Question

Read this excerpt from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice: When Jane and Elizabeth were alone, the former, who had been cautious in her praise of Mr. Bingley before, expressed to her sister just how very much she admired him. "He is just what a young man ought to be," said she, "sensible, good-humoured, lively; and I never saw such happy manners!—so much ease, with such perfect good breeding!" "He is also handsome," replied Elizabeth, "which a young man ought likewise to be, if he possibly can. His character is thereby complete." "I was very much flattered by his asking me to dance a second time. I did not expect such a compliment." "Did not you? I did for you. But that is one great difference between us. Compliments always take you by surprise, and me never. What could be more natural than his asking you again? He could not help seeing that you were about five times as pretty as every other woman in the room. No thanks to his gallantry for that. Well, he certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person." "Dear Lizzy!" How is Elizabeth Bennet portrayed in the excerpt?

Answer 1

Here, Elizabeth Bennet is portrayed as an arrogant, haughty character. She mentions how "compliments never take her by surprise", she also adds that Mr. Bingley's attractiveness further adds to his character, and mildly insults Jane by saying that Jane has liked men that are less intelligent than Mr. Bingley. This excerpt shows Elizabeth as someone who thinks highly of herself, seems to be very judgmental, and speaks her mind often.