Homework Week 2

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.