Chapter 2 Practice Quiz — Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter 2
Who was among the earliest visitors to Mr. Bingley?
Mr. Bennet, though he had told his wife he would not go.
What is Elizabeth doing when Mr. Bennet first hints about the visit?
Trimming a hat.
What nickname does Mr. Bennet use for Elizabeth?
Lizzy.
Why does Mrs. Bennet dismiss Mrs. Long as a potential introducer?
Because Mrs. Long has two nieces of her own and Mrs. Bennet considers her selfish and hypocritical.
Which daughter does Mrs. Bennet scold for coughing?
Kitty.
What does Mr. Bennet say about Kitty's coughing?
That she has no discretion in her coughs and times them ill.
When is the next ball, according to Elizabeth?
Tomorrow fortnight (two weeks from tomorrow).
What does Mr. Bennet mean by "I honour your circumspection"?
He is ironically praising Mrs. Bennet's caution about not meeting someone after only a fortnight's acquaintance.
How does Mr. Bennet describe Mary?
As a young lady of deep reflection who reads great books and makes extracts.
How does Mary respond when asked for her opinion?
She wishes to say something sensible but cannot think of anything.
What is Mr. Bennet's pretended reason for regretting his visit?
That Mrs. Bennet says she is "sick of Mr. Bingley," so had he known, he would not have called.
How does Mrs. Bennet react to learning the visit has been made?
Astonishment, then a tumult of joy, then claiming it was what she had expected all the while.
What does Mrs. Bennet call Mr. Bennet after the revelation?
An excellent father.
Why does Mr. Bennet leave the room at the end?
He is fatigued with the raptures of his wife.
What does Lydia say about her chances of dancing with Bingley?
She is not afraid, because though she is the youngest, she is the tallest.
What literary device drives the humor in Chapter 2?
Dramatic irony: the reader knows from the opening sentence that Mr. Bennet has visited Bingley, but the family does not.
What does the family spend the rest of the evening discussing?
How soon Bingley will return the visit and when they should invite him to dinner.
What does "circumspection" mean?
The quality of being cautious and considering all circumstances before acting.
What does Mrs. Bennet's rapid change in mood reveal about her character?
She is emotionally volatile, quick to shift between resentment and delight, and tends to rewrite events to suit her narrative.
What does Mr. Bennet's teasing suggest about the Bennet marriage?
That Mr. Bennet is intellectually detached from his wife and finds amusement in her reactions rather than genuine companionship.