Question

Read the excerpt from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

"I was very much flattered by his asking me to dance a second time. I did not expect such a compliment.”

"Did not you? I did for you. But that is one great difference between us. Compliments always take you by surprise, and me never. What could be more natural than his asking you again? He could not help seeing that you were about five times as pretty as every other woman in the room. No thanks to his gallantry for that. Well, he certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person.”

"Dear Lizzy!”

Which statement best explains Austen’s use of characterization in this excerpt?

She uses dialogue that reinforces one of Jane’s character traits.
She contrasts the characters’ perspectives to show how they are in conflict.
She includes a comparison to show that one character sees herself as smarter.
She lets Elizabeth praise Jane in a way that calls Elizabeth’s honesty into question.

Answer 1

She contrasts the characters’ perspectives to show how they are in conflict.

Why: The exchange uses dialogue to highlight Jane’s modest surprise at a compliment and Elizabeth’s teasing, confident realism. Their different reactions (surprised vs. unfazed) reveal contrasting attitudes and a mild interpersonal tension.