The+Bennet+Family

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." - Jane Austen, opening statement of //Pride and Prejudice// (2)

[Jane Austen, (1)] Jane Austen, Born in 1775 Hampshire, England, is one of the most highly celebrated authors of the Victorian era of British Literature. Austen draws a portrait of the classic, comedic Victorian family like none other. Austen's //Pride and Prejudice// gives the reader an entertaining, yet poignant, glimpse into the daily struggle of Victorian middle and upper class romance. With vivid descriptions, and a gripping, convoluted plot, the Bennet family of //Pride and Prejudice// enlightens the reader to Victorian femininity.
 * Jane Austen, a Victorian Novelist**


 * The Family**

The Bennet family is comprised of the patriarch, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, and their five daughters, Lydia, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, and Catherine ("Kitty"). With a family of five daughters, and no sons, it is obvious the course the novel will take, especially with new young gentlemen moving into the neighborhood as the story begins.


 * Mr. Bennet**

The calm, well-bred Mr. Bennet retains possession of a rather sizable fortune. The only problem, which motivates Mrs. Bennet to frantically search for husbands for her daughters, is the inheritance from Mr. Bennet can only be passed to male heirs. As Bennet has no sons, the fortune would slide from his immediate family to a Mr. Collins, a distant cousin. Mr. Bennet is the anchor, the solid foundation of the energetic, and chaotic, household of females. His sedated attitude is not to be confused with apathy, his calm demeanor is necessary to deal with the overbearing Mrs. Bennet, and the prattling of some of his younger daughters' nonsense. Mr. Bennet looks kindly on his daughter Elizabeth, the main character of the novel, her calm, educated attitude is an isle of refuge in the sea of nonsense of the Bennet household.


 * Mrs. Bennet**

A staple character, and a rabid stereotype, Mrs. Bennet embodies the typical worry ridden mother. At any new turn of events Mrs. Bennet seems ready to faint, or at least let out a scream of dismay. Mrs. Bennet's single minded mission to marry off her daughters to wealthy men tends to block out her better judgment. Her awkward social behavior and dogged personality make her one of the more entertaining characters of the novel. Mrs. Bennet often favors her opinions towards her daughter Lydia, and is not accepting of Mr. Bennet's favor of Elizabeth, who she believes has no especially endearing qualities.


 * Elizabeth**

The main character of the novel, Elizabeth finds herself involved with a Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth is much like Mr. Bennet, she is inwardly calm, however she also finds herself a bit strong minded on occasion, especially in her relationship to Darcy. Elizabeth is the strongest member of the family, she is a rather forceful person, and finds herself embroiled in interesting situations throughout the story. Mr. Collins, the distant cousin, proposes marriage to her late in the novel, and much to Mrs. Bennet's chagrin, Elizabeth denies him. At the termination of the story, Elizabeth finds herself happily married to Darcy, even after a rough start. The novel derives its name //Pride and Prejudice// from Darcy's arrogant attitude, and Elizabeth's subsequent prejudice against him.


 * Jane**

The oldest of the five daughters, Jane is noted as the most physically attractive, as well as the most pleasant and easy going. Jane's well mannered, meek attitude often puts her at the mercy of the situation at hand, finding herself heartbroken over a small misunderstanding that she had no control over. Elizabeth loves Jane very much, Jane's attractive nature makes her plenty of friends and only a few, envious enemies.


 * Lydia**

Lydia is the quintessentially headstrong youngest daughter, favored by her mother, Lydia's naiveté lands her in a sticky situation when she elopes with a rather unscrupulous young officer. Lydia and Catherine, who the family refers to as "Kitty", are steadfast companions, Kitty follows and mimics Lydia in almost everything she does. Lydia enjoys flirting and silly conversation, she spends much of her time at the officer's barracks enjoying the company of young men.


 * Catherine**

One of the lesser characters of the novel, Kitty plays the roll of Lydia's loyal sidekick through most of the novel. Once Lydia elopes with her officer friend, Kitty becomes a more endurable personality. She is easily influenced by her sisters, and does not possess a very distinct image of her own.


 * Mary**

Perhaps the most "boring" of all the sisters, Mary does not indulge in the frivolous pursuits of her family. Devoting much of her time to studying social philosophies and musical pursuits, she only participates in social events out of respect for her mother's wishes. Mary is noted as the least beautiful of the girls, and develops a rather pretentious attitude. Mary is a skilled piano player, but can become irritable at the silly behavior of her sisters in social situations.

(1) Picture from http://www.kids4classics.com/jane_austen/ (2) Information taken directly from //Pride and Prejudice// by Jane Austen