Question

Read the excerpt from chapter 29 of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. In this passage, Elizabeth and others are visiting Lady Catherine’s estate for the first time.

As the weather was fine, they had a pleasant walk of about half a mile across the park. Every park has its beauty and its prospects; and Elizabeth saw much to be pleased with, though she could not be in such raptures as Mr. Collins expected the scene to inspire, and was but slightly affected by his enumeration of the windows in front of the house, and his relation of what the glazing altogether had originally cost Sir Lewis de Bourgh.

When they ascended the steps to the hall, Maria’s alarm was every moment increasing, and even Sir William did not look perfectly calm. Elizabeth’s courage did not fail her. She had heard nothing of Lady Catherine that spoke her awful from any extraordinary talents or miraculous virtue, and the mere stateliness of money or rank she thought she could witness without trepidation.

Which statement best describes how the economic setting affects the characters?

Some guests are unnerved by the appearance of Lady Catherine’s property.
Sir William is familiar with properties like Lady Catherine’s.
Lady Catherine uses her surroundings to make the guests feel uncomfortable.
Elizabeth feels inferior as she climbs to Lady Catherine’s grand hal

Answer 1

Some guests are unnerved by the appearance of Lady Catherine’s property.

The passage says Maria’s alarm is increasing and “even Sir William did not look perfectly calm,” while Elizabeth remains composed, showing that the estate’s grandeur unsettles some visitors.