2. Short-response prompt (15 points)
Read the following passage from the beginning of Jane Austers 1818 novel Pride and Prejudice in the
passage, a middle aged, middle class English couple discusses hborhood news
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good
fortune, must be in want of a wife
However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first
entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fored in the minds of the surrounding
families, that he is considered the rightful property of some one or other of the
daughters
"My dear Mr Bennet," said his lady to him one day Mrs Long says that
Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England
"What is his name?
"Bingley
"Is he married or single?
"Oh! Single, my dear to be surel A single man of large fortune: four or five thousand
a year. What a fine thing for our girls!
"How so? How can it affect them?
"My dear Mr. Bennet,' replied his wife, how can you be so tiresome! You must know
that I am thinking of his marrying one of them and therefore you must visit him
as soon as he comes."
"I see no occasion for that"
"But consider your daughters. Only think what an establishment it would be for one
of them. Sir William and Lady Lucas are determined to go, merely on that account
for in general, you know, they visit no newcomers. Indeed you must go for it will be
impossible for us to visit him if you do not. You take delight in vexing me. You
have no compassion for my poor nerves."
"You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old
friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these last twenty years
at least
Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and
caprice, that the experience of three-and-twenty years had been insufficient to
make his wife understand his character. Her mind was less difficult to develop. She
was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper.
Based on the passage, what themes, or central ideas, do you predict will be in the novel? State at least
two. Then explain why you think these themes will be in the novel Support your ideas with specific
evidence from the passage.