Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh: Questions and Answers

Questions and Answers about Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh by Rachael Lippincott (2023) — 15 Evidence-Grounded Q&As for Readers, Book Clubs, and Study Groups. Each answer is grounded in the novel's outline and key scenes; no spoilers beyond the book's own plot. Use the links to explore characters, themes, and the ending in more depth. 1. Why does Audrey initially decide not to apply to RISD, and what changes her mind?

Direct answer: Audrey abandons her RISD application because she has been unable to draw since her breakup with Charlie, and she fears rejection after being wait-listed. She tells Mr. Montgomery she is dropping out, but his advice about not hiding from the world, combined with her time in 1812 and Lucy's encouragement, rekindles her passion. By the end, she submits a portfolio and is accepted.

Evidence: In Chapter 5, Audrey tells Mr. Montgomery she is dropping her application, and he warns that she won't find inspiration if she hides. In Chapter 19, Lucy gives her a sketchbook and pencils, urging her to draw for herself, which breaks her block. In Chapter 39, Audrey has a portfolio of drawings and is accepted to RISD.

Interpretation: Audrey's creative block is tied to her emotional state and fear of failure. The time travel forces her out of her comfort zone, and Lucy's support helps her rediscover art as a personal joy rather than a performance. Her acceptance symbolizes her growth in self-trust and willingness to take risks. 2. How does the quarter function as a symbol and plot device?

Direct answer: The quarter is the catalyst for Audrey's time travel and later becomes a countdown timer, showing how many days she has left in 1812. It also symbolizes chance, risk, and the idea that love and inspiration require stepping into the unknown. The quarter's changing numbers drive the plot's urgency and ultimately trigger the return trip when Audrey and Lucy kiss.

Evidence: In Chapter 5, Mr. Montgomery flicks a quarter to Audrey, and she blacks out. In Chapter 15, Audrey notices the number changes from 24 to 23, realizing it's a countdown. In Chapter 38, when Lucy and Audrey kiss, the coin hits the ground and they return to 2023.

Interpretation: The quarter is a tangible reminder that Audrey's journey is finite and that she must make choices. It also represents the randomness of fate—Mr. Montgomery's toss sends her to 1812, but her actions determine the outcome. The countdown adds tension and forces her to confront her feelings. 3. What is the significance of Lucy's secret stash of romance novels?

Direct answer: Lucy hides romance novels under a loose floorboard because her father forbids such frivolous reading, and they represent her private desires for love and freedom. Sharing them with Audrey becomes a bonding moment and reveals Lucy's inner world, contrasting with her outward compliance. The stash also symbolizes the parts of herself she must conceal.

Evidence: In Chapter 8, Lucy shows Audrey her hidden romance novels, and they bond over their shared love of them. Lucy reflects that she keeps them there because her father never visits that spot.

Interpretation: The novels are a form of escapism and a secret rebellion against her father's control. By sharing them with Audrey, Lucy allows herself to be seen authentically, which is a step toward self-acceptance. The stash also foreshadows Lucy's later willingness to defy societal norms for love. 4. How does Lucy's relationship with her father shape her decisions?

Direct answer: Lucy's father is controlling and expects her to marry Mr. Caldwell for financial and social gain. His absence gives Lucy temporary freedom, but his return and demands force her into a corner. His disapproval of Audrey and his ultimatum to send her away push Lucy to the brink, ultimately leading her to object at her own wedding and choose herself.

Evidence: In Chapter 2, Lucy dreads her father's presence and his plans for her. In Chapter 33, Mr. Sinclair confronts Audrey and demands she leave to protect Lucy's reputation. In Chapter 38, Lucy objects to the marriage, telling Mr. Caldwell she is choosing herself.

Interpretation: Lucy's father represents the patriarchal constraints of 1812. Her growth is measured by her ability to defy him and claim her own agency. The novel shows that true self-determination requires breaking free from familial expectations, even at great cost. 5. What role does Mr. Montgomery play in the story, and how does his backstory connect to the time travel?

Direct answer: Mr. Montgomery is the mysterious figure who sends Audrey to 1812 via the quarter. He later reveals he is a time traveler himself, having been trapped in a coal mine as a boy and ending up in the 1300s. He uses his ability to help others find love and inspiration, and he offers Audrey a loophole to return with Lucy.

Evidence: In Chapter 5, he flicks the quarter to Audrey. In Chapter 37, Audrey confronts him, and he explains the universe decides where she lands and that if both she and Lucy want it, they can return together. In Chapter 39, he tells his origin story.

Interpretation: Mr. Montgomery is a mentor figure who pushes Audrey to take risks. His own history of displacement and helping others suggests that time travel is a gift for personal growth. The loophole he reveals emphasizes that love can transcend time if both parties choose it. 6. How does Audrey's artistic block resolve, and what role does Lucy play?

Direct answer: Audrey's block resolves when Lucy gives her a sketchbook and pencils and encourages her to draw for herself, not for a deadline or approval. This act of kindness and understanding allows Audrey to rediscover her passion. Lucy's belief in her art and her willingness to see Audrey authentically are crucial to her creative recovery.

Evidence: In Chapter 19, Lucy gives Audrey art supplies and says, “Just do it for yourself, Audrey.” Audrey then fills pages with drawings of Lucy. In Chapter 22, Audrey gives Lucy a self-portrait, and in Chapter 39, she has a portfolio ready for RISD.

Interpretation: Lucy's support is not just about art; it's about being seen and valued for who she is. Audrey's block was tied to Charlie's dismissal of her work and her fear of failure. Lucy's encouragement helps her separate her identity from external validation, allowing her to create authentically. 7. What is the significance of the lilac dress Lucy orders?

Direct answer: Lucy orders a lilac silk dress on a separate tab, a small act of rebellion against the blue dress chosen to please Mr. Caldwell. The lilac dress represents her personal taste and desire for autonomy. Later, when she sees it on her wedding day, it becomes a symbol of her lost freedom and the choices she didn't get to make.

Evidence: In Chapter 4, Lucy orders the simpler silk dress in lilac to be delivered after the ball. In Chapter 36, Miss Burton shows her the lilac dress, and Lucy laughs and cries, realizing it will be sent to Mr. Caldwell's estate instead of Radcliffe.

Interpretation: The lilac dress is a tangible reminder of Lucy's suppressed individuality. Its fate—being sent to her future husband's home—mirrors her own loss of agency. The dress also connects to the epilogue, where Lucy wears a lilac gown to prom, symbolizing her reclaimed freedom in the modern world. 8. How does the novel contrast the constraints on women in 1812 with Audrey's modern freedoms?

Direct answer: The novel juxtaposes Lucy's limited options—arranged marriage, strict etiquette, and dependence on male relatives—with Audrey's modern freedoms, such as pursuing a career, wearing trousers, and choosing her own partner. This contrast highlights how far women's rights have come and underscores Lucy's entrapment.

Evidence: In Chapter 9, Audrey tells Lucy about women having careers and wearing trousers. In Chapter 12, Lucy explains she must marry Mr. Caldwell for her father's business. In Chapter 17, Lucy is initially reluctant to ride astride, but Audrey persuades her.

Interpretation: The contrast is not just historical but thematic: it shows that love and self-determination are universal desires, but societal structures can suppress them. Audrey's presence gives Lucy a glimpse of a different life, which ultimately empowers her to reject her prescribed fate. 9. What is the turning point in Audrey's feelings for Lucy?

Direct answer: Audrey's feelings for Lucy shift from friendship to romantic attraction gradually, but a key turning point is in Chapter 19, when she sketches Lucy and feels a “spark” she can't ignore. This is reinforced in Chapter 23, when she helps Lucy into her gown and realizes Lucy understands her art better than Charlie ever did.

Evidence: In Chapter 19, Audrey fills pages with drawings of Lucy and feels a flutter when she sees Lucy watching from a window. In Chapter 23, she reflects on her feelings and acknowledges she may be falling for Lucy.

Interpretation: The turning point is tied to artistic connection and emotional intimacy. Lucy's encouragement of Audrey's art creates a bond that transcends physical attraction. Audrey's realization that Lucy sees her true self—unlike Charlie—makes her feelings undeniable. 10. How does Lucy's decision to object at her wedding reflect her character growth?

Direct answer: Lucy's objection at the altar is the culmination of her arc from passive compliance to active self-determination. She publicly rejects Mr. Caldwell and her father's expectations, declaring she is choosing herself. This act requires immense courage, especially given the social consequences, and it shows she has internalized the idea that she deserves a life she controls.

Evidence: In Chapter 38, Lucy objects when the minister asks for objections, telling Mr. Caldwell she is choosing herself. She flees with Alexander and Mr. Shepherd, and later reunites with Audrey.

Interpretation: Lucy's growth is measured by her willingness to risk everything for her own happiness. The objection is not just about avoiding a bad marriage; it's about rejecting the entire system that treats women as property. Her choice to run away with Audrey is a radical act of self-love. 11. What is the role of supporting characters like James and Martha?

Direct answer: James and Martha serve as confidants and moral compasses for Audrey and Lucy. James shares his brother's story of eloping with a duke's daughter, encouraging Audrey to believe love can defy propriety. Martha offers wisdom about being known versus seen and later comforts Lucy, reminding her of her mother's legacy.

Evidence: In Chapter 25, James tells Audrey about his brother's elopement. In Chapter 15, Martha explains that love is about feeling known. In Chapter 36, Martha gives Lucy her mother's pearl necklace and urges her to be her true self.

Interpretation: These characters represent the possibility of love and loyalty outside the rigid social hierarchy. They provide emotional support and practical advice, helping the protagonists navigate their feelings. Their own stories and sacrifices highlight the theme that love requires courage and authenticity. 12. How does the novel use the motif of being “seen” versus “known”?

Direct answer: The novel distinguishes between being seen—noticed for one's appearance or social role—and being known—understood for one's true self. Lucy is seen by Mr. Caldwell as an accomplished beauty, but Audrey knows her through her secret stash, her music, and her hidden desires. This motif drives the romantic connection.

Evidence: In Chapter 15, Martha tells Audrey that love is about feeling known, not just seen. In Chapter 19, Audrey draws Lucy, capturing her essence. In Chapter 26, Lucy asks Audrey if she has ever been in love, and they share their vulnerabilities.

Interpretation: The motif underscores the difference between superficial attraction and deep connection. Audrey's art allows her to see Lucy's inner self, and Lucy's encouragement of Audrey's art shows she knows what Audrey needs. Their love is built on mutual understanding, not just physical attraction. 13. What is the significance of the near-kiss scene and its aftermath?

Direct answer: The near-kiss in Chapter 30, when Lucy and Audrey dance in their room, is a pivotal moment of unspoken desire. They almost kiss but pull away, leaving both confused and hurt. The aftermath—Audrey's withdrawal and Lucy's despair—forces them to confront their feelings and the impossibility of a future together in 1812.

Evidence: In Chapter 30, Lucy and Audrey dance intimately and nearly kiss before Audrey pulls away. In Chapter 31, Audrey is preoccupied and avoids Lucy. In Chapter 32, they argue and eventually kiss in the rain.

Interpretation: The near-kiss heightens the romantic tension and underscores the societal barriers. It also shows both characters' fear of risk. The subsequent argument and reconciliation demonstrate that love requires honesty and vulnerability, even when the outcome is uncertain. 14. How does the novel handle the theme of self-determination versus societal expectation?

Direct answer: The novel explores this theme through both protagonists. Lucy is expected to marry for wealth and status, while Audrey is expected to follow a conventional path. Both must decide whether to conform or pursue their own desires. Lucy's objection and Audrey's decision to return with Lucy show that self-determination requires defying societal norms.

Evidence: In Chapter 14, Lucy tells Audrey that in 1812 things are different, but Audrey wishes she could make her own choices. In Chapter 32, Lucy says she has no choice, but Audrey accuses her of letting others decide. In Chapter 38, Lucy chooses herself.

Interpretation: The novel argues that self-determination is a universal right, but it is harder to achieve in restrictive societies. Lucy's journey from resignation to rebellion is a powerful statement about the importance of agency. Audrey's support gives Lucy the courage to act. 15. What is the meaning of the ending where Lucy and Audrey return to 2023 together?

Direct answer: The ending shows Lucy and Audrey returning to Pittsburgh together, with no time having passed in the present. Lucy adapts to modern life, and they plan a future together, including Audrey's gap year before RISD. The ending affirms that love can transcend time and that both characters have found their true selves.

Evidence: In Chapter 39, Audrey wakes in Pittsburgh with Lucy beside her. Mr. Montgomery explains the loophole. In the Epilogue, Lucy prepares for prom, studies for her GED, and they dance together.

Interpretation: The ending is a hopeful resolution that rewards risk-taking and authenticity. Lucy's ability to adapt to the modern world shows her resilience, and Audrey's decision to take a gap year demonstrates her commitment to their relationship. The novel concludes that love, when chosen freely, can overcome even the barriers of time and society.