Fiction · Level 4 · 153 words
A Truth Universally Acknowledged
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (1813). Public domain.
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, "have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?" Mr. Bennet replied that he had not. "But it is," returned she; "for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it." Mr. Bennet made no answer. "Do you not want to know who has taken it?" cried his wife impatiently. "You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it." This was invitation enough.
Comprehension questions
1. The famous opening sentence is best understood as:
- A A sincere scientific fact
- B Gentle irony about how families view wealthy bachelors
- C Mr. Bennet's personal opinion
- D A legal rule of the time
Show answer
B. Gentle irony about how families view wealthy bachelors
Austen's tone is ironic: the "truth" reflects the matchmaking assumptions of "surrounding families," not an actual law of nature.
2. What does the exchange reveal about Mr. Bennet?
- A He is eager and talkative.
- B He is dryly amused and teases his wife.
- C He is angry at his wife.
- D He has no interest in his family.
Show answer
B. He is dryly amused and teases his wife.
His reply — "You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it" — shows a dry, teasing wit.
3. What news is Mrs. Bennet eager to share?
- A That a wedding has occurred
- B That Netherfield Park has been rented
- C That Mrs. Long is ill
- D That the family has lost its fortune
Show answer
B. That Netherfield Park has been rented
She asks whether he has heard "that Netherfield Park is let at last."
Source: Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (1813). Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (1813). Public domain.