Question

Read the excerpt from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

When Jane and Elizabeth were alone, the former, who had been cautious in her praise of Mr. Bingley before, expressed to her sister how very much she admired him.

"He is just what a young man ought to be,” said she, "sensible, good humoured, lively; and I never saw such happy manners!—so much ease, with such perfect good breeding!”

"He is also handsome,” replied Elizabeth, "which a young man ought likewise to be, if he possibly can. His character is thereby complete.”

Which statement best explains Austen’s use of characterization?

She uses Jane’s dialogue to show that Jane does not have a lot of experience with meeting potential husbands.
She uses the conversation to show that Elizabeth does not take her sister’s feelings about Mr. Bingley seriously.
She uses Jane’s act of confiding her true opinion about Mr. Bingley to Elizabeth to show how close the sisters are.
She uses the scene to show that Jane is more interested in personality, while Elizabeth is more interested in looks.

Answer 1

She uses Jane’s act of confiding her true opinion about Mr. Bingley to Elizabeth to show how close the sisters are.

Explanation: the scene is set “when Jane and Elizabeth were alone,” and Jane—previously cautious—shares her feelings, indicating trust and intimacy between them; Elizabeth’s light, teasing reply further shows their familiar, affectionate rapport.