Plot Points
Who moves into Netherfield at the beginning of the novel?
Mr. Bingley
Who is the eldest Bennet sister?
Jane
“It is a truth universally acknowledged…” — What is ironic about this famous opening line?
It mocks the assumption that all women want marriage and all men want to marry.
What theme is suggested by the novel’s original title, First Impressions?
The danger of making judgments too quickly based on appearances or social behavior.
Why does Mr. Bennet visit Mr. Bingley early in the novel?
To secure an introduction so his daughters can meet him.
How is Mr. Collins related to the Bennet family?
He is Mr. Bennet’s distant cousin and heir to Longbourn.
Who says, “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me”?
Mr. Darcy
How does Austen use irony in her portrayal of Mr. Collins?
She exaggerates his pompous flattery and blind loyalty to Lady Catherine to mock social climbing.
What causes Jane to stay longer at Netherfield?
She gets sick after riding there in the rain.
Describe Miss Bingley’s attitude toward Elizabeth.
Jealous, condescending, and mocking
Identify the speaker: “I am not a man of many words.”
Mr. Bennet
What societal issue is Austen critiquing through the Bennet family’s inheritance situation?
Primogeniture and the limited rights of women to inherit property.
What are Elizabeth’s first impressions of Mr. Darcy?
He is proud, arrogant, and disagreeable.
What is revealed about Mr. Darcy’s character through his interactions with Mr. Bingley?
He is controlling, proud, but loyal to friends.
“I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only for a comfortable home.”
Who says this, and what does it reveal about their views on marriage?
Charlotte Lucas
It reveals that Charlotte views marriage as a practical arrangement, not a romantic ideal, which highlights the economic pressures women faced and contrasts sharply with Elizabeth’s values.
In what ways does Elizabeth challenge gender expectations of her time?
She values intellect and independence over wealth and marriage status.
What shocking claim does Mr. Wickham make to Elizabeth about Mr. Darcy?
Darcy cheated him out of a promised inheritance.
Why is Mr. Collins so obsessed with Lady Catherine de Bourgh?
She is his patroness and a symbol of social status.
What does Elizabeth mean when she says, “I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine”?
She admits her dislike of Darcy stems from personal offense, not just his attitude.
How does dramatic irony shape the reader’s perception of Darcy and Wickham in Volume One?
The reader suspects more about Darcy and Wickham’s true characters before Elizabeth realizes it.