Adani International School

AY 2022-23
Subject: English Literature
Topic: Pride and Prejudice Answer Key

Name: __________________ Grade & Section: ______________

Date: __________________

A. Read the extract from the novel and answer the questions that follow.
Elizabeth Bennet had been obliged, by the scarcity of gentlemen, to sit down for two dances; and
during part of that time, Mr. Darcy had been standing near enough for her to hear a conversation
between him and Mr. Bingley, who came from the dance for a few minutes, to press his friend to join
it. ‘Come, Darcy,’ said he, ‘I must have you dance. I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this
stupid manner. You had much better dance.’
‘I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it, unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner.
At such an assembly as this it would be insupportable. Your sisters are engaged, and there is not
another woman in the room whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with.’
‘I would not be so fastidious as you are,’ cried Mr. Bingley, ‘for a kingdom! Upon my honour, I never
met with so many pleasant girls in my life as I have this evening; and there are several of them you
see uncommonly pretty.’
‘YOU are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room,’ said Mr. Darcy, looking at the eldest Miss
Bennet. ‘Oh! She is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld! But there is one of her sisters sitting
down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to
introduce you.’
‘Which do you mean?’ and turning round he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye,
he withdrew his own and coldly said: ‘She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am
in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You
had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.’
1. What does Mr. Darcy refuse to dance in the ball? 2 marks

Answer: Fitzwilliam Darcy's refusal to dance at the Meryton assembly in Jane Austen's novel
"Pride and Prejudice" is primarily driven by his reserved and somewhat proud nature.
Moreover, he looks down upon the social status and manners of the people at the assembly
and feels that dancing with them would be beneath him.

2. State the meaning of the word ‘fastidious’ based on the context. 1 mark

Answer: particular

Adani International School/Grade 8/English Literature

Page 1 of 3
 Adani International School
AY 2022-23
Subject: English Literature
Topic: Pride and Prejudice Answer Key

3. How does the interaction between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley bring out the differences in
their personalities? Use examples from the novel to compare their thoughts and behaviour.
6 marks

In Jane Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice," the interactions between Mr. Darcy and Mr.
Bingley vividly highlight their contrasting personalities. Both the men are wealthy and had a
good upbringing. Mr. Darcy is portrayed as reserved, aloof, and often seen as arrogant. On
the other hand, Mr. Bingley is depicted as amiable, open, and sociable. He readily engages
with others and is more willing to embrace the company of those around him. He quickly
forms a connection with Jane Bennet, displaying his affable nature and lack of pretension.

Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, takes pride in his status and can sometimes appear
condescending. Mr. Bingley on the other hand does not have the same air of superiority. He
appreciates the pleasant qualities of others, even those from lower social classes. He
genuinely enjoys the company of the Bennet family and is more open to forming connections
based on personal qualities rather than strict societal norms.

4. Mr. Darcy receives much scorn and criticism for his behaviour during the ball. Do you think it
was appropriate of the locals to draw such conclusions about Darcy’s character? Give
reasons to justify your answer. 4 marks

During the ball, Mr. Darcy's behaviour is seen as aloof and proud. However, the locals have
limited information about him beyond this one event. Drawing significant conclusions about
a person's character based solely on one instance might not be entirely fair or accurate. Mr.
Darcy's reserved behaviour led him to break some social norms such as dancing. However,
different people have different personalities and comfort levels in social settings.

OR
The locals at the ball have only their first impressions of Mr. Darcy to form an opinion. While
first impressions aren't always accurate, they can provide initial insights into someone's personality.
Mr. Darcy's apparent pride and reluctance to engage in conversation could indeed be seen as
arrogant or dismissive. In a tightly-knit social environment like the one depicted in the novel,
individuals often rely on each other's behaviours to assess their compatibility and trustworthiness.
Mr. Darcy's behavior might be seen as failing to fulfill his social responsibilities to engage with
others in a friendly manner.

B. In the novel, the characters and their actions highlight the social etiquette and customs of the
Regency era. Do you agree? Give examples to justify your answer. 6 marks
Yes, I agree that the characters and their actions in "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen highlight
the social etiquette and customs of the Regency era. The novel is known for its keen observation of
the social norms and expectations of the time. The ladies of Longbourn had to rely on Mr. Bennet to
make the initial introductions. The social norms dictated that dancing in assemblies was considered
polite and respectful. Hence, by refusing to dance with unacquainted partners made him seem
disagreeable. Mrs. Bennet is particularly focussed on getting her daughters married to wealthy
young bachelors. Women were expected to control their emotions and discouraged from having any
emotional outbursts. Hence, Jane avoids showing her affections for Mr. Bingley.

Adani International School/Grade 8/English Literature

Page 2 of 3
 Adani International School
AY 2022-23
Subject: English Literature
Topic: Pride and Prejudice Answer Key

C. Some are meet for a maiden's wrist,

Silver and blue as the mountain mist,
Some are flushed like the buds that dream
On the tranquil brow of a woodland stream
Some are aglow wth the bloom that cleaves
To the limpid glory of new born leaves

1. What does the word ‘meet’ mean in this context? 1 mark

The word ‘meet’ means suitable/ appropriate.
2. The stanza describes… 1 mark
a. the bangles
b. a young maiden
c. the place where the maiden lives
d. the bangle sellers

3. Explain how the poet uses imagery to evoke the images of spring. 2 marks
The poet evokes the images of spring by stating that the bangles were ‘silver and blue as the
mountain mist’. The poet also states that they are ‘flushed like the buds’ on the ‘woodland stream’.
4. Give one reason why the poet uses the imagery of spring season in this stanza. 2 marks
She uses the imagery of spring season to use it as a symbol for a young maiden’s beauty.

Adani International School/Grade 8/English Literature

Page 3 of 3