Question 140·Medium·Text Structure and Purpose
The following passage is from Jane Austen’s 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet have just learned that a nearby estate has been rented.
“My dear Mr. Bennet,” said his lady to him one day, “have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?”
Mr. Bennet replied that he had not.
“But it is,” returned she; “for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it.”
Mr. Bennet made no answer.
“Do you not want to know who has taken it?” cried his wife impatiently.
“You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.”
This was invitation enough, and Mrs. Bennet launched into the particulars with great animation.
Which choice best describes the main purpose of the passage?
For SAT "main purpose" questions, first summarize in a short phrase what the passage is mostly doing (for example, "showing a contrast between two people" or "explaining how something works"). Then test each answer: eliminate choices that focus on a minor detail, add ideas not clearly supported (like future plot events or motivations not shown), or contradict the tone. Choose the option that best matches your own brief summary of the passage’s overall focus, not just one striking line.
Hints
Look at how the characters speak, not just what they say
Underline verbs and descriptions connected to each speaker (for example, words like "impatiently" or "with great animation"). Ask: What do these words tell you about each person?
Ask what the author seems most interested in
Is the passage mainly giving factual information about the estate, or is it using the estate news as a way to show something about Mr. and Mrs. Bennet?
Check for overreading the plot
Before choosing an answer about future importance or big plot events, ask: Does this short passage actually hint at later events, or is it only showing a moment between two people?
Eliminate answers that contradict basic details
For example, if an answer says someone is frustrated with gossip, check whether they actually enjoy sharing the news in the passage.
Step-by-step Explanation
Summarize what happens in the passage
First, put the scene in your own words. Mrs. Bennet excitedly tells Mr. Bennet that Netherfield Park has finally been rented. She mentions that she learned this from Mrs. Long. Mr. Bennet gives very short, calm answers and even says nothing at one point. Mrs. Bennet becomes impatient that he is not reacting, then eagerly shares more details once he allows her to talk.
Notice how Mrs. Bennet is characterized
Look at the words used to describe Mrs. Bennet and her speech:
- She begins with "My dear Mr. Bennet" and launches right into news.
- She says, "Do you not want to know who has taken it?" and does so "impatiently." This shows she wants him to be curious and engaged.
- At the end, once he lets her talk, she "launched into the particulars with great animation." The phrase "great animation" suggests excitement, energy, and eagerness to share details.
These details paint Mrs. Bennet as lively, talkative, and impatient to share neighborhood news.
Notice how Mr. Bennet is characterized
Now look at Mr. Bennet:
- When told the estate is rented, he simply replies that he "had not" heard.
- After Mrs. Bennet says Mrs. Long told her everything, "Mr. Bennet made no answer." So he stays silent.
- When she presses him—"Do you not want to know who has taken it?"—his reply is dry and detached: "You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it."
He is calm, understated, and slightly ironic, in contrast to her excitement and impatience.
Match the overall focus to the best answer choice
Ask yourself: Is the author mainly trying to tell us detailed information about the estate, or to show how these two characters behave and speak with each other?
The entire passage is a short dialogue that repeatedly shows Mrs. Bennet pushing the conversation forward with excitement and Mr. Bennet responding sparsely and coolly. This makes the best description of the passage’s main purpose:
C) To highlight the differing temperaments of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet as they discuss a neighbor.
The other choices focus on side ideas (gossip, knowledge of estates, or future plot importance) that are not clearly supported as the main purpose of this specific excerpt.