Question

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

When the ladies returned to the drawing-room, there was little to be done but to hear Lady Catherine talk, which she did without any intermission till coffee came in, delivering her opinion on every subject in so decisive a manner, as proved that she was not used to have her judgement controverted. She enquired into Charlotte’s domestic concerns familiarly and minutely, gave her a great deal of advice as to the management of them all; told her how everything ought to be regulated in so small a family as hers, and instructed her as to the care of her cows and her poultry. Elizabeth found that nothing was beneath this great lady’s attention, which could furnish her with an occasion of dictating to others.

Which detail about Lady Catherine shows how her social ranking is connected to the theme "Wealth can be divisive”?

She thinks she is better than other people.
She refuses to let the women speak to her.
She asks questions to get to know the women.
She knows about many subjects.

Answer 1

She thinks she is better than other people.

Explanation: Her constant dictating, assuming her judgments shouldn’t be contradicted and instructing others on their domestic affairs, shows her sense of superiority tied to her rank — illustrating how wealth and status create division.