PRIDE AND PREJUDICE BY JANE AUSTEN Chapter 1
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be
in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first
entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that
he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.
"My dear Mr. Bennet,'' said his lady to him one day, "have you heard that Netherfield Park is let
at last?''
Mr. Bennet replied that he had not.
"But it is,'' returned she; "for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it.''
Mr. Bennet made no answer.
"Do not you want to know who has taken it?'' cried his wife impatiently.
"You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.''
This was invitation enough.
"Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of
large fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to
see the place, and was so much delighted with it that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately;
that he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house
by the end of next week.''
"What is his name?''
"Bingley.''
"Is he married or single?''
"Oh! single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year.
What a fine thing for our girls!''
"How so? how can it affect them?''
"My dear Mr. Bennet,'' replied his wife, "how can you be so tiresome! You must know that I am
thinking of his marrying one of them.''
"Is that his design in settling here?''
"Design! nonsense, how can you talk so! But it is very likely that he may fall in love with one of
them, and therefore you must visit him as soon as he comes.'' "I see no occasion for that. You
and the girls may go, or you may send them by themselves, which perhaps will be still better;
for, as you are as handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley might like you the best of the party.''
"My dear, you flatter me. I certainly have had my share of beauty, but I do not pretend to be any
thing extraordinary now. When a woman has five grown up daughters, she ought to give over
thinking of her own beauty.''
"In such cases, a woman has not often much beauty to think of.''
"But, my dear, you must indeed go and see Mr. Bingley when he comes into the neighbourhood.''
"It is more than I engage for, I assure you.''
"But consider your daughters. Only think what an establishment it would be for one of them. Sir
William and Lady Lucas are determined to go, merely on that account, for in general, you know
they visit no new comers. Indeed you must go, for it will be impossible for us to visit him, if you
do not.''
"You are over-scrupulous, surely. I dare say Mr. Bingley will be very glad to see you; and I
will send a few lines by you to assure him of my hearty consent to his marrying which ever he
chooses of the girls; though I must throw in a good word for my little Lizzy.''
"I desire you will do no such thing. Lizzy is not a bit better than the others; and I am sure she is
not half so handsome as Jane, nor half so good humoured as Lydia. But you are always giving
her the preference.''
"They have none of them much to recommend them,'' replied he; "they are all silly and ignorant
like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters.''
"Mr. Bennet, how can you abuse your own children in such way? You take delight in vexing me.
You have no compassion on my poor nerves.''
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"You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have
heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least.''
"Ah! you do not know what I suffer.''
"But I hope you will get over it, and live to see many young men of four thousand a year come
into the neighbourhood.''
"It will be no use to us if twenty such should come, since you will not visit them.''
"Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twenty I will visit them all.''
Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the
experience of three and twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his
character. Her mind was less difficult to develop. She was a woman of mean understanding, little
information, and uncertain temper. When she was discontented, she fancied herself nervous. The
business of her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and news.
COMPRHENSION QUESTIONS
1. How does Jane Austen reflect 19th century features in this chapter?
2. Make a list of the things you learnt about Elizabeth’s family and Mr Bingley.
THE BENNETS MR BINGLEY
3. What do you think about the language used here? Does the first chapter appeal to you ? Write about
your impression.
4. Find the meanings of these words in black in the chapter.
Acknowledge: consent to :
a chaise and four : ignorant :
tiresome : vex:
flatter: compassion:
merely: odd:
over-scrupulous : insufficient:
I dare say : solace:
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WRITING TASK
“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present
inaccessible”
In your composition you should make a comment on this quote.
Write about the effects of prejudice on society.
Write about a prejudice you have and where you think it comes from.
How can we get rid of our prejudices or it is impossible to deal with them?
Note: You should write a composition about prejudice covering all these points mentioned above.
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