In the book Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, there is a mother, Mrs. Bennet, who is trying to set her five daughters up to get married during the late 1700’s in England. Her husband, Mr. Bennet, is not one to really care what his daughters do. They are a unique couple, and yet not a very stellar example of what a loving and admirable mother and father should be. Mrs. Bennet is very selfish and proud and Mr. Bennet shows more compassion to his daughters, and yet lacks backbone to live out his convictions. They are two very different people, but yet somehow they put up with each other like peanut butter and jelly. Mrs. Bennet’s proud and selfish qualities are seen in various ways. She is a very controlling mother. …show more content…
You have to show me what wedding dress you get before you get married” and so on. These controlling remarks and attitudes reveal her selfishness because she MUST have her own way. Another way her selfishness is exhibited is through her rude responses to her children. Her comments to her daughter Mary show no love or consideration for her feelings. She rebukes Mary by saying , “No one likes your playing, Mary.” These are heartless and hurtful words from a self-centered mother. She is full of pride and everything should revolve around her. In one instance she states, “When you have five daughters, Lizzie, tell me what else will occupy your thoughts, and then perhaps you will understand.” This may reveal some care and concern for her daughters, however, the majority of her actions demonstrate that Mrs. Bennet is proud and selfish. Mr. Bennet is more thoughtful of his daughters and others, yet he often lacks the character necessary to stand for what is right and moral. He makes a comment to Lizzy saying, "Do not make yourself uneasy, my love. Wherever you and Jane are known you must be respected and valued;