Pride and Prejudice

Question

by Jane Austen

“. . . 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.”

from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Question
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 giving context for Mr. Collins’ decision to propose to Elizabeth
by giving context for Mr. Collins’ decision to propose to Elizabeth

by describing the personalities of Elizabeth and Mr. Collins
by describing the personalities of Elizabeth and Mr. Collins

by contrasting the reactions of Elizabeth and Mr. Collins
by contrasting the reactions of Elizabeth and Mr. Collins

by omitting the perspectives of Elizabeth’s sisters
by omitting the perspectives of Elizabeth’s sisters

Answer 1

The correct response is:

by contrasting the reactions of Elizabeth and Mr. Collins

This choice reflects how the third-person omniscient narration allows readers to see the differing perspectives and values of both characters regarding marriage. Mr. Collins views marriage as a social obligation and a means to secure his future and that of his benefactor, while Elizabeth prioritizes personal happiness and compatibility over societal expectations. This contrast highlights Austen's critique of the traditional views on marriage during her time.