Question

Read the excerpt from chapter 29 of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

From the entrance-hall, of which Mr. Collins pointed out, with a rapturous air, the fine proportion and the finished ornaments, they followed the servants through an ante-chamber, to the room where Lady Catherine, her daughter, and Mrs. Jenkinson were sitting. Her ladyship, with great condescension, arose to receive them; and as Mrs. Collins had settled it with her husband that the office of introduction should be hers, it was performed in a proper manner, without any of those apologies and thanks which he would have thought necessary.

How does the setting of Lady Catherine’s manor affect the other characters’ actions?

They are conscious of performing proper introductions to impress Lady Catherine.
They are distracted by the house’s details and are surprised by Lady Catherine.
They are so excited at the rich surroundings that they rush to meet Lady Catherine.
They become nervous and disagree on how to properly greet Lady Catherine.

Answer 1

They are conscious of performing proper introductions to impress Lady Catherine.

Evidence: Mrs. Collins arranged and carried out the introduction “in a proper manner,” and Mr. Collins admires the house’s ornaments to flatter her — showing they’re mindful of etiquette to make a good impression.