10 Comprehension Questions and Answers for the Novel “Pride and Prejudice”
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a novel that has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among readers today. Its themes of love, class, reputation, and social expectations have made it a lasting classic. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 10 comprehension questions and answers related to the novel that will enrich your reading experience and help you gain a deeper understanding of Austen’s timeless work.
1. Who are the main characters in Pride and Prejudice?
The two main characters of the novel are Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Other important characters include the Bennet family, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Collins, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and Charlotte Lucas.
2. What is the plot of Pride and Prejudice?
The novel follows the Bennet family, particularly the second oldest daughter Elizabeth, as they navigate their relationships and social status in 19th-century England. Elizabeth’s pride and Mr. Darcy’s prejudice initially prevent them from coming together, but over time they overcome their differences and fall in love.
3. What is the significance of the title “Pride and Prejudice”?
The title refers to the two main barriers that prevent Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy from getting together. Elizabeth’s pride and Darcy’s prejudice initially prevent them from seeing each other in a positive light. Throughout the novel, they both learn to overcome these obstacles and appreciate each other for who they truly are.
4. What is the role of social class in Pride and Prejudice?
Social class plays a significant role in the novel, as it did in 19th-century England. The Bennet family falls somewhere in the middle of the social hierarchy, while Mr. Darcy and Lady Catherine de Bourgh are at the top. The novel explores the restrictions that social expectations place on individuals and their relationships, particularly with regard to marrying within one’s own social class.
5. What is the significance of Mr. Collins?
Mr. Collins is a clergyman who is set to inherit the Bennet family’s estate upon Mr. Bennet’s death, due to the fact that Mr. Bennet has no male heirs. He proposes to Elizabeth, but she turns him down, as she is not interested in marrying for convenience and social status alone.
6. What is the role of marriage in the novel?
Marriage is a central theme in Pride and Prejudice. The novel explores the idea of marrying for love versus marrying for social status, and how societal expectations and restrictions impact individuals’ ability to make their own choices. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s journey to love and acceptance is at the heart of the novel.
7. How does Austen use humor in Pride and Prejudice?
Austen employs humor in the novel to highlight societal absurdity and to provide a lighthearted contrast to the novel’s more serious themes. Characters like Mr. Collins and Mrs. Bennet provide comedic relief through their ridiculous behavior and exaggerated personalities.
8. What is the significance of Lydia’s elopement with Mr. Wickham?
Lydia’s elopement with Mr. Wickham is significant because it highlights both the scandalous nature of such behavior in 19th-century England and the fact that marriage for love, without regard for societal expectations, can have serious consequences. Lydia’s behavior brings shame upon her family and threatens Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s relationship.
9. What is the importance of dialogue in the novel?
Dialogue is important in the novel because it reveals the characters’ personalities and motivations. Austen uses dialogue to create tension between characters, such as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, and to highlight societal expectations and restrictions.
10. What is the message of Pride and Prejudice?
The message of Pride and Prejudice is perhaps best summed up in the famous opening line of the novel: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” The novel explores the societal expectations and restrictions placed on individuals in 19th-century England, particularly with regard to marriage and social class. It ultimately celebrates the importance of love and the power of individual choice and agency.
