Pride & Prejudice
by Jane Austen
About the book…
Few have failed to be charmed by the witty and independent spirit of
Elizabeth Bennet. Her early determination to dislike Mr. Darcy is a
prejudice only matched by the folly of his arrogant pride. Their first
impressions give way to true feelings in a comedy profoundly concerned with
happiness and how it might be achieved.
About the author…
Jane Austin was born December 16, 1775 at Steventon near Basingstoke,
the seventh child of the rector of the parish. She lived with her family
until her death on July 18, 1817.
As a girl Jane Austen wrote stories, including burlesques of popular
romances. Her works were only published after years of revision, four novels
being published anonymously during her lifetime. These are Sense and
Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield
Park (1814) and Emma (1816). Two other novels, Northanger
Abbey and Persuasion, were published posthumously in 1818
with a biographical notice by her brother, Henry Austen, the first
formal announcement of her authorship.
Discussion Questions:
- This novel was originally entitled “First Impressions”. What role do
first impressions play in the story line?
- Describe Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s relationship. How does the author
depict marriage through the varied relationships in the novel?
- Why do you think the two eldest Bennet sisters turned out so well
compared to their sisters?
- Why did Charlotte Lucas marry Mr. Collins?
- Which characters provide comic relief in the story? What is amusing
about them?
- Is Mr. Wickham truly a villain or is he a victim of English society
and its rules?
- How are Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy changed by the end of the novel?
- How are the different social classes portrayed in this book?
- Is the author a “feminist?" Is Elizabeth a “liberated woman?"
- Why do you think there has been such a resurgence of interest in the
novels of Jane Austen?
Questions prepared by MPL staff
