Chapter 17 Practice Quiz — Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter 17
What does Elizabeth tell Jane at the beginning of Chapter 17?
She relates everything Mr. Wickham told her about his history with Mr. Darcy, including the claim that Darcy denied him a promised church living.
How does Jane explain the conflict between Wickham and Darcy?
Jane suggests that "interested people have perhaps misrepresented each to the other" and that there must be some misunderstanding, refusing to believe either man is truly at fault.
What is Elizabeth's response to Jane's charitable interpretation?
Elizabeth teases Jane for trying to see the best in everyone, saying "I beg your pardon; one knows exactly what to think." She believes Wickham entirely and finds Jane's impartiality naive.
What evidence does Elizabeth cite for believing Wickham over Darcy?
She says "there was truth in his looks" and argues that Wickham mentioned "names, facts, everything" without hesitation, suggesting he could not have invented such a detailed account.
What does Jane privately believe will happen if Wickham's story becomes public?
She worries that if Mr. Bingley has been "imposed on" (deceived about Darcy's character), he will suffer greatly when the truth comes out.
Who arrives at Longbourn to interrupt Elizabeth and Jane's conversation?
Mr. Bingley and his sisters arrive to deliver a personal invitation to the Netherfield ball.
When is the Netherfield ball scheduled?
The following Tuesday.
How do the Bingley sisters behave toward the Bennet family during their visit?
They are warm toward Jane but avoid Mrs. Bennet, say little to Elizabeth, and ignore the younger sisters. They leave abruptly, as if eager to escape.
Why is Mrs. Bennet particularly flattered by the ball invitation?
She considers the ball a compliment to Jane and is pleased that the invitation came personally from Mr. Bingley rather than as a "ceremonious card."
What does Elizabeth hope to do at the Netherfield ball?
She hopes to dance a great deal with Mr. Wickham and to observe Mr. Darcy's behavior for confirmation of Wickham's story.
What does Mary say about attending the Netherfield ball?
She says "Society has claims on us all" and that she considers "intervals of recreation and amusement as desirable for everybody," giving her consent without enthusiasm.
Why does Elizabeth's question to Mr. Collins about the ball backfire?
She asks Collins whether he intends to dance, and he responds by immediately soliciting her for the first two dances -- the very dances she had hoped to reserve for Wickham.
How does Mr. Collins justify his willingness to dance at the ball?
He says a ball "given by a young man of character, to respectable people, can have any evil tendency" and assures everyone that neither the Archbishop nor Lady Catherine de Bourgh would rebuke him for dancing.
What realization strikes Elizabeth after Collins asks her to dance?
She realizes she has been singled out as Collins's intended wife -- "worthy of being mistress of Hunsford Parsonage, and of assisting to form a quadrille table at Rosings."
What evidence confirms Elizabeth's suspicion about Collins's intentions?
His "increasing civilities toward herself," his frequent compliments on her "wit and vivacity," and her mother's indication that the prospect of their marriage is "extremely agreeable" to her.
Why does Elizabeth refuse to respond to the hints about Collins's intentions?
She knows that "a serious dispute must be the consequence of any reply" and decides it is useless to quarrel about Collins until he actually makes an offer.
What prevents the younger Bennet sisters from visiting Meryton before the ball?
A continuous succession of rain from the day of the invitation until the ball prevents them from walking to Meryton to see the officers or hear any news.
What key thematic contrast does Chapter 17 illustrate through Elizabeth and Jane's debate?
It contrasts Elizabeth's confident but prejudiced judgment (believing Wickham based on charm and appearance) with Jane's reluctance to condemn anyone, showing how both sisters are limited by their temperaments.