Chapter 18 Practice Quiz — Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter 18
Why is Wickham absent from the Netherfield ball?
His friend Denny says Wickham was obliged to go to town on business, hinting he left to avoid "a certain gentleman" (Darcy). The narrator notes Elizabeth's suspicion of Darcy's direct involvement is "not exactly the case."
Who is Elizabeth's first dance partner at the Netherfield ball, and why is it mortifying?
Mr. Collins. He is awkward and solemn, apologizes instead of paying attention, and frequently moves wrong without realizing it, causing Elizabeth shame and misery.
How does Darcy come to dance with Elizabeth?
He surprises her by applying for her hand while she is talking with Charlotte Lucas. Elizabeth accepts before she can think to refuse, then regrets her "want of presence of mind."
What does Elizabeth say about her and Darcy's shared temperament during their dance?
She says they are "each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the eclat of a proverb."
How does Darcy respond when Elizabeth alludes to Wickham during their dance?
A "deeper shade of hauteur" overspreads his features and he says Wickham "is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his making friends--whether he may be equally capable of retaining them, is less certain."
What does Sir William Lucas say during the ball that visibly affects Darcy?
He hints at "a certain desirable event" between Jane and Bingley, prompting Darcy to look at them with "a very serious expression." This may have planted the idea of separating them.
What does Elizabeth mean when she says she hears "such different accounts" of Darcy that "puzzle her exceedingly"?
She has heard Wickham's damning account of Darcy's cruelty and Darcy's own words about his unforgiving nature, yet she has also seen him behave civilly. The conflicting reports illustrate the novel's theme of prejudice distorting judgment.
Why does Mr. Collins introduce himself to Mr. Darcy?
He overhears Darcy mention Miss de Bourgh and Lady Catherine, realizes Darcy is Lady Catherine's nephew, and considers it his clerical duty to pay his respects despite Elizabeth's warnings that it will be seen as impertinent.
How does Darcy receive Mr. Collins's introduction?
With "unrestrained wonder" and then "distant civility." After Collins's second speech, Darcy makes only "a slight bow" and moves away. Collins, oblivious, reports that Darcy "seemed much pleased with the attention."
What warning does Miss Bingley give Elizabeth about Wickham?
She says Darcy's mistreating Wickham is "perfectly false," that Darcy has been "remarkably kind" to him, and that Wickham has treated Darcy "in a most infamous manner." Elizabeth dismisses it entirely.
What does Mrs. Bennet talk about loudly at supper, and who overhears?
She tells Lady Lucas about her expectation that Jane will soon marry Bingley, enumerating the advantages of the match. Mr. Darcy, sitting opposite, overhears everything despite Elizabeth's attempts to quiet her mother.
What happens when Mary sings at the ball?
Mary performs with a weak voice and affected manner. After finishing one song and beginning another, Mr. Bennet cuts her off: "You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit."
What is revealed about Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth at the end of their dance?
The narrator says they parted "on each side dissatisfied, though not to an equal degree, for in Darcy's breast there was a tolerable powerful feeling towards her, which soon procured her pardon."
Why is the Longbourn party the last to leave the ball?
By a "manoeuvre of Mrs. Bennet," they had to wait a quarter of an hour for their carriage after everyone else had gone, giving them time to see how heartily the Bingley sisters wished them away.
What does Mrs. Bennet believe will happen as she leaves Netherfield?
She is confident Jane will be settled at Netherfield within three or four months and thinks with "equal certainty" that Elizabeth will marry Mr. Collins, though with less pleasure since "Elizabeth was the least dear to her of all her children."
How does Mr. Collins prevent Elizabeth from dancing with others for the rest of the evening?
Though she refuses to dance with him again, he stations himself at her side all evening, claiming his "chief object was by delicate attentions to recommend himself to her." Charlotte Lucas relieves Elizabeth by engaging Collins in conversation.