Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen

Te a c h e r ’ s
Material
 C O N T E N T S

To the Teacher ...................................................................................................................... 3

Before Reading .................................................................................................................... 5

After Reading: Extra Challenges ........................................................................................ 6

After Reading: Group Work ................................................................................................ 7

Possible Answers to Group Work ....................................................................................... 8

Worksheet 1: Chapters 1-6 .................................................................................................. 9

Answers to Worksheet 1 ..................................................................................................... 10

Worksheet 2: Chapters 7-12 .............................................................................................. 11

Answers to Worksheet 2 ................................................................................................... 12

Final Test ............................................................................................................................. 13

Answers to Final Test ......................................................................................................... 14

Answers to Questions in the Reader ................................................................................ 15

Before using the following teacher’s material, we recommend that

you read the Burlington Reader Series general information leaflet.

Copyright © 2008 Burlington Books

 Pride and Prejudice

TO THE TEACHER

LIST OF MAIN CHARACTERS

Mr Bennet: a country gentleman.
Mrs Bennet: his wife.
Jane Bennet: the Bennets’ oldest daughter.
Elizabeth Bennet: the Bennets’ second daughter.
Mary Bennet: the third daughter.
Lydia Bennet: the fourth daughter.
Kitty Bennet: the youngest daughter.
Charles Bingley: a wealthy young bachelor.
Darcy: Bingley’s best friend and confidant.
Wickham: an ambitious young army officer.
Mr Collins: a cousin of the Bennets, heir to
their estate.

P L O T S U M M A RY
Mr and Mrs Bennet live with their five daughters in the English countryside. One day, Mr Bingley rents
Netherfield Park, a neighbouring estate. Mrs Bennet immediately makes plans to match him up with one of
her daughters, as she is eager for them to marry as quickly as possible.
The Bennet daughters meet Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy at a party. Mr Bingley is very popular and he is clearly
attracted to Jane. But Mr Darcy is very cold and condescending. Elizabeth decides he is arrogant. Bingley’s
sister invites Jane to call on them at Netherfield Park. While visiting, Jane becomes seriously ill and is
forced to stay at the estate for several days. Elizabeth goes to the estate to take care of her sister. Elizabeth is
unaware that her devotion to Jane makes a positive impression on Darcy.
Mr Collins comes to visit the Bennet family. Mr Collins is a pastor on the estate of Lady Catherine de Bourgh
(Darcy’s aunt). He wants to marry one of the Bennet daughters. He proposes to Elizabeth, who immediately
rejects his proposal. He then proposes to Elizabeth’s friend Charlotte, and she agrees to marry him.
One day, Elizabeth meets the handsome, charming Wickham and is immmediately attracted to him. Wickham
tells Elizabeth that Darcy cheated him out of his inheritance and this makes Elizabeth dislike Darcy even
more. In the meantime, Jane receives news that Darcy and Bingley are leaving Netherfield Park. Jane, who
has fallen in love with Bingley, is very upset. She goes to London to stay with family and mend her broken
heart. Although Bingley is in London, he doesn’t visit Jane.
Elizabeth goes to stay with Mr and Mrs Collins. While visiting, Elizabeth sees Darcy and his cousin,
Colonel Fitzwilliam. She learns from Fitzwilliam that Darcy is responsible for breaking up Jane and Bingley’s
relationship. Now Elizabeth detests Darcy.
One day, Darcy visits Elizabeth at the Collins’ house. She is alone, and much to her surprise, he proposes
marriage. Elizabeth rejects his proposal and criticises him for his behaviour towards Wickham and her sister.
Darcy sends Elizabeth a letter explaining that he convinced Bingley to end the relationship with Jane because
he didn’t believe Jane’s affection was genuine. He also reveals the truth behind Wickham’s story. According
to Darcy, Wickham got his inheritance and wasted it, and he also tried to elope with Darcy’s 15-year-old
sister. Elizabeth now realises that she misjudged both Wickham and Darcy.
When she returns home, Elizabeth discusses Darcy’s letter with Jane. Jane advises her to keep the truth
about Wickham a secret, because the army will soon be leaving the neighbourhood and moving to Brighton.
Sixteen-year-old Lydia is very upset the soldiers are leaving. She is delighted when one of the army wives
invites her to come to stay in Brighton. Elizabeth thinks that Lydia is too irresponsible to be on her own. She
tries, unsuccessfully, to persuade her father to forbid the journey.
Elizabeth goes on a trip with her aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Gardiner. Reluctantly, she accompanies them
on a tour of Darcy’s Pemberley estate. There, she meets Darcy again and he invites her and her family to
stay for dinner. Elizabeth is impressed by his kindness and cordiality. The next day, she receives an upsetting
letter from Jane, informing her that Lydia has run away with Wickham. Elizabeth shares this information with
Darcy and he is sympathetic. She realises she could love Darcy, but she doesn’t think he will return her love.
Mr Bennet and Mr Gardiner go to search for Lydia and Wickham. Mr Gardiner finds the couple in London.
Wickham agrees to marry Lydia in exchange for a certain amount of money. Surprisingly, the amount isn’t
very much, and Mr Bennet suspects Mr Gardiner is also giving Wickham money. Later, Elizabeth learns that
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 Pride and Prejudice

it was Darcy, not Mr Gardiner, who paid Wickham a large portion of the money. She now knows she is in
love with Darcy, but she believes the situation is hopeless.
Bingley returns to Netherfield Park with Darcy. Bingley asks Jane to marry him and she accepts. Jane
is happy but Elizabeth is sad as Darcy is cold and indifferent towards her. Lady Catherine comes to see
Elizabeth and tries to make her promise not to marry Darcy. But Elizabeth refuses to make this promise.
When Lady Catherine tells Darcy about Elizabeth’s hostile reaction to her ultimatum, he realises that
her feelings for him have changed. A few days later, Darcy proposes to Elizabeth again and this time she
accepts. Both young couples marry and Mrs Bennet is delighted!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jane Austen (1775-1817) was born in Hampshire, England. She was educated mainly at home. Her father
encouraged her to read from an early age and she soon developed a love of literature.
Austen played an active role in the social network in her parish. Her social encounters later provided her
with material for her novels.
When Jane’s father retired in 1801, the family moved to Bath. There, she attracted several suitors, but
never married. In 1805 her father died suddenly, leaving the family without an income. For the remainder
of her life, she was always dependent on one of her brothers.
Austen moved to Chawton, a small village in Hampshire, with her mother and sister, Cassandra. There,
she wrote her most popular novels: Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), Emma (1815) and
Persuasion (1818), which were published after her death. All her novels were fairly popular, however Pride
and Prejudice was her first big success. Unfortunately, Jane’s health began to fail just as she was becoming
well known. She died at the age of 42.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
• An entail was often put on the property of wealthy families in the 19th century. This meant that only
a male heir could inherit the property, thus keeping the family estate intact. For the Bennet family, the
entail meant that they would be homeless and penniless after Mr Bennet’s death, and Mr Collins would
inherit everything.
• Money and marriage were of great importance in the 19th century. Women achieved financial security
through marriage. In order for a young girl to marry well, she needed to have a fortune of at least
£10,000. At that time, there was a shortage of men due to the Napoleonic Wars and eligible young
bachelors could shop for the girl with the largest fortune. In this marriage market, the Bennet girls would
have had low standing because they had neither property nor fortune.
• Employment for women in Jane Austen’s time was very limited. Middle-class girls could only work as a
governess or a lady’s companion. These jobs paid low wages and didn’t provide long-term security.
• Good manners were very important in the 19th century. A young girl had to behave according to the
social rules. Inappropriate behaviour could lead to a bad reputation.
• Social events such as parties and dances were very common in the 19th century. At that time, it was
considered improper for a young woman to travel alone or go out socially on her own, so these events
provided young people with an opportunity to mix.
• A guardian was legally responsible for the finances and welfare of an orphan. Normally, a guardian was
a family member, such as a brother, uncle or cousin. The guardian had the same authority as a parent. An
orphan girl could only marry with her guardian’s permission.
• Health was problematic in the 19th century. As there was no penicillin or aspirin, serious attention was
paid to coughs and colds, which in those days were considered dangerous.
• Transport in the 19th century was very different from today. The upper class had horses and carriages.
This was very expensive, so walking was common amongst the lower and middle classes.

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 Pride and Prejudice

BEFORE READING
SUGGESTIONS FOR LEAD-IN ACTIVITIES
In pairs, the students ask and answer the following questions. Alternatively, you can ask the questions and
elicit answers from the whole class. (Some suggested answers are provided in italics.)
1. How was life in the 19th century different from life today? (There was no electricity, running water,
cars, telephone or Internet; women didn’t have careers; they often got married for financial security.)
2. People often gossip. In which ways can gossip be harmful? (Gossip can hurt people and destroy their
reputation; lies can be spread and rumours can be circulated; it is often exaggerated or even untrue.)
3. How did young people meet in the 19th century? (They met at formal occasions such as dances and
parties.) How do they meet today? (They still meet at parties and other social events, but today people
meet at workplaces and through the Internet.)
4. What type of jobs were available to young women 200 years ago? (They were ladies’ companions
or they were paid to live with a family and educate their children.) How has the situation changed?
(Nowadays, women and men generally do the same jobs.)

K E Y V O C A B U L A RY
1. Pre-teach the words in bold. Write the words on the board, and then write the following text (omitting
the words in bold). Ask the students to copy the text and fill in the correct words.
There was great happiness in the Beaumonts’ house as the family celebrated the marriage of Katie,
their daughter, to Edward, a rich, young bachelor. It hadn’t taken Katie long to fall in love with Edward.
His proposal was not an offer she could easily refuse!
Katie’s best friend, Anne March, was one of the guests who was invited to the event. At the wedding,
Anne was on her best behaviour. She made sure not to do anything silly that would cause people to
dislike her. She stood at the side, watching the handsome young men dance with the beautiful girls.
Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder. “May I have this dance?” a voice asked. “I’d be delighted!”
answered Anne.
2. Pre-teach the following adjectives.
lucky arrogant disappointed unexpected pale uncomfortable

Ask pairs of students to write a sentence with each of the above words. The students then read their
sentences to the class.

BEFORE READING ACTIVITIES

The Before Reading activities in the Burlington Reader Series general information leaflet, pages 8-11,
can be applied to Pride and Prejudice.
In addition to the activities in the general leaflet, students can do the following activities.
1. Read the first three paragraphs on page 7. Why is Mrs Bennet happy? (A rich man has moved into a
neighbouring estate and she hopes that he will marry one of her daughters.)
2. Read the chapter name at the top of page 9 and look at the picture. What do you think the young girls
are whispering to each other? (He’s so handsome. Do you think he’s rich? Is that lady his wife?)
3. Read paragraphs 2 and 3 on page 19. What do you learn about marriage in the 19th century? (Women
didn’t always marry for love. Sometimes they married for financial security and independence.)
4. Read the back cover of the book. Then, look at the picture of Elizabeth and Darcy on page 30. How do
you think Elizabeth feels? (surprised; angry) Why do you think she feels this way? (Darcy has revealed
that he’s got feelings for her.)

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 Pride and Prejudice

AFTER READING: EXTRA CHALLENGES

MAKE YOUR STUDENTS THINK

1. Why do you think the book is called Pride and Prejudice?
2. Find at least one character in the book that is guilty of pride or prejudice. Support your answer with
details and information from the story.
3. What do Elizabeth and Darcy learn from their life experiences?
4. Imagine you need advice from a friend. Who would you go to – Elizabeth or Jane? Explain your
answer.
5. How would the story have been different if Lydia hadn’t run away with Wickham?
6. Compare the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy to that of Charlotte and Mr Collins. How are they
different?

DRAMA ACTIVITIES AND PROJECT SUGGESTIONS

1. Imagine that you are Mrs Bennet. Prepare a monologue to recite to the class, in which you discuss
your concern about the future. Explain why it’s so important for your daughters to marry well.

2. Imagine that you are Mr Collins and that you keep a diary. Write an entry in which you describe your
visit to the Bennets, your impression of the sisters and your plan to marry one of their daughters.

3. Work with a partner. One of you is Darcy and the other is Bingley. Act out the scene where Darcy
warns Bingley to beware of Jane.

4. Imagine that you are Elizabeth. Write a monologue in which you express your thoughts after reading
Darcy’s letter on pages 32-34. Act it out in front of the class.

5. Work with a partner. One of you is Elizabeth and the other is Jane. Act out the scene where Elizabeth
tells Jane about Darcy’s proposal.
6. Work with a partner. One of you is Jane and the other is Bingley. Act out the conversation that takes
place between them at the Bennets’ house, after Bingley returns to Netherfield Park.
7. Imagine that you are Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Write a letter to a friend about the engagement of
your nephew, Darcy. Describe the bride and her family. What is your opinion of the marriage?
8. Work in a group of four. One of you is Lydia, one is Wickham and the other two are Mr and Mrs
Bennet. Act out the scene where Lydia and Wickham visit the Bennets as a young married couple.
9. Work in a small group. Use your imagination to design a wedding invitation for Elizabeth and Darcy’s
wedding. Include all the necessary details: date, time, place, what type of clothes the guests should
wear, etc.
10. Use an encyclopedia or search on the Internet for information about what it was like to be a young
lady or gentleman living in rural England in the early 19th century. Write a paragraph and read it to
the class.

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 Pride and Prejudice

AFTER READING: GROUP WORK

TO THE TEACHER:
1. Hand out some of the following statements to the groups.

2. The groups discuss the statements and decide whether they are true (T) or false (F) and give reasons for
their answers.

3. The group spokesperson reports the group’s ideas to the whole class.

TO THE STUDENTS:
Discuss the following statements. Decide if each is true (T) or false (F). Support your opinions with
observations and details from the story.

Statement T/F Examples to support our opinion

1. Darcy always came across as being vain and

arrogant.

2. Mr and Mrs Bennet didn’t agree on everything.

3. Mrs Bennet was a bad mother.

4. Elizabeth was a romantic person.

5. There are four marriages in Pride and Prejudice.

All the marriages were based on love.

6. Darcy didn’t treat Wickham fairly.

7. Jane was a good judge of character.

8. Lydia was a sensible, intelligent young woman.

9. Mr Bingley and Jane had similar personalities.

10. Lady Catherine was kind and courteous.

See the Burlington Reader Series general information leaflet, pages 13-15, for more After Reading
activities.

7

POSSIBLE ANSWERS
1. False. p.15: When Darcy spoke about his sister,
Elizabeth saw that he wasn’t always arrogant
and cold.
p.35: Elizabeth saw that Darcy had good
qualities.
p.39: Elizabeth realised that she had been
wrong about Darcy.
p.40: Darcy invited Elizabeth and the
Gardiners for dinner. He was a kind, generous
man. Darcy’s friends told the Gardiners
that Darcy had a good name and was well-
respected in the area.
pp.48-49: Darcy settled all of Wickham’s debts
and paid him a large amount of money to
marry Lydia. He also offered to find Wickham a
new position in the army.
2. True. p.7: Mrs Bennet wanted to introduce her
daughters to Mr Bingley immediately, whereas
Mr Bennet thought they were too poor and
uneducated to be suitable.
p.19: Mrs Bennet wanted to force Elizabeth to
marry Mr Collins, but Mr Bennet was against
it.
p.46: Mr Bennet didn’t want to see Lydia and
Wickham, but Mrs Bennet convinced him to let
them visit.
3. True. p.13: Mrs Bennet put her daughter’s
health in danger so that Jane could see
Mr Bingley and impress him.
p.19: She tried to force Elizabeth to marry
Mr Collins.
p.37: She encouraged Lydia to go to Brighton.
p.46: She was happy Lydia was marrying
Wickham, even though Mr Bennet had to pay him.
4. True. p.19: Charlotte described Elizabeth as a
romantic person.
pp.19-20: Elizabeth refused to marry for money
or convenience.
p.35: Elizabeth told Jane that she couldn’t
marry someone she didn’t love.
5. False.Charlotte’s and Lydia’s marriages were
marriages of convenience.
p.19: Charlotte told Elizabeth that she wanted
a comfortable home and independence from her
parents. If she married Mr Collins, she would
be secure for the rest of her life.
p.45: Wickham only agreed to marry Lydia on
condition that Mr Bennet gave him a certain
amount of money immediately and another sum
of money every month.
8
Group Work
6. False. p.33: Darcy gave Wickham the money
he was entitled to. Wickham wasted the money
instead of using it for an education.
7. False. p.12: Elizabeth remarked that Jane
always thought the best of people. She couldn’t
see that Caroline’s friendship was insincere.
p.22: Jane thought there must be some
explanation for Darcy’s behaviour if he was
Bingley’s friend.
p.36: She was shocked to hear that Wickham
wasn’t the good, honest man she’d thought he
was.
8. False. p.36: Elizabeth was worried about Lydia
going to Brighton because she wasn’t very
intelligent and she often acted stupidly.
p.42: When Lydia ran away with Wickham, she
endangered the reputation of the entire family.
p.44: Elizabeth remarked that Lydia was a
young, stupid girl who only wanted to have a
good time and that she didn’t think about her
future or her reputation.
9. True. Both Bingley and Jane were charming
and attractive. They only saw the best in
others.
p.8: Bingley made a very good impression
on everyone immediately. All the young girls
thought he was a gentleman.
p.10: Darcy remarked that Jane was the most
beautiful girl at the party. Also, it was clear
that Bingley was attracted to her.
p.12: Jane described Bingley as intelligent,
good-humoured and handsome. Jane thought
Caroline was nice and charming.
p.15: Caroline commented that Jane was quite
sweet and pleasant. Bingley thought Elizabeth
had a good character and was a devoted sister.
10. False. Lady Catherine was always intruding
into other people’s business.
p.28: She tried to make everyone feel inferior.
She asked Elizabeth many insulting questions.
p.52: She warned Elizabeth not to marry Darcy
and insulted her family. She wasn’t polite to
people with a lower status than herself.
 Pride and Prejudice

WORKSHEET 1: CHAPTERS 1-6

A. Complete the sentences below with a word from the box.

refused pale gentleman detested impressive behave congratulated

1. Everybody thought that Charles Bingley was a handsome young .......................... .

2. Lydia and Kitty made a lot of noise at the party. They didn’t .......................... properly.
3. Elizabeth .......................... Darcy because he was horrible and unpleasant.
4. Elizabeth .......................... Mr Collins’ marriage proposal because she didn’t like him.
5. Mrs Bennet .......................... Mr Collins on his proposal to Elizabeth.
6. Jane’s face became .......................... when she read the terrible news.
7. Lady Catherine’s .......................... estate was famous for its beautiful mansion and large gardens.

B. Circle the correct word in each sentence.

1. The marriage of her daughters would bring a lot of (objection / happiness) to Mrs Bennet.
2. A rich young bachelor had moved to the (relationship / neighbourhood).
3. It was hard for anybody to (warn / approach) Darcy because he was such a cold person.
4. Mr Collins had a high opinion of himself and Elizabeth thought he was (aware / arrogant).
5. Elizabeth wanted Mr Bingley to (suffer / waste) because he left Jane.
6. The Bingleys needed a (servant / relative) to look after their estate.
7. Jane was (shocking / good-humoured) and always saw the best in people.
8. Elizabeth had the (courage / feelings) to fight for what she believed in.

C. Write T (true) or F (false) next to each sentence.

..... 1. The Bennet daughters saw Mr Bingley and Darcy for the first time at a dinner at the Bennets’
house.
..... 2. Darcy made a bad impression at the party because he was rude to Elizabeth.
..... 3. Mary Bennet enjoyed flirting with officers.
..... 4. Caroline Bingley invited Jane to dinner to meet Mr Bingley again.
..... 5. Jane stayed with the Bingleys for several days because she was ill.
..... 6. Elizabeth didn’t want to marry Mr Collins because he didn’t have much money.
..... 7. Jane and Mr Bingley didn’t meet, although they were both in London.
..... 8. Darcy and Elizabeth met again at Lady Catherine’s house.

D. There are four false sentences in Exercise C. Correct them.

.......................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................

9
 Worksheet 1: Chapters 1-6

ANSWERS

A. 1. gentleman
2. behave
3. detested
4. refused
5. congratulated
6. pale
7. impressive

B. 1. happiness
2. neighbourhood
3. approach
4. arrogant
5. suffer
6. servant
7. good-humoured
8. courage

C. 1. False
2. True
3. False
4. False
5. True
6. False
7. True
8. True

D. 1. The Bennet daughters saw Mr Bingley and Darcy for the first time at a party.
3. Mary Bennet was very shy and serious. / Lydia and Kitty enjoyed flirting with officers.
4. Caroline invited Jane to dinner because she wanted her company.
6. Elizabeth didn’t want to marry Mr Collins because she didn’t love him.

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 Pride and Prejudice

WORKSHEET 2: CHAPTERS 7-12

A. Replace the underlined words with a word from the box.

interfere honest intended uncomfortable sensitive regretted

1. With close friends and family, Darcy could be sympathetic and considerate. ..........................
2. Caroline Bingley’s rude comments made everyone feel agitated. ..........................
3. Darcy was really a kind, sincere man. ..........................
4. Elizabeth planned to thank Darcy for helping her family. ..........................
5. Darcy was sorry that he had intervened in Bingley and Jane’s romance. ..........................
6. Lady Catherine tried to get involved in Elizabeth’s relationship with Darcy. ..........................

B. Match the words in A to their definitions in B.

A B
1. respectable ..... a. your sister’s husband or your wife’s brother
2. astonishment ..... b. ask for something with determination
3. prejudice ..... c. a feeling of great surprise
4. beg ..... d. preconceived ideas about somebody
5. brother-in-law ..... e. question under discussion
6. matter ..... f. approved of by society

C. Match A and B to form correct sentences.

A B
1. Darcy wanted to stop Jane and Bingley’s ….. a. because she couldn’t be trusted to behave
relationship properly.
2. Wickham had many debts ….. b. because she hadn’t warned her sister about
3. Elizabeth opposed Lydia’s trip to Brighton Wickham.

4. Caroline spoke nastily about Elizabeth ….. c. because he thought Jane didn’t love his
friend.
5. Elizabeth believed that Lydia’s bad
behaviour was her fault ….. d. because he owed money to many people.

6. Elizabeth apologised to Darcy ….. e. because her mother had been so rude.
….. f. because she was jealous of her.

D. Who is speaking to whom? Write the correct names from the box below. You can use some names
more than once.
Darcy’s housekeeper Elizabeth the Gardiners Darcy
Lydia Lady Catherine Caroline Mr Bennet

1. “You are the last man in the world that I would marry!” .............................. to ..............................
2. “You and Jane are very serious and respectable.” .............................. to .............................
3. “Mr Darcy is the best master anyone could have.” .............................. to .............................. and
..............................
4. “I think that Elizabeth has become uglier.” .............................. to .............................
5. “I haven’t told you about my wedding yet.” .............................. to ..............................
6. “I won’t allow my nephew to marry you!” .............................. to ..............................

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 Worksheet 2: Chapters 7-12

ANSWERS

A. 1. sensitive
2. uncomfortable
3. honest
4. intended
5. regretted
6. interfere

B. 1. f
2. c
3. d
4. b
5. a
6. e

C. 1. c
2. d
3. a
4. f
5. b
6. e

D. 1. Elizabeth, Darcy
2. Bennet, Elizabeth
3. Darcy’s housekeeper, the Gardiners, Elizabeth
4. Caroline, Darcy
5. Lydia, Elizabeth
6. Lady Catherine, Elizabeth
7. Darcy, Elizabeth

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 Pride and Prejudice

FINAL TEST

A. Choose the correct answer.

1. Bingley’s arrival in the neighbourhood 4. Wickham told Elizabeth he became a soldier

caused much excitement because he …
a. was a very pleasant young man.
b. had an attractive sister and a handsome
friend.
c. was an eligible young bachelor.
5. Lydia and Wickham lived together before
2. Darcy made a bad impression because he …
a. made a lot of noise.
b. didn’t dance with the local girls.
c. flirted with all the women.
because …
a. Darcy hadn’t given him his inheritance.
b. he wanted to fight for his country.
c. he didn’t have enough money to study.
marriage. This was a problem because …
a. Wickham was a soldier.
b. Elizabeth was in love with Wickham.
c. it could destroy the Bennets’ reputation.

3. Mr Collins chose Elizabeth to be his wife 6. … visit gave Darcy hope that Elizabeth might
because … accept his offer of marriage.
a. he loved her. a. Mr Bingley’s
b. his first choice, Jane, wasn’t free. b. Lady Catherine’s
c. she had beautiful eyes. c. Mrs Gardiner’s

30 points (5 points each)

B. Choose the correct answer.

The Bennet family (1. have been living / lived) on a small country estate in England. There were five
daughters in the family, and Elizabeth and Jane were the oldest.
One day, there was much (2. courage / happiness) in the Bennet household. News arrived that Charles
Bingley, a wealthy young (3. gentleman / servant), had moved into the (4. proposal / neighbourhood).
Elizabeth and Jane were invited to a party, (5. where / which) they met Bingley and another (6. guest /
brother-in-law), his friend Darcy. Elizabeth thought Darcy was arrogant. Jane, on the other hand,
thought Bingley was (7. lucky / handsome) and pleasant. Jane and Bingley met again and they began
to (8. fall in love / develop). Then suddenly, Bingley returned to London. Poor Jane was upset and
(9. disappointed / unexpected).
Elizabeth learned that it was Darcy who (10. has ruined / had ruined) Jane’s relationship with Bingley.
This news made Elizabeth (11. dislike / regret) Darcy more than ever. Surprisingly, the next day, Darcy
proposed (12. marriage / prejudice) to Elizabeth. In response, she told him she (13. wouldn’t marry /
will not marry) him if he were the last man in the world. She then criticised him for his past
(14. behaviour / relatives).
The next day, Darcy gave Elizabeth a letter explaining his past actions. While she was reading it,
Elizabeth realised that Darcy (15. had been judging / had been judged) unfairly and her opinion of
him began to change.

45 points (3 points each)

C. Choose one topic and write a paragraph. Your paragraph should be at least 60 words long.
1. At the beginning of the book, Elizabeth detests Darcy. By the end of the book, she loves him. Why
does Elizabeth change her opinion of Darcy? Give examples from the story to support your answer.
2. Who do you think is more guilty of prejudice – Elizabeth or Darcy? Explain why.
3. Look at the personality traits of one of the main characters in the story. What are his / her strengths
and weaknesses? How do they affect the character’s life?

25 points

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 Final Test

ANSWERS

A. 1. c 3. b 5. c
2. b 4. a 6. b

B. 1.lived 6. guest 11. dislike

2.happiness 7. handsome 12. marriage
3.gentleman 8. fall in love 13. wouldn’t marry
4.neighbourhood 9. disappointed 14. behaviour
5.where 10. had ruined 15. had been judging

C. Accept all logical and grammatically correct answers.

Possible points for inclusion:
1. Elizabeth’s opinion of Darcy begins to change after she reads Darcy’s letter. She sees Darcy was fair
in his treatment of Wickham and she also learns that Darcy is a good brother to his younger sister,
Georgiana. Later, during her visit to Pemberley, Elizabeth realises that Darcy is both generous and
sensitive. Her respect changes to love after Darcy helps her father with the payments to Wickham.
2. When Darcy first meets Elizabeth, he judges her unfairly and makes an insulting comment about
her. But when he sees her devotion to her sister a few days later, he agrees that Elizabeth has got
a good character and begins to perceive her in a different way. Elizabeth, on the other hand, is
prejudiced against Darcy from the moment she meets him. She hears malicious gossip about him
and immediately believes it. Not only that, but she repeats it to friends and family. Also, she decides
that Darcy’s sister is spoiled and arrogant before she even meets her.
3. One of Jane’s strengths is that she always sees the good in people. However, she isn’t a very good
judge of character. At first, Jane thinks that Caroline is nice and charming. Only later does she
realise that she was mistaken. Jane also doesn’t show her emotions easily and this almost ruins her
future with Bingley. Darcy begins to doubt Jane’s love for Bingley and he convinces his friend not
to marry her. But Jane is very forgiving – even after Bingley leaves her, she thinks he is a wonderful
man and she isn’t angry with him. Her forgiving nature helps her secure a happy future with the man
she loves.

14

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS IN THE READER
These answers relate to the questions on pages 56-59 of the reader itself.
Chapter 1
1. The Bennets have heard that Netherfield Park, a
large estate near their home, has been rented.
2. He is a rich, young, unmarried man who has
rented Netherfield Park. Mrs Bennet wants him
to marry one of her daughters.
3. They met him at a big party organised by one of
their neighbours.
4. Charles Bingley was friendly to everyone and
danced a lot, especially with Jane. Darcy wasn’t
friendly. He also insulted Elizabeth by not
wanting to dance with her.
Chapter 2
1. Elizabeth was more critical of people and saw
their characters more clearly than Jane did.
2. She knew that it would rain and that Jane would
be forced to stay the night and see Charles
Bingley. Jane became ill and had to remain at
Netherfield Park for a few days.
3. Elizabeth was worried about Jane and wanted to
see her. She stayed because Jane asked her to.
4. Darcy began to admire Elizabeth and paid
attention to her. Caroline said bad things about
her and her family to Charles and Darcy.
Chapter 3
1. He is Mr Bennet’s cousin, his closest male
relative. Only men could inherit property and
Mr Bennet has only got daughters.
2. He has decided that it’s time he married and he
wants to marry one of the Bennet girls.
3. She’s a very rich woman, and she’s Darcy’s
aunt.
4. Because he was boring and arrogant.
5. No. Mr Bennet was happy that his favourite
daughter had refused Mr Collins. Mrs Bennet
wanted Elizabeth to marry as quickly as possible
and she was upset that Elizabeth had not
accepted.
Chapter 4
1. She wanted independence from her parents and
a comfortable and secure future. She was not
looking for romantic love like Elizabeth.
2. They met him in the town of Meryton. He was
an army officer and he was stationed there. He
made an excellent impression on them.
3. They were both shocked and Darcy quickly rode
away.
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Pride and Prejudice
4. He told her that Darcy’s father had been his
father’s employer and had promised him money
and property. After his father’s death, Darcy
went against his father’s promises.
Chapter 5
1. Elizabeth suspects that Caroline doesn’t want
Charles to marry Jane.
2. Mr and Mrs Gardiner, Jane’s uncle and aunt,
invited her to go to London to help her forget
her sadness over Charles.
3. Caroline came to see her in London only once,
two weeks after her arrival. When she came, she
was cold and unfriendly.
4. Elizabeth explained that she wasn’t in love with
Wickham, so her aunt shouldn’t worry.
Chapter 6
1. Charlotte had been her good friend for a long
time. Elizabeth also missed Jane and knew that
she could visit her on the way.
2. She found her sickly, thin and arrogant. She
didn’t like Darcy and wanted him to marry her
and to be unhappy.
3. She found her very insulting and didn’t like her
at all.
4. Darcy’s cousin, Fitzwilliam, tells her this. She is
shocked and angry.
5. She tells him that she detests the way he treated
Wickham and she won’t forgive him for ruining
Jane’s relationship with Charles Bingley.
Chapter 7
1. Darcy had convinced Charles not to marry Jane
because she wasn’t rich and had no important
connections. There was no difference between
Elizabeth and Jane, yet Darcy wanted to marry
Elizabeth.
2. She had accused him of two things and he
wanted her to know the truth about them.
3. He knew that Charles loved Jane but he thought
that Jane didn’t love Charles, so he thought he
was protecting his good friend.
4. Wickham’s behaviour was not good or moral.
He demanded all the money from Darcy’s father
in one go and spent it very fast. Then he tried
to secretly marry Darcy’s sister, Georgiana,
although he didn’t love her. He just wanted her
money.
5. She believed Darcy and no longer blamed him
for his behaviour. She saw he had good qualities.

Chapter 8
1. The truth would not change anything. It would
only hurt her feelings more because it was clear
that Jane still loved him.
2. She was shocked because she always wanted to
believe that people were good.
3. They knew that Wickham’s regiment was
moving to Brighton and they thought that no one
would see him again.
4. Elizabeth knew that Lydia was not very
intelligent and she often acted stupidly.
5. Elizabeth’s respect for Darcy grew after she
heard about all the good things he had done. She
understood that his character was much better
than she had thought.
Chapter 9
1. Elizabeth had expected Georgiana to be an
arrogant, vain young woman. But she was
really a shy young girl and Elizabeth liked her
immediately.
2. He had not acted with integrity. When he left,
he owed money to a lot of people and Darcy
paid his debts for him. They understood that
Wickham was not a good person and they were
happy that Elizabeth was not involved with him.
3. Caroline was jealous of Elizabeth because she
wanted Darcy for herself.
4. She said disagreeable things about Elizabeth.
This made Darcy angry and he left the room.
Chapter 10
1. Elizabeth learns that Lydia has run away with
Wickham and that the young couple plan to
marry in Scotland.
2. Elizabeth feels responsible because she did not
warn Lydia that Wickham had no honour or
integrity.
3. He apologises because he did not listen to
Elizabeth’s advice. He made a mistake when he
let Lydia go to Brighton alone.
4. Mr Bennet must agree to give him a certain
sum of money immediately and another sum of
money every month.
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Pride and Prejudice
Chapter 11
1. She is delighted! She is just happy her daughter
is getting married and she doesn’t care to whom.
No. I think the typical 19th century mother
would be worried about the dishonour such a
marriage would cause her family.
2. Lydia was as noisy and wild as always. She
talked all the time and didn’t notice that her
father and older sisters were very quiet.
3. a. He found Lydia and Wickham in London.
b. He paid all Wickham’s debts and agreed to
pay him a large amount every year.
c. He said he would find Wickham a new
position in the army.
4. Mrs Gardiner thought he was so helpful because
he was in love with Elizabeth.
5. Mrs Bennet is nice to Bingley because she hopes
he will marry Jane. She is rude to Darcy because
she thinks he is an arrogant man who once
insulted Elizabeth and treated Wickham badly.
Chapter 12
1. Before the engagement, everyone thought they
were “the poor Bennets” because of Lydia’s bad
behaviour, but now the neighbours think they are
“the lucky Bennets” because their daughter is
engaged to a rich man.
2. Lady Catherine wants to know if Elizabeth is
engaged to Darcy or not, and to tell her she will
never agree to it.
3. The Bennets haven’t got any money or
connections. Their family’s behaviour is terrible.
4. Darcy realises Elizabeth’s opinion of him has
changed because of her hostile reaction to his
aunt’s ultimatum. Elizabeth felt very upset
and sad. Lady Catherine’s visit gave Darcy the
courage to speak to Elizabeth again.
5. Everyone thought Elizabeth disliked Darcy. She
didn’t tell anyone that her feelings had changed.