Question

“. . . And now nothing remains for me but to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affection. To fortune I am perfectly indifferent, and shall make no demand of that nature on your father, since I am well aware that it could not be complied with; and that one thousand pounds in the four per cents, which will not be yours till after your mother’s decease, is all that you may ever be entitled to. On that head, therefore, I shall be uniformly silent; and you may assure yourself that no ungenerous reproach shall ever pass my lips when we are married.” It was absolutely necessary to interrupt him now. “You are too hasty, sir,” she cried. “You forget that I have made no answer. Let me do it without further loss of time. Accept my thanks for the compliment you are paying me. I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than to decline them.” “I am not now to learn,” replied Mr. Collins, with a formal wave of the hand, “that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second, or even a third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said, and shall hope to lead you to the altar erelong.” “Upon my word, sir,” cried Elizabeth, “your hope is a rather extraordinary one after my declaration. I do assure you that I am not one of those young ladies (if such young ladies there are) who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the chance of being asked a second time. I am perfectly serious in my refusal. You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world who could make you so. Nay, were your friend Lady Catherine to know me, I am persuaded she would find me in every respect ill qualified for the situation.”

Use the excerpt from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen to answer the question. How does the use of third-person omniscient narration demonstrate the author’s attitude toward the subject of marriage? (1 point) Responses
by describing the personalities of Elizabeth and Mr. Collins
by omitting the perspectives of Elizabeth’s sisters
by giving context for Mr. Collins’ decision to propose to Elizabeth
by contrasting the reactions of Elizabeth and Mr. Collins

Answer 1

The use of third-person omniscient narration in this excerpt demonstrates the author’s attitude toward the subject of marriage **by contrasting the reactions of Elizabeth and Mr. Collins**. The narrative provides insight into Elizabeth’s strong sense of individuality and her refusal to accept a proposal she does not truly want, highlighting her conviction against societal expectations regarding marriage. In contrast, Mr. Collins embodies a more transactional and socially driven view of marriage, believing that Elizabeth’s initial refusal is merely a formality before she accepts his proposal. This contrast emphasizes the differing values and motivations surrounding marriage, suggesting a critique of the social customs of the time that prioritize financial and social advantages over personal happiness and compatibility.