Chapter 15 Quiz — Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen

Comprehension Quiz: Chapter 15

How does Austen describe Mr. Collins at the opening of Chapter 15?

  • A deeply learned scholar whose education far exceeded his social graces and manners
  • A man who was not sensible, whose deficiency of nature had been little assisted by education
  • A charming clergyman whose natural wit compensated for his lack of formal education
  • A quiet and modest man whose humility was genuine and deeply rooted in his character

What kind of father raised Mr. Collins?

  • A generous landowner who gave Collins every educational advantage available to him
  • An illiterate and miserly father who kept him in subjection throughout his early years
  • A respected clergyman who groomed Collins to follow in his professional footsteps
  • A strict but fair military officer who instilled strong discipline and moral values

Who recommended Mr. Collins to the living of Hunsford?

  • Mr. Bennet, as a gesture of goodwill toward his distant cousin and future heir
  • The Bishop of the diocese, who recognized Collins's potential as a parish clergyman
  • Lady Catherine de Bourgh, whose patronage Collins received through fortunate chance
  • Mr. Darcy, who recommended Collins as a favor to his aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh

What phrase does Austen use to summarize Collins's personality?

  • "A man of quiet dignity, whose natural reserve concealed a generous and feeling heart"
  • "Altogether a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility"
  • "A curious blend of scholarly ambition and social awkwardness in equal measure"
  • "An earnest gentleman whose sincerity was matched only by his lack of worldly sense"

Why does Mr. Collins intend to marry one of the Bennet daughters?

  • He has fallen deeply in love with the family after reading their letters of introduction
  • He views it as atonement for inheriting their father's estate through the entailment
  • Lady Catherine de Bourgh has specifically ordered him to marry into the Bennet family
  • He wishes to improve his social standing by marrying into a well-connected local family

Who does Collins initially choose to marry, and why?

  • Elizabeth, because her wit and intelligence make her the most suitable companion for him
  • Lydia, because her youthful energy and social confidence remind him of Lady Catherine
  • Jane, because her lovely face confirms his views on what is due to seniority as eldest
  • Mary, because her studious nature and moral seriousness match his clerical profession

How does Mrs. Bennet redirect Collins away from Jane?

  • She tells Collins directly that Jane is in love with Bingley and will not consider him
  • She hints that her eldest daughter is likely to be very soon engaged to another suitor
  • She criticizes Jane's health and suggests Elizabeth would make a more robust wife
  • She praises Elizabeth's piano playing and reading habits as better suited for a clergyman

How quickly does Collins switch his matrimonial target from Jane to Elizabeth?

  • He deliberates for several days before deciding that Elizabeth is a worthy alternative
  • He prays on the matter overnight and announces his new choice at breakfast the next day
  • It is done almost instantly, while Mrs. Bennet is stirring the fire during their conversation
  • He consults Lady Catherine by letter and receives her approval within the same week

Why is Mr. Bennet eager to have Collins join his daughters' walk to Meryton?

  • He believes the exercise will improve Collins's health and reduce his nervous digestion
  • He wants to get rid of Collins, who has followed him into the library and talks incessantly
  • He hopes Collins will observe the militia officers and report back on their character
  • He wants Collins to serve as a proper chaperone for his unmarried daughters in town

Who introduces Mr. Wickham to the Bennet sisters in Meryton?

  • Colonel Forster, the commanding officer of the militia regiment stationed nearby
  • Mr. Bingley, who encounters the group while riding through Meryton with Mr. Darcy
  • Mr. Denny, an officer who brought Wickham from London and introduces him as his friend
  • Mrs. Phillips, who has been watching Wickham from her parlour window for an hour

What commission has Wickham accepted in the militia?

  • A captain's commission, placing him among the senior officers of the regiment
  • A colonel's commission, giving him authority over an entire battalion of soldiers
  • A lieutenant's commission in the ----shire regiment stationed near Meryton
  • A sergeant's commission, which he hopes to advance through distinguished service

What happens when Darcy and Wickham catch sight of each other?

  • They greet each other warmly and shake hands, surprising Elizabeth with their familiarity
  • Both changed colour — one looked white, the other red — and Darcy barely returns Wickham's salutation
  • Darcy pretends not to recognize Wickham and rides past without any acknowledgment at all
  • Wickham turns away immediately and walks in the opposite direction to avoid confrontation

Who witnesses the tense encounter between Darcy and Wickham?

  • Jane Bennet, who immediately defends both men and attributes the tension to misunderstanding
  • Mr. Bingley, who comments on the strange atmosphere but chooses not to press the matter
  • Elizabeth, who happens to see both their faces and is filled with astonishment and curiosity
  • Lydia and Kitty, who gossip excitedly about the encounter with their aunt Mrs. Phillips

What entertainment does Mrs. Phillips plan for the following evening?

  • A formal dinner party with dancing and music performed by the officers' regimental band
  • A nice comfortable noisy game of lottery tickets and a little bit of hot supper afterwards
  • A quiet reading circle where guests take turns reciting poetry and discussing literature
  • An elegant card party featuring whist and vingt-un with refreshments served at midnight

What does Collins say about Mrs. Phillips after returning to Longbourn?

  • He criticizes her modest home as being unworthy of the Bennet family's social standing
  • He praises her manners and says that except Lady Catherine and her daughter, he never saw a more elegant woman
  • He mentions her briefly but spends most of the evening discussing Wickham's appearance
  • He complains that she failed to treat him with the deference due to his clerical position

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