Question

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

Answer 1

The use of third-person omniscient narration in this excerpt highlights the contrasting attitudes toward the subject of marriage as shown through the reactions of Elizabeth and Mr. Collins. While Mr. Collins perceives marriage primarily as a social obligation and a means to secure financial stability, Elizabeth approaches it with a sense of personal agency and emotional fulfillment. Mr. Collins is characterized by his formal demeanor and misguided belief that Elizabeth's refusal is merely a pretense, demonstrating his lack of genuine understanding of love and compatibility. In contrast, Elizabeth's assertive and clear rejection of his proposal indicates her strong convictions about marriage—not just as a societal expectation, but as a union that should bring happiness and mutual respect. This contrast in their perspectives allows the author to convey a critical view of societal norms surrounding marriage, emphasizing the importance of personal choice and emotional connection over mere financial or social considerations.