Chapter 29 Practice Quiz — Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter 29
Why does Mr. Collins consider the Rosings dinner invitation a personal triumph?
It gives him the chance to display the grandeur of his patroness to his visitors and to show off Lady Catherine's civility toward himself and his wife -- exactly what he had wished for.
What advice does Mr. Collins give Elizabeth about her clothing before the dinner?
He tells her not to worry about her apparel because Lady Catherine "is far from requiring that elegance of dress in us which becomes herself and her daughter" and "likes to have the distinction of rank preserved."
How does Maria Lucas feel about the visit to Rosings?
She is thoroughly frightened by Collins's formidable accounts and looks forward to the visit "with as much apprehension as her father had done to his presentation at St. James's."
What does Mr. Collins point out during the walk across the park to Rosings?
He enumerates the windows in front of the house and relates what the glazing altogether had originally cost Sir Lewis de Bourgh, though Elizabeth is "but slightly affected" by this information.
Why is Elizabeth not intimidated by Lady Catherine?
She has heard nothing of Lady Catherine that indicates extraordinary talents or miraculous virtue, and she thinks "the mere stateliness of money or rank she could witness without trepidation."
How does Sir William Lucas behave when he enters Rosings?
He is "so completely awed by the grandeur surrounding him" that he can only make a very low bow and take his seat "without saying a word."
What is Elizabeth's first impression of Lady Catherine de Bourgh?
She sees a tall, large woman with strongly marked features, an authoritative tone marking her self-importance, and an air that is "not conciliating" -- confirming Wickham's description and reminding Elizabeth of him immediately.
In whose countenance does Elizabeth see a resemblance to Mr. Darcy?
In Lady Catherine's -- when examining the mother, Elizabeth "soon found some resemblance of Mr. Darcy" in her countenance and deportment.
How is Miss de Bourgh described in Chapter 29?
She is pale, sickly, thin, and small with insignificant features. She speaks very little, only in a low voice to Mrs. Jenkinson, and there is no likeness between her and her mother.
What does Mrs. Jenkinson do throughout the visit?
She fusses constantly over Miss de Bourgh -- watching how little she eats, pressing her to try other dishes, placing a screen before her eyes, and worrying about whether she is too hot or too cold.
How does Mr. Collins behave during dinner at Rosings?
He takes his seat at the bottom of the table by Lady Catherine's desire and "carved, and ate, and praised with delighted alacrity," commending every dish and thanking her for every fish he won at cards afterward.
What domestic topics does Lady Catherine lecture Charlotte about after dinner?
She inquires into Charlotte's domestic concerns "familiarly and minutely," advises her on managing everything in "so small a family," and instructs her on the care of her cows and poultry.
What personal questions does Lady Catherine fire at Elizabeth?
How many sisters she has, whether they are older or younger, whether any are likely to marry, whether they are handsome, where they were educated, what carriage her father keeps, and her mother's maiden name.
How does Elizabeth defend the lack of a governess in the Bennet household?
She says "such of us as wished to learn never wanted the means. We were always encouraged to read, and had all the masters that were necessary. Those who chose to be idle, certainly might."
Why is Lady Catherine scandalized that all five Bennet sisters are "out" in society?
She considers it "very odd" that the younger ones are out before the elder are married, especially since Elizabeth is only the second-born. She thinks it reflects poorly on the family's propriety.
How does Elizabeth deflect Lady Catherine's demand to know her age?
"With three younger sisters grown up, your ladyship can hardly expect me to own it." Lady Catherine is astonished, and Elizabeth suspects herself to be "the first creature who had ever dared to trifle with so much dignified impertinence."