Question #N645
In the novel "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, Elizabeth Bennet, a witty and independent woman, is known for her sharp observations and quick wit. She is often described as a strong-minded character, who defies societal expectations and challenges conventional norms. Elizabeth Bennet has become a symbol of female empowerment and intellectual independence, even in a time when women were expected to conform to traditional gender roles.
Which choice most effectively combines the sentences at the underlined portion without changing the meaning?
A. She is often described as a strong-minded character, who defies societal expectations and challenges conventional norms.
B. She is often described as a strong-minded character, who defies societal expectations, and she challenges conventional norms.
C. She is often described as a strong-minded character, she defies societal expectations and challenges conventional norms.
D. She is often described as a strong-minded character, who defies societal expectations, challenging conventional norms.
Correct Answer is: D
Choice D is the most effective because it smoothly combines the two sentences with a participial phrase, creating a more concise and elegant structure. The other choices create unnecessary commas or disrupt the flow of the sentence.