The Readers Review: Literature from 1714 to 1910 discussion

Pride and Prejudice
Week 4: Volume II, Chapters 9 - 19
Discussion Questions

1) How does Elizabeth’s stay with Charlotte and Mr. Collins shape her understanding of marriage as a practical, rather than romantic, institution? What do you think Elizabeth admires or dislikes most about Charlotte’s choices?

2) What do you think of how Austen portrays Lady Catherine’s household as a space dominated by hierarchy and etiquette? What do the Rosings dinners reveal about the way characters use conversation to assert power or status?

3) Lady Catherine’s controlling behavior is often humorous, but what underlying social truths is Austen exposing? Do you see Lady Catherine as merely comic relief, or a serious critique of aristocratic entitlement?

4) Before the proposal, how does Darcy’s behavior at Rosings differ from his behavior earlier at Meryton? Which interactions hint at his growing interest in Elizabeth, and which suggest internal conflict or pride?

5) Elizabeth misreads Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and even Charlotte at various points. Which misinterpretation do you think is the most understandable? Which is the least?

6) Darcy’s proposal is one of the most discussed scenes in classic literature. What aspects of his approach are shaped by genuine emotion? Which parts stem from class prejudice or entitlement? How does Austen balance drama, humor, and social critique in this scene?

7) Elizabeth’s speech during the proposal is unusually passionate for her character. Do you interpret it as righteous anger, wounded pride, or long-suppressed frustration? Is she entirely fair to Darcy in this moment?

8) Darcy’s letter forces Elizabeth (and the reader) to reconsider both him and Wickham.
To what extent do you believe Darcy’s explanation is justified? At what point in reading the letter do you think Elizabeth’s viewpoint begins to shift?

9) How does Austen show the appeal of Wickham’s charm, and why is it so effective? What does Elizabeth’s belief in Wickham reveal about her strengths—and blind spots?

10) After reading the letter, Elizabeth admits she has been “blind, partial, prejudiced, absurd.” How significant is this moment for her character development? Does Austen portray this transformation as sudden, or the culmination of earlier hints?

11) How do these chapters refine the novel’s central themes? Who is more guilty of “pride” here—Elizabeth or Darcy? Who is more guilty of “prejudice”?

12) Austen mixes comedic elements (Mr. Collins, Lady Catherine) with serious emotional conflict. How does this tonal mix affect your reading of Darcy’s proposal and the aftermath?

13) What Is Austen Critiquing? Through the proposal, the letter, and the revelations about Wickham, what social values or assumptions is Austen challenging most forcefully—class hierarchy, first impressions, gender expectations, or something else?