Pride & Prejudice C16-17 Analysis

​Pride & Prejudice
Chapters 16 - 20 - Analysis

By Sfiso Gabisa

Representation through Text

​Unit Description

In this unit students analyse the representation of ideas, attitudes and voices in texts to consider how texts represent the world and human experience. Analysis of how language and structural choices shape perspectives in and for a range of contexts is central to this unit.

Open Ended

In one word, describe the institution of marriage in the 21st century.

Chapter 16 - Analysis

​Wickham's Charm and Manipulation

• Wickham charms everyone at the Phillips’s dinner party, especially Elizabeth.
  

• He presents himself as the wronged party in his conflict with Mr. Darcy.
  

• His calm demeanor and detailed story make his version of events seem credible.

Darcy’s Negative Portrayal

• Wickham accuses Darcy of dishonoring his father’s will and denying him a promised living.
  

• He paints Darcy as proud, selfish, and unjust—traits Elizabeth is already inclined to believe.

Elizabeth’s Bias Confirmed:

• Wickham’s story confirms Elizabeth’s prejudices against Darcy.

• Her judgment is clouded by her immediate liking for Wickham and past irritation with Darcy.

• She fully believes Wickham without questioning his motives or the truth of his claims.

Open Ended

What could be Mr. Wickham’s true intention?

​Foreshadowing & Irony

• Wickham’s accusations set the stage for future revelations.

• There is dramatic irony as the reader will later learn that Wickham is not trustworthy.

• Elizabeth’s quick judgment will have emotional and moral consequences.

• Elizabeth shares Wickham’s story with Jane, who urges caution and suggests the possibility of misunderstanding.

• Jane remains fair-minded and refuses to assume the worst about Darcy.

  Contrast Between Sisters:

  • Elizabeth is quick to judge and emotionally swayed, while Jane is more thoughtful and charitable.

  • Their differing approaches to others’ character reveal central themes of prejudice vs. reason.

Elizabeth’s Reaction and Jane’s Caution:

Chapter 17 - Analysis

​Social Commentary on Manners and Appearances:

• • The chapter highlights how easily charm and appearance can disguise character (Wickham).

  • It critiques a society where superficial impressions often outweigh substance.

​Ball Invitation and Mr. Collins:

• • Mr. Bingley invites everyone to a ball, raising Elizabeth’s hopes of seeing Wickham again.

  • Elizabeth is disappointed to have promised the first dances to Mr. Collins, whose presence remains a source of social discomfort and awkwardness.

Multiple Choice

At the Phillips’s dinner party, who becomes the center of attention?

• Mr. Bingley

• Mr. Darcy

• Mr. Wickham

• Mr. Collins

Multiple Choice

What profession did Mr. Wickham claim he had originally intended to pursue?

• Military

• Ministry

• Medicine

• Law

Multiple Choice

According to Wickham, why was he unable to pursue his chosen profession?

• He lacked financial support

• He was expelled from university

• Darcy sabotaged him

• He changed his mind

Multiple Choice

Who did Wickham claim intended to provide for him financially?

• Lady Catherine de Bourgh

• Mr. Darcy's father

• Mr. Gardiner

• Mr. Collins

Multiple Choice

How does Elizabeth respond to Wickham’s story about Darcy?

• She believes him without question

• She tells him to keep it private

• She becomes angry with Wickham

• She is skeptical and asks for proof

Multiple Choice

What relation is Lady Catherine de Bourgh to Mr. Darcy?

• His sister-in-law

• His cousin

• His aunt

• His mother

Multiple Choice

How does Wickham describe Lady Catherine de Bourgh?

• Dictatorial and insolent

• Harsh and bitter

• Quiet and shy

• Generous and kind

Multiple Choice

Who defends Mr. Darcy when Elizabeth recounts Wickham's story?

• Jane

• Charlotte

• Lydia

• Mr. Bingley

Multiple Choice

What does Elizabeth look forward to after hearing Wickham’s story?

• Writing a letter to her father

• Seeing Wickham at the ball

• Speaking to Lady Catherine

• Confronting Mr. Darcy

Multiple Choice

Who does Elizabeth reluctantly promise her first two dances to at the ball?

• Mr. Collins

• Mr. Bingley

• Mr. Wickham

• Mr. Darcy