Question

It can reasonably be inferred from the passage that Mrs.Honeychurch is ___________.

• A. particularly fond of Cecil.
• B. an expert seamstress with a knack for dress-making.
• C. concerned with presenting a respectable image to society.
• D. disinterested in attending the engagement party

Answer 1

The correct option is C concerned with presenting a respectable image to society.

The correct answer is option C. The passage states that Mrs. Honeychurch “wanted to show people that her daughter was marrying a presentable man” (lines 3−4), indicating that she wants to show her neighbors that her daughter has made a respectable match. Furthermore, “it pleased her” (line 6) to be congratulated on this match; she likes feeling the approval of others. Together these reactions suggest that she is concerned with presenting an impressive image in her society.

Although Mrs. Honeychurch has positive feelings about her daughter’s engagement to Cecil, the passage does not give any indication that she “thoroughly enjoys” his company; thus, (A) is incorrect.

Although the passage refers briefly to Mrs. Honeychurch thinking back on a dress, there is no specific indication that she sews dresses or anything else particularly well; hence, (B) is incorrect.

Option D is incorrect because Mrs. Honeychurch is the one who insists on their attendance at the garden-party (lines 1−3), so she is the opposite of disinterested in it.