Question 89·Medium·Command of Evidence
An excerpt from Jane Austen’s 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice depicts Elizabeth Bennet’s response to flattering reports of Mr. Darcy’s conduct. The narrator indicates that Elizabeth remains doubtful of Darcy’s true disposition.
Which quotation from the passage most clearly shows Elizabeth’s skeptical attitude toward Mr. Darcy?
For command-of-evidence questions about a character’s attitude, first restate the target attitude in your own words (here, "remains doubtful" = still questions or distrusts). Then scan the options for tone: cross out lines that clearly praise, admire, or show warm amusement, and keep only those that sound negative, doubtful, or critical. Finally, make sure the line you choose matches the moment described in the prompt (after certain events or information) and directly illustrates the attitude named in the question.
Hints
Focus on the key idea in the question
The prompt says Elizabeth "remains doubtful" and asks for evidence of a "skeptical attitude." Look for a line where she is still questioning or criticizing Darcy, not simply reacting to events.
Pay attention to the tone of each option
Ask yourself if each quotation sounds mainly positive, amused, or negative toward Darcy. Skepticism should sound doubtful or critical, not admiring or warmly reflective.
Consider Elizabeth’s feelings after hearing praise
The setup says she just heard flattering reports about Darcy. Which option shows that even after that, she isn’t fully convinced about his character?
Step-by-step Explanation
Clarify what the question is asking
The prompt says the narrator indicates Elizabeth "remains doubtful" of Darcy and asks which quote shows her skeptical attitude. "Skeptical" here means she still questions or doubts his character instead of fully trusting or admiring him, even after hearing good things about him.
Check each option’s tone (positive, neutral, or critical)
Go through the options and ask: Is Elizabeth praising, softening toward, or criticizing/doubting Mr. Darcy here?
- A: She thinks the account "did him credit" and feels "almost ashamed" of disliking him. That sounds like approval and self-doubt, not skepticism.
- B: She feels that Darcy has shown "a generosity quite unexpected." Again, this is surprised admiration, not doubt.
- C: She remembers, "with a smile," a past mortifying dance and her old resolve never to think well of him. The phrase "with a smile" suggests a lighter, more amused attitude toward that old resolve, not firm, present skepticism.
- D: She makes a strong negative statement about pride without reason. This sounds judgmental and critical, which fits skepticism.
Match the best evidence to "remains doubtful"
The question specifically frames Elizabeth as still doubtful despite hearing flattering reports. That means the best quotation will show her continuing to question Darcy’s merit or motives, rather than simply being impressed by his generosity, credit, or recalling the past with amusement. Among the options, only one line clearly conveys that kind of active criticism.
Select the quotation that clearly shows skepticism
The quotation that most clearly shows Elizabeth’s skeptical attitude toward Mr. Darcy is:
"To be proud is bad enough," she declared, "but to be proud without reason is intolerable."