Evaluating Mr and Mrs Bennet as Parents

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Evaluating Mr and Mrs Bennet as Parents

In the 21st century, the definition of a 'good parent' remains clouded

and vague. It is basically down to the judgement of the parent raising

their children in a way that they view appropriate. The same goes for

the 18th century and every other century before and beyond.

Parenting styles can be influenced by society's expectations and ideas

of what 'good parenting' is. This goes for Mr and Mrs Bennet in Pride

and Prejudice. Their relative roles can be contrasted as a mother who

is blinded by appearance, regarding wealth and status highly and a

father who looks beyond appearances to dig deeper into a person's

character.

Mr and Mrs Bennet live at Longbourn, Hertfordshire and have five

daughters and no sons. They are a middle class family; therefore Mr

and Mrs Bennet are desperate to see their daughters well married to

safeguard their future.

In the search of a husband for their daughters, Mr Bennet values a

loving union whereas Mrs Bennet values social status. The opening

chapter sets the scene of the novel, highlighting the tension between

these two very different characters. It begins with Mr Bennet mocking

his wife: Mr Bennet understands the importance of Mr Bingleys visit

but acts up his disinterest, "You are over scrupulous surely."

(Chapter one)

For Mrs Bennet, it is more important to marry off her daughters to

eligible, young men without concern for their emotional well-being,

"She was a woman of mean understanding, little information and

uncertain temper." (Chapter one) This may be deemed as bad con...

... middle of paper ...

...ith one concern - marriage.

In the 18th century class was of great importance. Class covered a

wide range in aspects of society and wealth. The way people were

behaving and misbehaving characterised them as a member of the social

group. This including Mr and Mrs Bennet.

The relationship between Mr and Mrs Bennet appears to be false. They

share very little in common, Mrs Bennet investing her time marrying

her daughters off and Mr Bennet, escaping into his books. On a deeper

level however, if either one of them were to fall ill one would be as

much hurt as the other.

With respect to their relationship with their daughters, Mr Bennet

shows signs of love and care as much as Mrs Bennet does in her own

way, and they are a good mother and father to the extent that nobody

is a perfect human being or a perfect parent.

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