Pride and Prejudice Read Along: Part Four and Five

And my re-read of this book is done! Late, yes, but done! Here's my answers to the discussion questions that Jenni Elyse provided as part of her read along. It's long and I bet no one will really read them, but I had fun in the answering. Thanks for the motivation to read this one again Jenni!

I will post a proper re-review soon!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: CHAPTERS 39-49

Jenni found these questions here.

What do Elizabeth and the Gardiners learn about Darcy from Mrs. Reynolds? Does Elizabeth's attitude toward Darcy change while at Pemberley and after talking with Mrs. Reynolds? What does she think about him now?

They learn that he is so sweet! And practically perfect in every way! And of course Elizabeth starts thinking about him differently. Suddenly, he's a cool dude and very desirable! I love it.

When Elizabeth meets Darcy at the Pemberley estates, she is surprised by his behavior. How has he changed since she saw him last? How does he treat her? Her aunt and uncle? What does Elizabeth think has caused this change in Darcy? And how do Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner look at Darcy?

He acts so different, and I've often wondered exactly what's behind this. I think just that he feels comfortable on the home court, you know? That he truly is shy but at home he's not so much. Besides, he does feel a need to impress her. But yes, he is quite nice and very sweet to everyone. I love that the Gardiner's are  like, what the heck? This guy is NOT like you said he was!

In chapter 45, Elizabeth receives two surprising letters from Jane. What shocking news about Lydia does Jane communicate? At this point, how does she think this news about Lydia will influence her relationship with Darcy? What do the Gardiners and Elizabeth decide to do in response to the letter?

Well, of course Lydia has run off with the scoundrel of the story. Elizabeth is sure that this will be last she hears from Mr. Darcy, because it's so scandalous that he will never ever want to deal with her or her family again. It's all very tragic. So they go off to get Elizabeth back home to the drama and Darcy goes off to... who knows what! :)

In chapter 49 Mr. Bennet receives a letter from his brother-in-law, Mr. Gardner informing the Bennets how everything is settled for Lydia to be married to Wickham. What is required of Mr. Bennet? Why does Mr. Bennet think so little has been asked of him? Who does he think has financially assisted in this matter?

He thinks is brother in law has handled it all, and he is baffled. He only has to give her a small amount a year (a tradition that is so weird to me!) and he feels grateful but he just doesn't get it. I think he is scared to question too far though, for fear it's all too good to be true.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: CHAPTERS 50-61

Jenni found these questions here.

The long walk. It's perfect, no? Mr. Darcy realizes when his aunt reports to him the goings on, that Elizabeth might possible maybe perhaps be okay with liking him after all! So funny that Lady Catherine has no idea that it's really her that makes it all happen. The changes in both Darcy and Elizabeth are fun to see during this talk and walk.

In the dialogue between Elizabeth and Darcy, how does Elizabeth explain the reason for his attraction to her? After the account of Darcy's self-improvement, what do you think about their marriage? Is Elizabeth lucky to marry such a rich man? Does she deserve it?

Elizabeth figures that Darcy was blown away by someone who didn't simper and flirt and bow down to him. Perhaps this did make him sit up and take notice, but I think he loved her wit. Elizabeth is lucky, but so is Darcy. They both deserve each other and I think their marriage will/is/has been a happy one!

After Jane's marriage to Bingley and Elizabeth's to Darcy, the Bennet family experiences some changes. How does Kitty benefit from the marriages? How does Mr. Bennet respond? Mrs. Bennet? Lydia and Wickham? Mary?

I think they all benefit from these marriages! They are all lucky, except perhaps Lydia who doesn't seem to understand a thing about life and will go on forever being an idiot! :)