Pride and Prejudice, Volume 1
Discussion Questions:
1. Complete the quotation: “It is a truth universally acknowledge, that a single man in possession
of a good fortune, must be in want of a ___________.”
2. The Bennet Family lives in the village of ____________.
3. Mr. Bingley, when he attends the ball in Meryton, seems to be quite taken with __________.
4. Explain what indirect characterization reveals about Mr. and Mrs. Bennet in Chapter 1.
5. According to Mr. Bennet, what does Elizabeth have that his others daughters do not possess?
6. How does Darcy respond when he sees that Elizabeth needs a dance partner? How does
Elizabeth react?
7. Elizabeth’s best friend is named __________.
8. Why does Jane’s visit to the Bingleys end up lasting for days?
9. What does Elizabeth’s refusal to wait for a carriage in her haste to nurse Jane reveal about her
character?
10. How is Mr. Collins connected to the Bennets? What is Mr. Collins’s primary reason for visiting
Longbourn?
11. What does it mean that Mr. Bennet’s property is entailed?
12. Explain how Darcy and Wickham are acquainted. According to Wickham, why is their
relationship strained?
13. Explain the irony in Mrs. Bennet’s indiscreet comments at Netherfield ball.
14. How is the theme of pride and prejudice illustrated in Elizabeth’s opinions of Darcy and
Wickham?
15. After Elizabeth refuses him, Mr. Collins proposes to another woman. Who is she, and what is
Elizabeth’s response to the engagement? Why does she react this way?
16. Describe Mr. and Mrs.Gardiner. What is their relation to the Bennets? Where do they live, and
who goes to visit them?
17. In one or two paragraphs describe Elizabeth’s theory about why Bingley and his family have left
Netherfield.
18. Who is Colonel Fitzwilliam? What information about Darcy does Elizabeth learn from him?
19. How does Elizabeth respond to Darcy’s marriage proposal?
20. Write a paragraph in which you explain why Darcy writes the letter of explanation to Elizabeth.
21. How is theme of appearances illustrated by Elizabeth’s prejudice toward Wickham and Darcy?
22. What method of characterization is used when the narrator describes Kitty as “weak-spirited
and irritable” and Lydia as “self-willed and careless”? How is this technique helpful to the
reader?
23. What does Elizabeth think about Charlotte’s situation at Rosings? Does Elizabeth think Charlotte
is happy?
24. Explain in a paragraph why Lydia is going to Brighton and why she is so eager for the trip.
25. What is Pemberley? Why does Elizabeth visit Pemberley?
26. What thought lessens Elizabeth’s regret that she is not mistress of Pemberley?
27. This novel is told from, a third-person omniscient point of view. How does the point of view
affect the reader’s impression of the characters?
28. What has Lydia done and why is it disgraceful?
29. In one or two paragraphs, discuss when and how Elizabeth’s feelings for Darcy begin to change.
30. According to Mrs. Gardiner, what reason does Darcy give for arranging Wickham’s marriage to
Lydia? (Ch. 49-55)
31. Mr. Bennet describes Wickham as a “fine fellow” and a “valuable son-in-law.” How are his
remarks ironic? (Ch. 49-55)
32. After Bingley returns to Netherfield, what happens to make Jane feel that she is “certainly the
most fortunate creature that ever existed”? (Ch. 49-55)
33. In one or two paragraphs, predict what you think will happen to Elizabeth.
34. Why does Lady Catherine visit Elizabeth? (Ch. 56-61)
35. What idea or type of person is being satirized in the character of Lady Catherine? (Ch. 56-61)
36. Why does Elizabeth struggle to conceal her feelings when her father teases her about Darcy’s
supposed interest in her? (Ch. 56-61)
37. In one or two paragraphs, explain how Mrs. Bennet’s reaction to the news of Elizabeth’s
engagement both provides humor and illustrates the theme of marriage with which the book
began. (Ch. 56-61)
