Chapter 32 Practice Quiz — Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter 32
What is Elizabeth doing when Darcy unexpectedly arrives at the parsonage?
She is sitting alone writing a letter to Jane while Mrs. Collins and Maria have gone into the village.
Why does Darcy say he came to the parsonage?
He says he understood all the ladies were to be at home. He apologizes for intruding upon finding Elizabeth alone.
What does Elizabeth ask Darcy about Bingley and Netherfield?
She asks whether Bingley has any idea of returning to Netherfield. Darcy replies evasively that Bingley may spend very little time there in the future.
What does Darcy say about Mr. Collins's choice of wife?
"Mr. Collins appears to be very fortunate in his choice of a wife." Elizabeth responds with characteristic wit that Charlotte is one of the few sensible women who would have accepted him.
What is the "distance debate" between Darcy and Elizabeth?
Darcy calls the fifty miles between Hunsford and Hertfordshire "a very easy distance," while Elizabeth insists Mrs. Collins cannot be considered settled near her family at such a distance.
What does Darcy mean when he says Elizabeth "cannot have been always at Longbourn"?
He is probing whether she is open to living far from home, hinting at his personal interest in her. The remark reveals he is thinking about her suitability as a partner.
How does Darcy react after drawing his chair toward Elizabeth?
He suddenly draws back his chair, takes up a newspaper, and asks in a colder voice whether she is pleased with Kent. He retreats into formality after revealing too much.
What does Charlotte say after Darcy leaves the tete-a-tete with Elizabeth?
"He must be in love with you, or he would never have called us in this familiar way."
What do Charlotte and Elizabeth conclude about Darcy's visit?
After hearing about his silence, they suppose his visit proceeds from the difficulty of finding anything to do, since all field sports are over for the season.
How often do Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam visit the parsonage after this chapter?
Almost every day, calling at various times of the morning, sometimes separately, sometimes together, and occasionally accompanied by Lady Catherine.
Why is Colonel Fitzwilliam's motive for visiting the parsonage obvious?
He plainly comes because he has pleasure in their society, and his evident admiration of Elizabeth makes his interest clear to everyone.
How does Elizabeth compare Colonel Fitzwilliam to Wickham?
She notes that Colonel Fitzwilliam lacks the "captivating softness" of Wickham's manners but believes he may have "the best informed mind."
Why is Darcy's behavior at the parsonage puzzling to Charlotte?
He frequently sits for ten minutes without speaking, and when he does talk it seems forced. He seldom appears animated, yet he keeps returning.
How does Charlotte describe Darcy's gaze at Elizabeth?
She observes an "earnest, steadfast gaze" but often doubts whether there is much admiration in it, and sometimes thinks it is nothing but absence of mind.
Why does Charlotte not press Elizabeth about Darcy's possible feelings?
She fears raising expectations that might end in disappointment, believing that Elizabeth's dislike of Darcy would vanish if she could suppose him to be in her power.
What practical advantage does Darcy have over Colonel Fitzwilliam as a match for Elizabeth, according to Charlotte?
Darcy has considerable patronage in the church, which would benefit Mr. Collins, while Colonel Fitzwilliam has none at all.
What literary technique does Austen use in describing Darcy's visit?
Dramatic irony: the reader can see that Darcy's awkward visit and his pulling his chair closer signal romantic interest, but Elizabeth and even Charlotte cannot fully decode his behavior.
What does Elizabeth say about Charlotte's marriage and Mr. Collins?
She says Charlotte has an excellent understanding but that marrying Mr. Collins may not be the wisest thing she ever did, though Charlotte seems perfectly happy and it is a good prudential match.