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.

What does the drawing-room setting show about the characters’ relationships?

Charlotte feels encouraged to confide in Lady Catherine because they have time before coffee.
The other characters are at the mercy of Lady Catherine’s hospitality as well as her dominance.
Elizabeth is impressed by Lady Catherine’s knowledge of issues about a very different lifestyle.
The success of Lady Catherine inspires the women to ask for her advice despite their lower rank.

Answer 1

Correct answer: 2.

Why: the scene shows Lady Catherine monopolizing the conversation and imposing her opinions on everyone (“without any intermission…delivering her opinion…dictating to others”), so the others are essentially forced to endure her dominance.

Why the others are wrong:
- 1: there’s no suggestion Charlotte is encouraged to confide; Lady Catherine interrogates and dictates, she doesn’t create a reciprocal confidante relationship.
- 3: Elizabeth notices Lady Catherine’s intrusive attention, but the tone is critical/bemused, not impressed.
- 4: the women do not seek out her counsel because she’s successful; she simply presumes to give it to them.