Chapter 22 Practice Quiz — Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter 22
What is Charlotte Lucas's real motive for keeping Mr. Collins entertained at the dinner party?
To redirect Collins's romantic attentions toward herself and secure him from making any further addresses to Elizabeth.
How does Mr. Collins leave Longbourn House the morning after the dinner?
He escapes early with "admirable slyness," hoping to avoid being noticed by the Bennets so they will not guess his intention to propose to Charlotte.
How does Charlotte contrive to meet Mr. Collins as he approaches Lucas Lodge?
She spots him from an upper window and sets out to "meet him accidentally in the lane," ensuring a private encounter.
Why is Mr. Collins slightly less confident in proposing to Charlotte than he was with Elizabeth?
He was "comparatively diffident since the adventure of Wednesday" -- Elizabeth's firm rejection had shaken his self-assurance somewhat.
What is Charlotte's age when she accepts Mr. Collins?
Twenty-seven years old. She reflects that "at the age of twenty-seven, without having ever been handsome, she felt all the good luck of it."
What does Charlotte identify as "the only provision for well-educated young women of small fortune"?
Marriage. She views it not as a romantic ideal but as the most practical protection against poverty.
How does Lady Lucas react to the news of Charlotte's engagement?
She begins calculating "with more interest than the matter had ever excited before, how many years longer Mr. Bennet was likely to live," anticipating Collins's inheritance of Longbourn.
What does Sir William Lucas envision for the engaged couple?
He decides that when Collins inherits Longbourn, it would be "highly expedient" for both him and Charlotte to make an appearance at St. James's Court.
Why does Charlotte insist that Collins keep their engagement secret from the Bennets?
She dreads the surprise and likely disapproval it will cause Elizabeth, "whose friendship she valued beyond that of any other person."
How does Collins behave when he returns to Longbourn after proposing to Charlotte?
He can barely contain himself. The Bennets' direct questions about his long absence require "some ingenuity to evade," and he longs to "publish his prosperous love."
What does Mrs. Bennet assume about Collins's hints of a speedy return?
She believes he intends to court one of her younger daughters, thinking Mary might be prevailed upon to accept him.
What does Mr. Bennet say to discourage Collins from returning soon?
He ironically warns Collins against risking Lady Catherine's "disapprobation" and advises him to "stay quietly at home" rather than offend his patroness.
What is Elizabeth's immediate exclamation when Charlotte reveals the engagement?
"Engaged to Mr. Collins! My dear Charlotte -- impossible!"
How does Charlotte defend her decision to Elizabeth?
She says "I am not romantic, you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable home" and argues her chance of happiness with Collins is as fair as most people can expect.
What does Elizabeth conclude about Charlotte after learning of the engagement?
She feels Charlotte has "sacrificed every better feeling to worldly advantage" and is convinced it is "impossible for that friend to be tolerably happy in the lot she had chosen."
What does this chapter reveal about the contrast between Charlotte's and Elizabeth's views on marriage?
Elizabeth values love and mutual respect as essential to marriage, while Charlotte sees it as an economic arrangement -- "the pleasantest preservative from want" rather than a source of happiness.