Read the excerpt from chapter 29 of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
When the ladies returned to the drawing-room, there
was little to be done but to hear Lady Catherine talk,
which she did without any intermission till coffee came
in, delivering her opinion on every subject in so
decisive a manner, as proved that she was not used to
have her judgement controverted. She enquired into
Charlotte's domestic concerns familiarly and minutely,
gave her a great deal of advice as to the management
of them all; told her how everything ought to be
regulated in so small a family as hers, and instracted
her as to the care of her cows and her poultry.
Elizabeth found that nothing was beneath this great
lady's attention, which could furnish her with an
occasion of dictating to others.
What does the drawing-room setting show about the
characters' relationships?
O Charlotte feels encouraged to confide in Lady
Catherine because they have time before coffee.
The other characters are at the mercy of Lady
Catherine's hospitality as well as her dominance.
Elizabeth is impressed by Lady Catherine's
knowledge of issues about a very different lifestyle,
The success of Lady Catherine inspires the women
to ask for her advice despite their lower rank,