Final answer:
Elinor Dashwood was upset because the women's conversation in the drawing room was disparaging, as they spoke with scorn and lack of respect about others.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character Elinor Dashwood was upset by the women's conversation in the drawing room because it was disparaging. This term describes the act of speaking about someone or something in a way that shows strong disapproval or lack of respect. The provided text samples illustrate characters who criticize or demean others, aligning with the theme of disparaging behavior. For example, in a passage, one character deems the women as "hopelessly vulgar," indicating a level of scorn and condescendence. Similarly, other excerpts feature characters reflecting upon the superficiality and insincerity of social interactions, suggesting a critical view of societal norms, hence confirming the disparaging nature of the drawing room conversation that Elinor found upsetting.