Question

Next → Post Test: The Romantic Era

16
Next question
Select the correct text in the passage.
The concern with getting daughters married into good families pervades Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and forms
mannerisms that the novel mocks. In which section of this excerpt does one of the Bennet parents make an ironically t
to great lengths to achieve that goal?
"What can be the meaning of that emphatic exclamation?" cried he. "Do you consider the forms of introduction, and the
as nonsense? I cannot quite agree with you there. What say you, Mary? For you are a young lady of deep reflection, I
and make extracts."
Mary wished to say something sensible, but knew not how.
"While Mary is adjusting her ideas," he continued, "let us return to Mr. Bingley."
"I am sick of Mr. Bingley," cried his wife.
"I am sorry to hear that, but why did not you tell me that before? If I had known as much this morning I certainly would ne
very unlucky; but as I have actually paid the visit, we cannot escape the acquaintance now."
The astonishment of the ladies was just what he wished; that of Mrs. Bennet perhaps surpassing the rest; though, when
over, she began to declare that it was what she had expected all the while.
"How good it was in you, my dear Mr. Bennet! But I knew I should persuade you at last. I was sure you loved your girls toc
acquaintance. Well, how pleased I am! and it is such a good joke, too, that you should have gone this morning and never
now.

Answer 1

The passages from Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' and Henry James's 'Daisy Miller' showcase the focus on marriage and social expectations for women during the Romantic Era. Mrs. Bennet in Austen's work exemplifies a character whose main concern is the advantageous marriage of her daughters, an important aspect of that time period's culture. Austen's use of irony criticizes these societal norms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpts provided center around the theme of matrimonial objectives and societal expectations during the Romantic Era, specifically in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The character Mrs. Bennet is depicted as a 'flat' character due to her obsession with ensuring her daughters make advantageous marriages, which was seen as the primary avenue for women's social and financial advancement at the time. Austen's use of irony and satirical narration critically presents these societal norms, thereby allowing readers to scrutinize the limited roles and opportunities available to women in that era.

Additionally, Henry James's Daisy Miller features a character's mother who is concerned about her daughter making good social connections, emphasizing the importance of social status and acquaintance with gentlemen during the period. Both extracts highlight the cultural norms and expectations placed upon women in terms of marriage and social behavior.