2. Short-response prompt (15 points)
Read the following passage from the beginning of Jane Austen's 1818 novel Pride and Prejudice. In the passage, a middle-aged, middle-class English couple discusses neighborhood 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 fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful property of some one or other of their 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 sure! 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.
