Pride & Prejudice

Study Questions

In order to prepare for the exam, read through all your notes and check out my notes on the web page. Then go through all of the study questions and jot down specific answers for each questions. You may earn up to 10 points extra credit on the exam if you thoroughly answer each of the study questions below.

1. Describe the personality and role of each of the following characters: Jane, Mr. Bingley, Charlotte, Mrs. Gardiner, Mr. Wickham, Col. Fitzwilliam, Lydia
2. Be prepared to write at least half a page (single spaced) about the following characters (discuss their personalities, roles, social commentary, etc.)
1. Mr. Bennet
2. Mrs. Bennet
3. Mr. Collins
4. Lady Catherine
3. Compare and contrast Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennet.
4. Compare the friendship between Darcy and Bingley to the friendship between Elizabeth and Jane.
5. Define irony. Give at least three examples from the novel. Discuss Austen’s use of irony.
6. How can you argue that this novel is more than a love story?
7. What social commentary does Austen give through this novel?
8. What is the importance of dialogue to this novel?
9. What is Elizabeth’s hubris? Darcy’s?
10. What is Elizabeth’s arete? Darcy’s?
11. What sophrosune does Elizabeth gain? Darcy?
12. What is dissoi logoi? Give at least 2 examples. How does dissoi logoi influence the novel?
13. What is paradox? Give an example. What role does paradox play in the novel?
14. How does the concept of The Beautiful is the Good play out in this novel?
15. Who is the hero of this novel—Elizabeth or Darcy? Why?
16. How is this novel political? Explain. (hint: Pemberly)
17. How has Austen modernized the romance genre through this novel (compared to The Odyssey or Much Ado About Nothing)?
18. What are reversal and recognition and how do they play a role in the novel?
19. Which character in the novel would you want to marry the most and why? J
20. What is the effect of Austen’s use of humor?
21. List and explain a few of the central themes of the novel.