Homework 12/6/06

Pride & Prejudice, Chapters 20-21, Reading Guide

Ch. 20
1. What does Mrs. Bennet assure Mr. Collins?
2. To whom does she look for help?
3. Describe Mr. Bennet’s reaction (initially) to Mrs. Bennet storming into his library. (Hint: A description of his facial expression will help you here.)
4. According to Mr. Bennet, what is the, “unhappy predicament,” in which Elizabeth finds herself?
5. Upon hearing Mrs. Bennet’s wrath, what two requests does Mr. Bennet make of her?
6. Describe Mr. Collin’s emotional state after being rejected? (Does he truly care?)
7. Who comes to visit the same day that Elizabeth refuses Mr. Collins?
8. According to Mrs. Bennet, “Those who do not complain are _______.”

Ch. 21
1. How does Mr. Collins now treat Elizabeth?
2. Did Mr. Collins’ embarrassment shorten his stay at Longbourn?
3. Why did Mr. Wickham skip the Netherfield ball?
4. Why was Elizabeth so pleased that Wickham walked her home? (2 reasons)
5. What is so troubling about the letter Jane has received?
6. Who wrote the letter?
7. Is Elizabeth concerned? Why (or why not)?
8. What does Miss Bingley also reveal (about Darcy)?
9. Whom does Miss Bingley imply that her brother will marry?
10. Does Elizabeth trust this report?
11. What does Elizabeth think Miss Bingley is truly trying to do?
12. Is Jane comforted by Elizabeth’s theory?
13. Is it worth it, according to Jane, to marry Bingley even if she doesn’t have his sisters’ approval?
14. By the end of Chapter 21, describe the status of the Bennet Sisters’ hope that Bingley might return.