Chapter 23 Practice Quiz — Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter 23
Who comes to Longbourn to announce Charlotte's engagement to Mr. Collins?
Sir William Lucas, sent by his daughter Charlotte to share the news with the Bennet family.
How does Mrs. Bennet initially respond to the news of Charlotte's engagement?
She refuses to believe it, protesting "with more perseverance than politeness" that Sir William must be entirely mistaken.
What does Lydia blurt out when Sir William announces the engagement?
"Good Lord! Sir William, how can you tell such a story? Do not you know that Mr. Collins wants to marry Lizzy?"
How does Elizabeth help Sir William Lucas during the awkward announcement?
She steps forward to confirm the engagement by mentioning her prior knowledge from Charlotte herself, and offers earnest congratulations to redirect the conversation.
What four conclusions does Mrs. Bennet reach after Sir William leaves?
First, she disbelieves the whole matter; second, Collins has been taken in; third, the couple will never be happy; fourth, the match might be broken off.
Who does Mrs. Bennet blame for the "mischief" of Charlotte's engagement?
Elizabeth, since her refusal of Mr. Collins made the match with Charlotte possible.
How long does it take Mrs. Bennet to forgive Elizabeth and the Lucases?
A week before she can see Elizabeth without scolding, a month before she can speak civilly to the Lucases, and many months before she can forgive her daughter at all.
What is Mr. Bennet's reaction to Charlotte and Collins's engagement?
He is amused, saying it gratified him to discover Charlotte Lucas was "as foolish as his wife, and more foolish than his daughter."
How does Jane respond to the news of Charlotte's engagement?
She is a little surprised but says less about her astonishment than about her "earnest desire for their happiness."
What happens to Elizabeth and Charlotte's friendship after the engagement?
A restraint keeps them mutually silent on the subject, and Elizabeth feels persuaded "no real confidence could ever subsist between them again."
What does Mr. Collins's letter to Mr. Bennet reveal about his upcoming plans?
He plans to return to Longbourn on Monday fortnight, and Lady Catherine heartily approves the marriage and wishes it to take place as soon as possible.
Why is Mrs. Bennet distressed by Mr. Collins's planned return to Longbourn?
She resents that he comes to Longbourn instead of Lucas Lodge, finds visitors inconvenient while her health is "indifferent," and considers lovers the most disagreeable of all visitors.
What rumor about Mr. Bingley spreads through Meryton in this chapter?
That he is coming no more to Netherfield for the whole winter, which Mrs. Bennet contradicts as "a most scandalous falsehood."
What does Elizabeth fear about Bingley's absence?
She fears "the united efforts of his two unfeeling sisters and of his overpowering friend," combined with Miss Darcy's attractions and London's amusements, may overpower his attachment to Jane.
What does Mr. Bennet suggest when Mrs. Bennet laments that Charlotte will become mistress of Longbourn?
"Let us hope for better things. Let us flatter ourselves that I may be the survivor" -- dryly joking about outliving himself to prevent Charlotte from inheriting.
How does Mrs. Bennet view Charlotte when she visits Longbourn after the engagement?
She regards Charlotte with "jealous abhorrence" as her successor in the house, convinced every whispered conversation between Charlotte and Collins concerns turning the Bennets out after Mr. Bennet dies.