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Chapter 30 CEFR A2, B1 • ~5 min read

“Lady Catherine, said she, you have given me a treasure.” CHAPTER XXIX.

From Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Chapter Summary Elizabeth and her companions visit Rosings Park to dine with the wealthy and imposing Lady Catherine de Bourgh. While the others are intimidated by their host's grandeur, Elizabeth calmly stands her ground against Lady Catherine's intrusive questions.

Before You Read: Target Vocabulary

Essential words to understand this chapter easily.

Vocabulary Preview

condescension

/ˌkɒndɪˈsɛnʃən/

Behavior that shows someone feels superior to others, often while pretending to be polite

overwhelm

/ˌəʊvəˈwelm/

To cause someone to feel completely defeated or deeply affected by strong emotions or sights

composedly

/kəmˈpəʊzɪdli/

In a calm, relaxed, and controlled manner

authoritative

/ɔːˈθɒrɪtətɪv/

Showing confident control and expecting complete obedience

Chapter Text Preview

Mr. Collins was triumphant after receiving Lady Catherine’s invitation to dine at Rosings Park. The opportunity to display the grandeur of his patroness to his visitors was exactly what he had dreamed of. He considered the invitation a marvelous example of Lady Catherine’s condescension toward her humble rector. Throughout the following morning, Mr. Collins could talk of nothing else. He spent hours carefully instructing his guests on what to expect, hoping that the sight of so many servants and such magnificent rooms would not completely overwhelm them. Before they went to dress, he even gave Elizabeth advice about her clothes,...

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