Pride and Prejudice

1. What news does Mr. Bennet share with his wife, and how does she immediately respond?

2. Why does Mrs. Bennet see Bingley's arrival as such an urgent opportunity for her daughters?

3. What does Mr. Bennet do that surprises his family, and how do they react?

4. Why does Mr. Bennet keep his visit to Bingley secret instead of just telling his family his plans?

5. What specific behaviors make Bingley popular at the ball while Darcy becomes the villain of the evening?

6. How does Elizabeth's overheard conversation with Darcy create a cycle where both characters reinforce each other's negative impressions?

7. What does Jane believe about the Bingley sisters' feelings toward her, and what evidence does Elizabeth point to that suggests otherwise?

8. Why does Jane resist Elizabeth's warnings about the Bingley sisters, even when Elizabeth provides specific examples of their coldness?

9. What exactly happens when Wickham and Darcy encounter each other, and how do their reactions differ from normal social behavior?

10. Why does Elizabeth immediately believe Wickham's story about Darcy, and what role does her existing opinion play in this decision?

11. What story does Wickham tell Elizabeth about his past with Darcy, and how does she react to it?

12. Why is Elizabeth so quick to believe Wickham's version of events without questioning his motives or seeking Darcy's side of the story?

13. What specific actions does Elizabeth take that shock the Bingley sisters, and how do they react to her appearance?

14. Why do the Bingley sisters and Mr. Darcy have such different reactions to Elizabeth's muddy walk - what does this reveal about their values?

15. What does Elizabeth learn about the people at Netherfield during her extended stay that she couldn't see during formal visits?