Pride and Prejudice Volume I Passage AnalysisVolume I, Chapter VII, pages 27-28Mrs. Bennet was prevented replying by the entrance of the footman with a note for Miss Bennet; it came from Netherfield, and the servant waited for an answer. Mrs. Bennet's eyes sparkled with pleasure, and she was eagerly calling out, while her daughter read,"Well, Jane, who is it from? what is it about? what does he say? Well, Jane, make haste and tell us; make haste, my love.""It is from Miss Bingley," said Jane, and then read it aloud.MY DEAR FRIEND,If you are not so compassionate as to dine to-day with Louisa and me, we shall be in danger of hating each other for the rest of our lives, for a whole day's tête-à-tête between two women can never end without a quarrel. Come as soon as you can on the receipt of this. My brother and the gentlemen are to dine with the officers. Yours ever,CAROL ...view middle of the document...
They are wanted in the farm, Mr. Bennet, are not they?""They are wanted in the farm much oftener than I can get them.""But if you have got them to-day," said Elizabeth, "my mother's purpose will be answered."The above passage in Jane Austen's novel strongly develops Mrs. Bennet's character. It accurately displays her enthusiasm to marry off her daughters, through the great interest taken in their social lives. Her constant inquisition of Jane's letter offers ample amounts of "eye sparkl[ing] pleasure"(24) she receives from the thought of her daughters marrying. After hearing the letter read aloud, Mrs. Bennet expresses her disappointment about the men dining out rather than with Jane, as she would prefer her daughters spend time with men whom they are likely to wed. As a rather interfering mother, Mrs. Bennet delivers a plot in which Jane may stay the night, therefore spending time with Mr. Bingley upon his return. Mrs. Bennet is an extremely manipulative character, she thinks that by denying Jane the carriage to travel the distance to the Bingley residence, knowing of the expected rain, she will fall ill and have to stay the night, presenting opportunity for her to spend time with Mr. Bingley. This is a worrying idea, it demonstrates Mrs. Bennet's lack of matronly compassion, as well as portraying her as a woman with mixed up priorities; as securing her daughter's marriage is above her daughter's health. To convince her daughters that her plan is flawless, and in hopes of justifying Jane staying the night, she proceeds to display her knowledge of the whereabouts of the other residents staying in the Bingley house; as to prove that there will be no carriages available. Still unconvinced, Mrs. Bennet reinforces to Jane that she may not have the carriage due to the importance of the horses to the farm. Although it appears un-matronly of Mrs. Bennet at the time, she does her daughters a great favour. As Jane is able to spend additional time with Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth as well is able to spend time with Mr. Darcy, as she must visit her ill sister.Bibliography:Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
