The idea of Mr. Collins, with all his solemn composure, being run away with by his feelings, made Elizabeth so near laughing, that she could not use the short pause he allowed in any attempt to stop him further, and he continued: “My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances (like myself) to set the example of matrimony in his parish; secondly, that I am convinced that it will add very greatly to my happiness; and thirdly—which perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier, that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honour of calling patroness. Twice has she condescended to give me her opinion (unasked too!) on this subject; and it was but the very Saturday night before I left Hunsford—between our pools at quadrille, while Mrs. Jenkinson was arranging Miss de Bourgh’s footstool, that she said, ‘Mr. Collins, you must marry. A clergyman like you must marry. Choose properly, choose a gentlewoman for my sake; and for your own, let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up high, but able to make a small income go a good way. This is my advice. Find such a woman as soon as you can, bring her to Hunsford, and I will visit her.’”

Question

How does the author establish the narrative point of view in this excerpt?

A. by using the pronouns you and your in the excerpt
B. by describing Elizabeth’s thoughts about Mr. Collins
C. by describing Mr. Collins’s feelings toward Elizabeth
D. by using the pronouns my and I in the excerpt

Answer 1

The correct answer is B. by describing Elizabeth’s thoughts about Mr. Collins.

In this excerpt from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," the narrative point of view is established through the insights into Elizabeth's perspective, particularly her amusement at Mr. Collins's behavior and feelings. This subjective viewpoint allows the reader to connect with Elizabeth's reactions and interpretations of the situation, emphasizing her character and the social dynamics at play. The other choices focus more on the speech or actions of Mr. Collins rather than Elizabeth's internal response to him.