Read the excerpt from chapter 29 of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. In this passage, characters are discussing a visit to Lady Catherine’s estate, Rosings."I am the less surprised at what has happened," replied Sir William, "from that knowledge of what the manners of the great really are, which my situation in life has allowed me to acquire. About the court, such instances of elegant breeding are not uncommon."Scarcely anything was talked of the whole day or next morning but their visit to Rosings. Mr. Collins was carefully instructing them in what they were to expect, that the sight of such rooms, so many servants, and so splendid a dinner, might not wholly overpower them.
Answer
A
Mr. Collins mentions the number of servants, which shows that he is of a lower status than Lady Catherine.
B
Sir William is not surprised by the invitation, which shows that Mr. Collins is of a similar status as Lady Catherine.
C
Mr. Collins instructs the women on how to behave, which shows that he is of a high status like Lady Catherine.
D
The men talk excessively about Rosings, which shows that Mr. Collins is of a higher status than Lady Catherine.
Explanation
Mr. Collins prepares the visitors for the grand rooms, many servants, and splendid dinner at Rosings, warning that these things might overwhelm them. His emphasis on Lady Catherine’s wealth and household shows that he sees her as socially above himself and the others. This supports choice A: the number of servants highlights Mr. Collins’s lower status than Lady Catherine.
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