Question

Which detail from paragraph 16 most strongly supports the claim that Elizabeth realizes she is not entirely welcome at the Bingleys' home?

(16) On entering the drawing-room [Elizabeth] found the whole party at loo, and was immediately invited to join them; but suspecting them to be playing high she declined it, and making her sister the excuse, said she would amuse herself for the short time she could stay below with a book. Mr. Hurst looked at her with astonishment.

Answer 1

The detail from paragraph 16 that most strongly supports the claim that Elizabeth realizes she is not entirely welcome at the Bingleys' home is "Mr. Hurst looked at her with astonishment." This suggests that Elizabeth's behavior of declining the invitation to join the party at loo and opting to read a book instead was unexpected and perhaps even rude in the eyes of Mr. Hurst. This reaction implies that Elizabeth's behavior is not in line with the expectations of the Bingleys and their guests, which reinforces the idea that she may not be entirely welcome in their home.