Analysis Questions – Volume 3 Pride and Prejudice Analysis Questions – Volume 3

Analysis questions chapter 43 – 44 Describe the change in manner and emotion in both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy since his proposal at Rosings. What has caused these changes? How does chapter 44 offer hope for a happy ending? How does Elizabeth find herself at Pemberly? What does she think of it? Any regrets at not having accepted Darcy’s proposal? In what way does the housekeeper add to her changing point of view? How does she feel when Darcy appears? How does he treat her? Her Aunt and uncle? What is their impression of him? Is his pride changing? Are her prejudices changing? Explain. Explain the significance of Darcy’s introducing his sister to Elizabeth.

Analysis questions chapter 45 – 47 What distinction is Austen making between rank and breeding in this chapter? What is the difference between the superficial aspects of class and the quality of character? Why is Lydia’s elopement such a disgrace for the family? What is ironic in Elizabeth’s epiphany about her love for Mr. Darcy? How do the Bennet families’ reactions to Lydia’s elopement conform or not conform to their established characters?

Analysis questions chapter 48-51 How does Mr. Bennet’s character change in the course of this and the previous chapters? What comment is Austen making about societal conscience and opinion in this chapter? How does Austen hint at causes for Lydia’s immoral behavior through Mrs. Bennet’s behavior? In addition to eloping with Lydia, how else has Wickham disgraced himself in Meryton and Brighton? How does this reflect on the Bennets? In Meryton where Wickham was once welcomed, what do people now say? Is this Human Nature? Explain. Describe Mr. Collins letter about Lydia to Mr. Bennet. Is this what you would expect? Why/Not? What is ironic about the letter, considering that it comes from a clergyman? Describe Mrs. Bennet’s reaction when Lydia is found and will be married. How does this contrast with the reaction of the rest of the family?

Analysis questions chapter 52 -54 How does Austen seek to educate the reader (and in turn her own society) in a moral lesson? What role does Darcy play in effecting the wedding and paying the gambling debts? How does Elizabeth find out about the details? What does she think? Describe the way Lydia and Wickham act when they come to Longbourn after they are married. How does Wickham treat Elizabeth? How does she respond? Is this characteristic? What is the future of the Wickhams in terms of living situation and emotional involvement with each other? How do you know? What does Jane’s behavior at the mention of Mr. Bingley’s name suggest about her feelings toward him? 

Analysis questions chapter 55-58 How does Austen foreshadow the impending happy ending How is Lady Catherine’s visit and intended interference ironic? How is Austen preparing the reader for a second marriage proposal from Mr. Darcy? Bingley comes back to Netherfield, bringing Darcy with him. When her proposes to Jane, what analysis does Mr. Bennet make of their personalities and future happiness. Mr. Bennet gets another of Mr. Collins infamous letters. In what way does it relate to Elizabeth? What does Mr. Bennet think of this? Analyze Mr. Bennet’s famous quotation: “For what do we live, but to make sport of our neighbors, and laugh at them in turn?” Is this what the novel is about? Why do you think so? Or not think so? Analyze Darcy’s second proposal and Elizabeth acceptance? Does Austen disappoint you here? Does she lead you up to a point and then back away? Would you like to read what Elizabeth said? Is the novel too controlled? Discuss.

Analysis questions chapter 59-61 To what do Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth attribute their manners and behaviors in the first proposal? Describe Jane’s and the Bennet’s Reactions to Elizabeth’s engagement. What advice does her father give her? What insight does he throw on his own marriage? What is his reaction when she learns that it was Darcy that financed Wickham and Lydia? How do Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s separate reactions to Elizabeth’s marriage both conform to their character. What is ironic in Elizabeth and Jane’s refusal throughout the novel to treat marriage as merely a business transaction? Which characters change the most throughout the novel? Which are static? Why does Austen chose to have so many static characters? What comment is she making? Describe the futures of the characters in the novel.