Based on the passage above and the role of women in society at the time, what can you infer is the author’s implied meaning of the first line: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife”? A. The author’s meaning is literal; she directly states that every woman wants to be a wife.

B. The author’s tone is ironic; she implies that everyone thinks a single, rich man must want to get married; however, in reality, this isn't necessarily true for every situation.

C. The author’s tone is romantic; she suggests that marriage is what everyone seeks, no matter how rich or poor.

D. The author’s tone is ambiguous; she tries to intentionally confuse the reader to create a sense of mystery.