Question

How do Mrs. Bennet, Mary, and Mr. Collins all succeed in embarrassing Elizabeth at the ball?

A) They praise Elizabeth's dancing skills.
B) They encourage Elizabeth to talk to Mr. Darcy.
C) They draw attention to her refusal to marry Mr. Collins.
D) They compliment her on her choice of attire.

Answer 1

Mrs. Bennet, Mary, and Mr. Collins embarrass Elizabeth at the ball by drawing unwelcome attention to her refusal to marry Mr. Collins, their awkward behavior highlighting societal expectations on women during that era.

Step-by-step explanation:

At the ball, Mrs. Bennet, Mary, and Mr. Collins all embarrass Elizabeth in front of society. Mrs. Bennet embarrasses Elizabeth by making peevish allusions about her refusal to marry Mr. Collins, highlighting her mother's perspective on the importance of marriage for social advancement. Mary, with her lack of social graces, and Mr. Collins with his stiffness and resentful silence, contribute further to Elizabeth's discomfort in public. This scenario reflects the societal constraints on women during Jane Austen's time, emphasizing marriage as the main route to a woman's financial security and social status.