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Chapter 16 CEFR A2, B1 • ~6 min read

CHAPTER XV.

From Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Chapter Summary Mr. Collins shifts his romantic interest from Jane to Elizabeth before joining the sisters on a walk to Meryton. There, they meet a charming new officer named Mr. Wickham and witness an intensely cold encounter between him and Mr. Darcy.

Before You Read: Target Vocabulary

Essential words to understand this chapter easily.

Vocabulary Preview

make amends

/meɪk əˈmendz/

To do something good to show you are sorry about a past mistake or unfair situation.

pretence

/prɪˈtens/

A false reason or appearance used to hide one's real intention.

commission

/kəˈmɪʃn/

An official rank or appointment as an officer in the military.

astonished

/əˈstɒnɪʃt/

Very surprised or shocked by something unexpected.

Chapter Text Preview

Mr. Collins was not a sensible man. He had grown up under the control of an illiterate, strict father and had spent his youth with very few friends. When a fortunate chance introduced him to Lady Catherine de Bourgh, he became the rector of Hunsford. Now, with a good home and a comfortable income, he was full of self-importance. At the same time, his deep respect for Lady Catherine made him completely humble before people of rank. He was an awkward mixture of pride and servility. Since he was now well established, Mr. Collins intended to marry. He wanted to...

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