Chapters 7-12
1.
What influences Elizabeth’s
opinion of the Bingleys?
Their wealth as it is much greater than her own and that of her
families. Her opinion is also based on how she sees the Bingleys; she likes Mr.
Bingley as he is seen to be happy and cheerful (and her sisters love for him).
However, she does not take fondly to the sisters due to their snobbish
attitudes.
2.
What does Darcy consider an
accomplished woman? What does this reveal about him?
He belives that she should be a “typical woman” of the time
(household), though he also believes that she should have a character. This
reveals that though he falls into the stereotype of being a wealthy man who
want a tyical wife; he does not fit the full characteristic as he enjoys a
woman with a personality. It is also assumed that this is aimed at Elizabeth.
3.
How does Darcy react to Miss Bingleys
comments about the Bennets?
Though he does agree with her on that their class makes them
inferior to the wealthy of society, he does admire Elizabeth for her
individuality.
4.
How does Darcy characterize his
own faults? (how does he reveal more about himself)
Mr Darcy describes that his only fault is that “my good opinion once
lost is lost forever” which Elizabeth thinks is stupid. By holding this opinion
on himself, it reveals that he is a prideful man and expects no one to make
mistakes in life.
Chapters 13-16
1.
How do the members of the Bennet family respond
differently to Collins’ letter announcing his intention to visit Longbourn?
Mrs Bennet reacts the worst at the news of his arrivial, as Mr.
Collins is the man to inherit the house – she begins with an immediate dislike
to him”I cannot bear to hear that meantioned. Pray do not talk of the odious
man.” Elizabeth and Jane try to calm her down and seem very much unaflicted
about the arrivial. Mr. Bennet seemed to enjoy it, purely to get the reaction
out of Mrs. Bennet.
2. What is
meaningful about Mr. Bennet’s attention to Collins’ “talent of flattering with
delicacy”? How does Mr. Bennet seem to toy with the younger man, playing on his
ego?
This
statement, made by Mr Bennet, seems to state that Mr. Collins compliments
people, yet goes over the top in order to make himself seem higher in
curtiousy. This plays on his ego by saying that his so-called-relationship with
Lady Catherine is nothing really to be proud of, and her is putting too much
effort into it.
3.
What motivates Collins to seek a wife from among the Bennet girls?
Because he will inherit the house off the Collins
after Mr Collins deceases, he thought it would be best to marry one of the
girls in the family so that they could stay at the house.
3. How does
Wickham differ from Collins in his self-estimation?
Collins
has high self-esteem and portrayes it greatly as he tells everyone about his
relationship with Lady Catherine. However, no one really likes him. On the
other hand, it is known that Wickham has a good-level of self esteem and is
very self-assured, and he is liked by other people due to his nature.
Therefore, Wickham has a better idea of what others think of him, than what
Collins believes people think of him.
4. Why is
Wickham’s candor concerning his situation and his relationship with Darcy
surprising? Are his revelations appropriate? Why or why not? What keeps him
from talking even more openly?
Wickham
talks about Darcy as being a man of bad character, and from Elizabeth’s point
of view at this time, though the claims are surprising, she still believes
them. Wickham claims that he won’t talk openly about the matter because of his
respect for Darcy’s father.