Chapter 16 Practice Quiz — Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter 16
Where does Chapter 16 of Pride and Prejudice take place?
At the home of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, Elizabeth's aunt and uncle in Meryton, during an evening party.
What does Mr. Collins compare the Phillips' apartment to?
The small summer breakfast parlour at Rosings Park, Lady Catherine de Bourgh's estate.
Who does Elizabeth sit next to at the card table?
Mr. Wickham. He does not play whist and instead joins Elizabeth and Lydia at the lottery ticket table.
What was Wickham's father's profession?
He was steward to the late Mr. Darcy, managing the Pemberley estate. He gave up his original profession (the law) to devote himself to this role.
What did the late Mr. Darcy bequeath to Wickham?
The next presentation of the best living (church position) in his gift. He was Wickham's godfather and wanted to provide for him amply.
What happened when the church living became vacant, according to Wickham?
The younger Mr. Darcy refused to honor his father's wishes and gave the living to another man, claiming Wickham had forfeited it through extravagance and imprudence.
What motive does Wickham attribute to Darcy's treatment of him?
Jealousy. Wickham claims the elder Mr. Darcy's uncommon attachment to him irritated the younger Darcy, who could not bear the competition for his father's affection.
Why does Wickham say he will not publicly expose Darcy?
Out of respect for the late Mr. Darcy's memory. He says he can never defy or expose the son as long as he remembers the father.
What does Elizabeth recall Darcy boasting about at Netherfield that seems to confirm Wickham's story?
The implacability of his resentments and his unforgiving temper.
How does Wickham describe Miss Darcy?
As "too much like her brother--very, very proud." He says she was affectionate as a child but is nothing to him now.
What does Wickham say about Darcy's pride and its effects?
That pride has often been Darcy's "best friend," leading him to be liberal, generous, hospitable, and a good landlord and brother--motivated by family pride and filial pride rather than genuine virtue.
What family connection does Wickham reveal between Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Mr. Darcy?
Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Lady Anne Darcy were sisters, making Lady Catherine Mr. Darcy's aunt.
What rumored marriage does Wickham mention regarding Miss de Bourgh and Mr. Darcy?
That Miss de Bourgh (Lady Catherine's daughter) and Mr. Darcy are expected to marry, uniting the two great estates.
Why does Elizabeth find the news of the Darcy-de Bourgh match amusing?
She thinks of "poor Miss Bingley," whose attentions and efforts to attract Darcy would be vain and useless if he is already destined for Miss de Bourgh.
What does Wickham say about Lady Catherine de Bourgh's character?
That she is dictatorial, insolent, and derives her reputation for being sensible and clever partly from her rank and fortune, partly from her authoritative manner, and partly from the pride of her nephew.
What card game does Mr. Collins play at the party, and how does he perform?
He plays whist and loses every point, but assures Mrs. Phillips the money is a "mere trifle" and that Lady Catherine de Bourgh has placed him beyond such concerns.
What profession was Wickham originally intended for?
The church. He says he was "brought up for the church" and should have had a valuable living, but circumstances forced him into the military instead.
How does the chapter end?
Elizabeth goes home with her head full of Wickham, but cannot discuss him because Lydia talks incessantly about lottery tickets and Mr. Collins describes the supper dishes and the civility of the Phillips.