Question 106·Easy·Command of Evidence
In Jane Austen’s 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Collins is frequently depicted as pompous and self-important.
Which quotation from the novel best supports this characterization?
For SAT "best evidence" questions about characterization, first restate the trait in simple words (for example, pompous = acts overly grand; self-important = thinks their role is very important). Then quickly scan each option and eliminate any that are purely neutral actions or descriptions. Among the remaining choices, pick the one where the character’s own words or actions directly show the trait—especially anything that shows boasting, exaggerating their importance, or treating their status as equal to or above others. Avoid answers that only hint at the mood or setting without clearly demonstrating the described trait.
Hints
Clarify the key trait
Restate the description in your own words: someone who is "pompous and self-important" thinks too highly of themselves or their role and tends to act or speak in an overly grand way.
Scan for signs of pride or grandness
Look for the option where Mr. Collins is bragging, acting superior, or treating his job or status as extremely important, rather than just behaving politely or quietly.
Check each quote’s tone
Ask of each choice: does this show him being ordinary and polite, helpful but fussy, quiet and calm, or clearly proud and self-satisfied about his own status?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the characterization in the question
The prompt says Mr. Collins is "pompous and self-important."
- Pompous means overly formal, showy, or full of oneself.
- Self-important means having an exaggerated sense of how important you or your role is. You are looking for a quotation where Mr. Collins takes himself or his position too seriously, or brags about his own importance.
Eliminate quotes that are neutral or ordinary
Look at each choice and ask: does it actually show arrogance or exaggerated pride?
- Choice A shows basic table manners and politeness. This does not show him acting overly important.
- Choice B shows him recommending a cleaning schedule. It might sound a bit bossy or particular, but it does not clearly show pride in himself or his status.
- Choice C shows him calmly smiling and going back to a book. That makes him seem quiet or distracted, not grand or self-important. None of these three options clearly express that he thinks he or his position is very grand or superior.
Identify the quote that shows exaggerated pride
Now focus on the remaining quotation. In it, Mr. Collins claims that humility is very important, but then, "with solemn complacency" (a smug, self-satisfied manner), he says that his own clerical job is equal in dignity to the highest rank in the kingdom. Claiming that his position is as dignified as the top rank in society directly shows inflated self-importance and a pompous attitude.
Therefore, the best supporting quotation is:
“Mr. Collins assured them that humility was of the first importance, but added, with solemn complacency, that he considered the clerical office equal in dignity to the highest rank in the kingdom.”