Chapter 8 Practice Quiz — Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter 8
Where does Chapter 8 of Pride and Prejudice take place?
At Netherfield Park, the Bingley residence, where Elizabeth is staying to nurse her ill sister Jane.
How do the Bingley sisters react to the news that Jane is not better?
They express superficial concern, repeating how grieved they are, but quickly think no more of it and show indifference when Jane is not in front of them.
Who is the only person at the dinner party who treats Elizabeth with genuine kindness?
Mr. Bingley. His anxiety for Jane is evident, and his attentions to Elizabeth prevent her from feeling like an intruder.
What is Mr. Hurst described as in Chapter 8?
An indolent man who lived only to eat, drink, and play at cards.
What do the Bingley sisters criticize about Elizabeth's appearance?
Her untidy, "blowsy" hair and her petticoat, which was "six inches deep in mud" from walking to Netherfield.
How does Bingley respond to his sisters' criticism of Elizabeth's muddy appearance?
"I thought Miss Elizabeth Bennet looked remarkably well when she came into the room this morning. Her dirty petticoat quite escaped my notice."
What does Darcy say when Miss Bingley suggests Elizabeth's walk affected his admiration of her "fine eyes"?
"Not at all; they were brightened by the exercise."
What low connections do the Bingley sisters mock the Bennets for having?
An uncle who is an attorney in Meryton and another uncle who lives near Cheapside (a commercial area of London).
How does Bingley defend the Bennets' connections?
"If they had uncles enough to fill all Cheapside, it would not make them one jot less agreeable."
What does Darcy say about the Bennets' connections?
That they "must very materially lessen their chance of marrying men of any consideration in the world."
What card game is the party playing when Elizabeth enters the drawing room?
Loo.
Why does Elizabeth decline to play cards?
She suspects them of playing high (gambling for large stakes) and chooses to read a book instead.
What does Bingley say about his own library?
That he is "an idle fellow" who has not many books and has read even fewer than he owns, but he offers to fetch Elizabeth whatever she likes.
What estate does Miss Bingley bring up to flatter Mr. Darcy?
Pemberley. She praises its delightful library and suggests Bingley model his future house after it.
How many truly accomplished women does Darcy claim to know?
Not more than half a dozen in the whole range of his acquaintance.
What does Darcy say a woman must add beyond the usual accomplishments?
"Something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading."
How does Elizabeth respond to the long list of requirements for an accomplished woman?
She says she is no longer surprised at Darcy knowing only six accomplished women but rather wonders at his knowing any, as she has never seen such capacity, taste, application, and elegance united.
What does Miss Bingley accuse Elizabeth of after she leaves the room?
Being one of those young ladies who undervalue their own sex in order to recommend themselves to men, calling it "a paltry device, a very mean art."
How does Darcy respond to Miss Bingley's accusation against Elizabeth?
He gives a general reply about meanness in all arts of captivation, saying "whatever bears affinity to cunning is despicable," without specifically condemning Elizabeth.
What happens with Jane's health at the end of Chapter 8?
Jane gets worse. Bingley urges sending for Mr. Jones (the local apothecary), while his sisters want a London physician. They agree to send for Mr. Jones in the morning if Jane is not better.
How do the Bingley sisters "solace their wretchedness" at the end of the chapter?
By singing duets after supper, while Bingley gives his housekeeper directions to attend to Jane and Elizabeth with every care.