Question

Which section in these excerpts from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice shows that Mr. Bennet is keeping information about Mr. Bingley to himself to heighten the curiosity of Mrs. Bennet and his daughters?

"Design! Nonsense, how can you talk so! But it is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them, and therefore you must visit him as soon as he comes."

Answer 1

The detailed answer clarifies that the specific section requested by the student is not included in the excerpts but points out Mr. Bennet's tendency for verbal irony and withholding information for his own amusement. It also explains why Austen may have chosen to portray Mrs. Bennet from an external viewpoint.

Step-by-step explanation:

The section that shows Mr. Bennet is keeping information to himself to heighten curiosity is not included in the excerpts provided.

However, in Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Bennet often engages in verbal irony and teasing, particularly with Mrs. Bennet. It is common for him to make statements or withhold information to elicit reactions from her and their daughters or to amuse himself at their expense.

For instance, in an earlier part of the book, he refrains from immediately disclosing that he has already visited Mr. Bingley, enjoying the speculation and impatience this causes in his family.

Mrs. Bennet is a character through whom Jane Austen explores the theme of marriage as a means for women's social advancement.

By only depicting Mrs. Bennet from an external viewpoint, Austen invites readers to critically assess the social conditions of the time without being influenced by Mrs. Bennet's internal justifications or rationale.