Question
Read the following excerpt from the Chapter 29 of the novel Pride and Prejudice where Mr. Collins comments on the dress of Elizabeth, and answer the following question.
"Do not make yourself uneasy, my dear cousin about your apparel. Lady Catherine is far from requiring that elegance of dress in us, which becomes herself and daughter. I would advise you merely to put on whatever of your clothes is superior to the rest, there is no occasion for anything more. Lady Catherine will not think the worse of you for being simply dressed. She likes to have the distinction of rank preserved."
What is the central idea of the above excerpt containing the dialogue between Mr. Collins and Elizabeth?
Women should wear modest dresses.
Women should wear elegant dresses according to the occasions.
Dress can shape an individual’s opinion of somebody.
Dresses should be affordable.
"Do not make yourself uneasy, my dear cousin about your apparel. Lady Catherine is far from requiring that elegance of dress in us, which becomes herself and daughter. I would advise you merely to put on whatever of your clothes is superior to the rest, there is no occasion for anything more. Lady Catherine will not think the worse of you for being simply dressed. She likes to have the distinction of rank preserved."
What is the central idea of the above excerpt containing the dialogue between Mr. Collins and Elizabeth?
Women should wear modest dresses.
Women should wear elegant dresses according to the occasions.
Dress can shape an individual’s opinion of somebody.
Dresses should be affordable.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The central idea of the excerpt is that **dress can shape an individual’s opinion of somebody**. Mr. Collins emphasizes that Lady Catherine does not require elaborate dress from others and suggests that Elizabeth can dress simply without compromising her standing. This reflects the importance of social hierarchy and perceptions related to attire.