Chapter 36 Practice Quiz — Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter 36
What is Elizabeth doing at the beginning of Chapter 36?
She is reading Mr. Darcy's letter while walking alone in the lane near Hunsford. She reads it eagerly but with strong prejudice against his explanations.
What are the two main subjects Darcy addresses in his letter?
His interference in Jane and Bingley's relationship, and the truth about his history with Mr. Wickham.
What is Elizabeth's first reaction to the Wickham section of the letter?
She repeatedly exclaims "This must be false! This cannot be! This must be the grossest falsehood!" and puts the letter away, protesting she will never look at it again.
How long does it take Elizabeth to reopen the letter after putting it away?
Only about half a minute. Despite her protests, she cannot resist rereading it.
What does Elizabeth discover about Wickham and the church living?
Wickham voluntarily resigned all pretensions to the living and received three thousand pounds in lieu, contradicting his claim that Darcy denied him the position.
What inconsistency in Wickham's behavior does Elizabeth recall about the Netherfield ball?
Wickham boasted of having no fear of seeing Darcy, yet he avoided the Netherfield ball the very next week after making that claim.
Why was Wickham's behavior in sharing his story suspicious?
He told his story only to Elizabeth until the Netherfield family left the country, then discussed it everywhere. He claimed respect for Darcy's father would prevent him from exposing the son, but then did exactly that.
What evidence does Elizabeth find to support Wickham's claims of virtue?
None. She can recall "no more substantial good than the general approbation of the neighbourhood, and the regard which his social powers had gained him in the mess."
Who confirms Darcy's account of Wickham's designs on Georgiana Darcy?
Colonel Fitzwilliam. Darcy refers Elizabeth to his cousin for confirmation, and Elizabeth recalls Fitzwilliam had previously mentioned his close involvement in his cousin's affairs.
What does Elizabeth mean when she says "vanity, not love, has been my folly"?
She recognizes she was charmed by Wickham because he flattered her, and prejudiced against Darcy because he initially slighted her. Her judgments were driven by wounded pride, not rational analysis.
What is the significance of Elizabeth's cry, "Till this moment I never knew myself"?
It is the novel's climactic moment of self-recognition. Elizabeth realizes her supposedly sharp discernment was distorted by vanity and prejudice, echoing the book's central theme.
What does Elizabeth concede about Jane's temperament?
She admits that Jane's feelings, "though fervent, were little displayed," and that Jane's constant composure could make her attachment invisible to an outside observer like Darcy.
How does Elizabeth feel about Darcy's criticism of her family?
She feels deep shame. "The justice of the charge struck her too forcibly for denial," especially regarding the incidents at the Netherfield ball.
What compliment does Darcy pay Elizabeth and Jane in his letter?
He distinguishes Elizabeth and Jane from the rest of the Bennet family, implying their conduct is above reproach. Elizabeth notes "the compliment to herself and her sister was not unfelt."
How long does Elizabeth walk before returning home?
Two hours, "giving way to every variety of thought -- re-considering events, determining probabilities, and reconciling herself, as well as she could, to a change so sudden and so important."
Who called on Elizabeth during her absence?
Both Mr. Darcy (briefly, to take leave) and Colonel Fitzwilliam (who waited at least an hour hoping for her return).
How does Elizabeth feel about missing Colonel Fitzwilliam?
She "could but just affect concern in missing him; she really rejoiced at it." She can think only of the letter and is relieved to avoid conversation.
What literary technique does Austen use extensively in this chapter?
Free indirect discourse, blending the narrator's voice with Elizabeth's thoughts to show her internal transformation in real time as she processes the letter.
How does this chapter connect to the novel's original title, "First Impressions"?
Elizabeth's entire crisis stems from trusting first impressions: Wickham's charm made her think him virtuous, while Darcy's pride made her think him villainous. The chapter proves first impressions can be dangerously wrong.
What does Elizabeth realize about how she judged Wickham's character?
She judged him entirely on surface qualities: "His countenance, voice, and manner had established him at once in the possession of every virtue." She never sought evidence beyond his charm.