Mrs. Allen. . . . was admirably fitted to introduce a young lady into public, being as fond of going every where and seeing every thing herself, as any young lady could be. Dress was her passion. She had a most harmless delight in being fine; and our heroine's entrée into life could not take place till after three or four days had been spent in learning what was mostly worn, and her chaperon was provided with a dress of the newest fashion. Catherine, too, made some purchases herself; and when all these matters were arranged, the important evening came which was to usher her into the Upper Rooms. Her hair was cut and dressed by the best hand, her clothes put on with care, and both Mrs. Allen and her maid declared she looked quite as she should do. With such encouragement, Catherine hoped at least to pass uncensured through the crowd. As for admiration, it was always very welcome when it came, but she did not depend on it.

Question

Mrs. Allen was so long in dressing, that they did not enter the ball-room till late. The season was full, the room crowded, and the two ladies squeezed in as well as they could. As for Mr. Allen, he repaired directly to the card-room, and left them to enjoy a mob by themselves. With more care for the safety of her new gown than for the comfort of her protegée, Mrs. Allen made her way through the throng of men by the door, as swiftly as the necessary caution would allow; Catherine, however, kept close at her side, and linked her arm too firmly within her friend's to be torn asunder by any common effort of a struggling assembly.



(from ,begin underline,Northanger Abbey,end underline, by Jane Austen)

Question
Which inference can be made about Catherine's feelings regarding dress and clothing?

Answer options with 4 options
1.
She thinks that spending too much time on dress and clothing is frivolous.

2.
She feels that protecting the quality of her dress and clothing is of utmost importance.

3.
She believes that by meeting social expectations for dress and clothing she will avoid criticism.

4.
She hopes that by putting great care and effort into her dress and clothing she will attract more attention.

Answer 1

The correct inference about Catherine's feelings regarding dress and clothing is:

3. She believes that by meeting social expectations for dress and clothing she will avoid criticism.

This option aligns with the text, where it mentions that Catherine hopes to "pass uncensured through the crowd" and is encouraged by Mrs. Allen that she looks as she should.