Question

Read the excerpt from chapter 29 of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. In this passage, characters are discussing a visit to Lady Catherine’s estate, Rosings.

"I am the less surprised at what has happened," replied Sir William, "from that knowledge of what the manners of the great really are, which my situation in life has allowed me to acquire. About the court, such instances of elegant breeding are not uncommon."

Scarcely anything was talked of the whole day or next morning but their visit to Rosings. Mr. Collins was carefully instructing them in what they were to expect, that the sight of such rooms, so many servants, and so splendid a dinner, might not wholly overpower them.

Which detail of the setting shows Mr. Collins’s status compared to Lady Catherine’s?

Mr. Collins mentions the number of servants, which shows that he is of a lower status than Lady Catherine.
Sir William is not surprised by the invitation, which shows that Mr. Collins is of a similar status as Lady Catherine.
Mr. Collins instructs the women on how to behave, which shows that he is of a high status like Lady Catherine.
The men talk excessively about Rosings, which shows that Mr. Collin

Answer 1

Mr. Collins mentions the number of servants, which shows that he is of a lower status than Lady Catherine.

Explanation: The detail about "so many servants" and a "splendid dinner" highlights Lady Catherine’s greater wealth and rank; Mr. Collins’s commentary is deferential and emphasizes the social gap between him and her.