The Readers Review: Literature from 1714 to 1910 discussion

Pride and Prejudice
Week 1: Volume I, Chapters 1-14
Discussion Questions

1) The novel opens with the famous line, "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." What does this line tell us about the society and the expectations placed on women? What does it tell us about Austen's narrative style? What tone does she establish from the beginning? How does humor play a role in shaping our first impressions?

2) How does Jane Austen introduce the social world of the novel in the first chapter? What do we immediately learn about the Bennet family and their priorities?

3) How is Mr. Darcy presented when we first meet him? How do the other characters’ opinions influence the reader’s view of him? What is the initial impression of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, and how do their first meetings at the Meryton ball and during the Netherfield visit cement Elizabeth's opinion of him?

4) What are your first impressions of Elizabeth Bennet? How does she differ from her sisters?

5) How do the contrasting personalities of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy become clear through their dialogue and actions in the first few chapters?

6) What does Mr. Bennet's character reveal about his view of his daughters and his marriage? How does he interact with his wife and the other children? Does his wit make him sympathetic, or is it also somewhat irresponsible? What do we learn about Mrs. Bennet in these chapters? Is she merely comic relief, or does Austen use her to make a social point?

7) Mr. Collins is introduced near the end of this section. What is your first impression of him, and how does he add to Austen’s critique of marriage and social ambition?

Mrs. Bennett isn’t the brightest character (she has been compared to Catherine in Northanger Abbey, but as an adult, without the excuse of inexperience). She has a good grasp of some hard realities for women, and a sense of the ends to be pursued. Unfortunately, she is hopeless on the best means to be employed in the case at hand.

A couple of friends of mine have argued, one online, but unfortunately not accessibly (https://www.proquest.com/docview/2309...), that Mr. Bennett’s quality and interest as a father can be traced pretty straightforwardly in his children. Jane, although perhaps a disappointment, was a much-loved child who grew into a sunny and calm adult. Elizabeth was a bigger disappointment, but blossomed when he discovered and nourished her natural intelligence and sardonic wit. Mary failed to be Elizabeth, and was soon ignored, but continued to seek his approval. He washed his hands of Kitty and Lydia.