Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen English Class 9 answering questions

Tones in Statements.  Page: 55

Mr. Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little 

assisted by education or society,..........

a. How was Mr. Collins’ childhood?

Answer:  Mr. Collins' childhood was marked by the guidance of an illiterate and miserly father, leading to his originally great humility of manner.

b. How did Mr. Collins’ father influence him?

Answer:  Mr. Collins' father brought him up in subjection, instilling in him humility but also contributing to his self-conceit and consequential feelings of early prosperity.

c. What lucky event introduced Mr. Collins to Lady Catherine de Bourgh?

Answer: A fortunate chance recommended Mr. Collins to Lady Catherine de Bourgh when the living of Hunsford was vacant.

d. What does “a mix of pride and humbleness, self-importance and obedience” tell us about Mr. Collins?

Answer:  The phrase "a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility" indicates that Mr. Collins possesses contradictory qualities, being both prideful and humble, self-important and obedient.

e. What ideas about society might the author be expressing through Mr. Collins?

Answer: Through Mr. Collins, the author may be expressing criticisms of society's emphasis on social status, patronage, and the influence of wealth and connections, as well as the conflicting qualities that can arise from such societal pressures.

Questions source: NCTB