Pride and Prejudice 3

Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen

Section 3 (chapters 9-12)

1. Give Russian equivalents of the following phrases and recollect the situations in which they were used:

1. the chief of the night (34)

2. to be a studier of character (35)

3. to keep one’s countenance (36)

4. mince pies (36)

5. perpetual commendations (38)

6. with celerity (40)

7. move with alacrity (42)

8. premeditated contempt (42)

9. bordering on conceit and impertinence (43)

10. attend smb. (44)

11. with many professions of pleasure (44)

12. in vain (44)

13. to bring oneself to do something (48)

14. the follies and vices (47)

2. Give definitions and synonyms where possible:

1. odious

2. to long (to/for)

3. precipitance

4. to mount

5. archness

6. propitious

3. Find the words matching the following definitions. Use them in the sentences of your own:

1. v. – make an unlawful or unwarrantable intrusion; make unwarrantable claims (35)

2. adj. – rather fat; corpulent; bulky; of considerable thickness or strength; brave, resolute, vigorous (37)

3. n. – humbleness, meekness; a humble condition (39)

4. v. – hem in; grasp mentally; contrive; accomplish

5. n. – a defect or weakness of character or behavior (47)

6. v. – reply with formal courtesy that one will not accept; refuse formally and courteously

4. Translate the following passages:

1. “I have not the smallest objection to explain them,” said he, as soon as she allowed him to speak. “you either choose this method of passing the evening, because you are in each other’s confidence and have secret affairs to discuss, or because you are conscious that your figures appear to the greatest advantage in walking: - if the first, I should be completely in your way; - and if the second, I can admire you much better as I sit by the fire.”

2. Elizabeth took up some needlework, and was sufficiently amused in attending to what passed between Darcy and his companion. The perpetual commendations of the lady either on his hand-writing, or on the evenness of his lines, or on the length of his letters, with the perfect unconcern with which her praises were received, formed a curious dialogue, and was exactly in unison with her opinion of each.

5. Comment on the following grammar structures:

1. …if it is not for such good friends I do not know what would become of her.

2. Had she found Jane in any apparent danger, Mrs. Bennet would have been very miserable…

3. I wish I might take this for a compliment…

4. … there was a something about her…

5. … were it not for the inferiority of her connections, she should be in some danger.

6. Comment on the following:

1. In a country neighbourhood you move in a very confined and unvarying society.

2. When I am in the country, I never wish to leave it; and when I am in town it is pretty much the same. They have each their advantages.

3. He has always something to say to everybody. – That is my idea of good breeding.

4. Of a fine, stout, healthy love it may. Every thing nourishes what is strong already. But if it be only a slight, thin sort of inclination, I am convinced that one good sonnet will starve it entirely away.

5. It is a rule with me, that a person who can write a long letter, with ease, cannot write ill.

6. “It has been the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses which often expose a strong understanding to ridicule”.

7. “Vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride – where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will be always under good regulation”.

8. “My good opinion once lost is lost for ever”.

7. Speak on the following:

1. Contrast Miss Bingley’s behavior to Darcy with Elizabeth Bennet’s. Who does Darcy prefer?

2. Quote other examples of Lizzie’s independence and pride in these chapters.

3. “Mr. Darcy is not to be laughed at!”, cried Elizabeth. “That is an uncommon advantage, and uncommon I hope it will continue.” Is Lizzy being fair on Darcy? What other good qualities do we see in Darcy?

4. Why does Darcy not want to fall in love with Lizzy? What do you think about his reasons?

5. Describe some of Jane Austine’s attitude to people. Which character, do you think, is most like Jane Austine?

8. Write the summary of chapters 9-12.