It is your turn to say something now, Mr. Darcy. I talked about the dance, and you ought to make some kind of remark on the size of the room, or the number of couples.

Summary

This quote, from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, reflects the social expectations and dynamics of the time period. The speaker, Elizabeth Bennet, urges Mr. Darcy to contribute to their conversation during a dance, emphasizing the notion of obligatory small talk. By specifically suggesting he comment on the room or number of couples, Elizabeth alludes to the social norms that dictate these topics as appropriate and expected during such interactions. In essence, the quote highlights the importance of adhering to societal conventions and the pressure to conform to certain conversational patterns.

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