48.8k views
2 votes
Compare the personalities of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Why do you think they married each other?

A) Mr. Bennet is reserved, while Mrs. Bennet is outgoing. They complement each other.
B) Mr. Bennet is wealthy, while Mrs. Bennet is not. They married for financial stability.
C) Mr. Bennet is strict, while Mrs. Bennet is lenient. They balance each other out.
D) Mr. Bennet is social, while Mrs. Bennet is introverted. They share similar interests.

User Meloman
by
7.4k points

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

Mr. Bennet's reserved personality contrasts with Mrs. Bennet's outgoing nature, and their marriage, as shown in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, likely balanced these traits initially, despite their differing perspectives on family and social matters.

Step-by-step explanation:

Comparing the personalities of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, we find that Mr. Bennet is reserved, and enjoys his quiet time, often seeking solace in his study to escape the more absurd elements of his family life. In contrast, Mrs. Bennet is outgoing and often preoccupied with the social and financial prospects of her daughters. This suggests that option A ('Mr. Bennet is reserved, while Mrs. Bennet is outgoing. They complement each other.') is the most accurate description.

Mrs. Bennet's character can be seen as a 'flat' or 'static' one; she maintains a consistent desire throughout the novel to see her daughters well married for the sake of their social advancement and financial security, a commentary on the limited options for women at the time.

The marriage between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet might therefore be understood as one that was beneficial at the time, possibly for reasons of financial stability or youthful attraction, but over time, they have developed a balance of sorts, with Mr. Bennet's reserved demeanour serving as a counter to Mrs. Bennet's more lively nature.

User ChrisRich
by
7.7k points