Chapter 24 Practice Quiz — Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter 24
What news does Miss Bingley's letter bring at the opening of Chapter 24?
The Bingley party has settled in London for the winter with no plans to return to Netherfield. The letter also praises Miss Darcy and hints at a match between Bingley and Georgiana.
How does Jane react when she first reads Miss Bingley's letter?
"Hope was over, entirely over." Jane finds little comfort in the letter beyond the professed affection of the writer, while the rest is dominated by praise of Miss Darcy.
What is Elizabeth's emotional reaction to the letter?
She hears it with "silent indignation," her heart divided between concern for Jane and resentment against Bingley's friends and sisters.
What specific character flaw does Elizabeth identify in Bingley?
"Want of proper resolution" -- his weak will that makes him "the slave of his designing friends" and leads him to sacrifice his own happiness to their wishes.
What does Jane call her attachment to Bingley when she finally discusses it?
"An error of fancy on my side" that "has done no harm to anyone but myself." She insists she has nothing to hope, fear, or reproach him with.
What two recent instances have made Elizabeth dissatisfied with the world?
First, Bingley's abandonment of Jane (which she does not name directly). Second, Charlotte Lucas's marriage to Mr. Collins, which she calls "unaccountable."
How does Jane respond to Elizabeth's criticism of Charlotte's marriage to Mr. Collins?
She urges Elizabeth to consider Collins's respectability and Charlotte's prudent character, remember she is from a large family, and accept that the match is "most eligible" in terms of fortune.
What does Elizabeth say about Mr. Collins's character?
She calls him "a conceited, pompous, narrow-minded, silly man" and declares that "the woman who married him cannot have a proper way of thinking."
What does Jane argue about young men like Bingley and their behavior?
"We must not expect a lively young man to be always so guarded and circumspect. It is very often nothing but our own vanity that deceives us. Women fancy admiration means more than it does."
What does Elizabeth identify as the cause of the misery, if not deliberate scheming?
"Thoughtlessness, want of attention to other people's feelings, and want of resolution" -- she argues that one need not scheme intentionally to cause real harm.
What is Jane's final request to Elizabeth regarding Bingley?
She asks Elizabeth to "take it in the best light," saying she would rather believe well of everyone than think ill of Bingley or his sisters, even if it means she herself was mistaken.
How does Mrs. Bennet comfort herself about Bingley's departure?
She clings to the belief that "Mr. Bingley must be down again in the summer," despite Elizabeth's daily attempts to explain his absence rationally.
What does Mr. Bennet joke about Jane being crossed in love?
He says "next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed a little in love now and then" because "it gives her a sort of distinction among her companions."
How does Wickham's role in the community expand in this chapter?
His accusations against Darcy become "openly acknowledged and publicly canvassed." Everyone is pleased to confirm their existing dislike of Darcy, while only Jane suggests there may be extenuating circumstances.
Who is the only person in Hertfordshire to defend Mr. Darcy?
Jane Bennet, whose "mild and steady candour always pleaded for allowances, and urged the possibility of mistakes." Everyone else condemns Darcy as "the worst of men."
What contrast between Elizabeth and Jane does this chapter highlight?
Elizabeth is judgmental and willing to assign blame, while Jane is forgiving and always seeks the best interpretation. Elizabeth accuses Bingley's circle of manipulation; Jane insists on giving everyone the benefit of the doubt.