique that blends the narrator’s voice with Elizabeth’s opinions.
What is free indirect discourse?
The tone created by the narrator’s commentary on marriage and society.
What is satirical or ironic?
Mrs. Bennet’s dominant concern from her first appearance.
What is marrying off her daughters?
The way Darcy’s behavior reinforces class divisions in Chapters 3–4.
What is through pride and social reserve?
The connection Austen draws between illness and courtship in Chapter 4.
What is that proximity encourages romantic attachment?
How the narration encourages readers to trust Elizabeth’s judgments initially.
What is by aligning readers closely with her perspective and wit?
The deeper purpose of the novel’s famous opening sentence beyond humor.
What is to critique social pressure, gender roles, and marriage as a financial institution?
The contrast Austen establishes between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s temperaments.
What is rational irony versus emotional impulsiveness?
Why Darcy’s slight is especially damaging within the novel’s social context.
What is that public reputation and marriage prospects depend heavily on male approval?
What Austen reveals about marriage through Mrs. Bennet’s behavior rather than direct narration.
What is that marriage is treated as strategy rather than affection?
The potential danger of relying too heavily on Elizabeth’s point of view in the early chapters.
What is that readers may adopt her prejudices as truth?