Chapter 21 Practice Quiz — Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter 21
How does Mr. Collins express his feelings after Elizabeth's rejection?
Through "stiffness of manner and resentful silence." He scarcely speaks to Elizabeth and transfers his attentions to Charlotte Lucas.
To whom does Mr. Collins redirect his attentions after Elizabeth refuses him?
Charlotte Lucas, whose civility in listening to him provides "a seasonable relief to them all, and especially to her friend" Elizabeth.
Why did Wickham miss the Netherfield ball?
He voluntarily admits his absence was self-imposed, saying that being in the same room with Darcy for so many hours "might be more than I could bear."
How does Elizabeth react to Wickham's explanation for missing the ball?
She "highly approved his forbearance," viewing his avoidance of Darcy as noble restraint rather than recognizing it as part of his manipulative character.
What "double advantage" does Wickham's walk to Longbourn provide Elizabeth?
She feels the compliment of his particular attention to herself, and it gives her the opportunity to introduce him to her parents.
How is Caroline Bingley's letter physically described?
The envelope contains "a sheet of elegant, little, hot-pressed paper, well covered with a lady's fair, flowing hand."
What shocking news does Caroline Bingley's letter deliver?
The whole Bingley party has left Netherfield for London without any intention of coming back again.
Where do the Bingleys plan to dine in London?
In Grosvenor Street, where Mr. Hurst has a house.
What does Caroline imply about Bingley and Georgiana Darcy?
She strongly hints that Bingley will marry Georgiana, praising her beauty and accomplishments, and calling the hoped-for match "an event which will secure the happiness of so many."
How does Jane interpret Caroline's letter?
She believes Caroline neither expects nor wishes her to be Bingley's wife and is convinced of her brother's indifference toward Jane.
What is Elizabeth's counter-interpretation of Caroline's letter?
"Miss Bingley sees that her brother is in love with you, and wants him to marry Miss Darcy. She follows him to town in hope of keeping him there, and tries to persuade you that he does not care about you."
Why does Elizabeth believe Caroline wants Bingley to marry Miss Darcy?
Caroline hopes that "when there has been one intermarriage" between the Darcy and Bingley families, "she may have less trouble in achieving a second" -- meaning her own marriage to Mr. Darcy.
How does Jane respond to Elizabeth's theory that Caroline is being deliberately deceptive?
Jane refuses to believe Caroline capable of willful deception, saying "all that I can hope in this case is that she is deceiving herself."
What concern does Jane raise about marrying Bingley even if he returns?
"Can I be happy, even supposing the best, in accepting a man whose sisters and friends are all wishing him to marry elsewhere?"
How does Elizabeth reply to Jane's worry about Bingley's sisters' disapproval?
With characteristic wit: "if you find that the misery of disobliging his two sisters is more than equivalent to the happiness of being his wife, I advise you by all means to refuse him."
What does Elizabeth think of the possibility that Bingley will not return?
She treats the idea "with the utmost contempt," viewing it as merely "the suggestion of Caroline's interested wishes" that could not influence a man "so totally independent of everyone."
What effect do Elizabeth's reassurances have on Jane?
Jane is "gradually led to hope, though the diffidence of affection sometimes overcame the hope, that Bingley would return to Netherfield and answer every wish of her heart."
What do Elizabeth and Jane decide to tell Mrs. Bennet?
Only about the departure of the family, without alarming her about the hints regarding Bingley and Miss Darcy.
How does Mrs. Bennet console herself about the Bingleys' departure?
She convinces herself that Bingley will soon return and dine at Longbourn, declaring she "would take care to have two full courses" despite only a family dinner being planned.
What does the phrase "highflown expressions" refer to in this chapter?
Caroline Bingley's exaggerated declarations of friendship toward Jane in the letter, which Elizabeth receives with "all the insensibility of distrust."