Final answer:
The hat in the garden party represents class identity and wealth, symbolizing the social status of the wearer. Elizabeth Beardsley's hat, made of fine cloth and accompanied by other signs of affluence, suggests her wealth and high social standing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hat in the garden party represents class identity and wealth. In the 19th century, the top hat became a symbol of respectability among the bourgeoisie. It was an iconic mark of class identity. The hat worn by Elizabeth Beardsley suggests her wealth and social status, as it is made of fine cloth and is accompanied by other signs of affluence such as an open book and cameo.
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