Mrs. Bennet's Matchmaking Schemes

Mrs. Bennet's single-minded determination to marry off her daughters drives much of the early plot, creating both comedy and conflict.

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The News of Netherfield

The News of Netherfield The Exciting Revelation Mrs. Bennet is thrilled to learn that Netherfield Park has been taken by a young, wealthy bachelor, Mr. Bingley. She immediately sees him as a potential husband for one of her daughters. She pesters her husband to visit him, which he eventually does. The First Scheme Mrs. Bennet orchestrates a meeting by sending Jane to Netherfield on horseback in the rain, ensuring she will have to stay overnight. This classic scheme works, and Jane falls ill, staying at Netherfield for several days. Mrs. Bennet is delighted. The Open Campaign Mrs. Bennet is not subtle. She praises Bingley to everyone, talks of the wedding before it is arranged, and embarrasses her daughters with her loud comments. Her behavior is a constant source of mortification, but she is driven by fear of the entail.

The Netherfield Ball

The Netherfield Ball The Display of Pride Mrs. Bennet is in high spirits at the Netherfield ball. She loudly predicts that Jane will soon be married to Bingley, and she talks about the wedding to anyone who will listen. Her voice carries, and Darcy hears her comments. The Embarrassing Scene Elizabeth is mortified by her mother's behavior. She tries to silence her, but Mrs. Bennet is oblivious. She also allows Mary to sing, which is a painful performance. The ball is a social disaster for the Bennet family in the eyes of the Netherfield party. The Consequences Mrs. Bennet's behavior confirms Darcy's objections to the family. It contributes to his decision to separate Bingley and Jane. Her lack of social grace is a major obstacle to her daughters' prospects. Yet she remains unaware of the damage she causes.

The Campaign for Mr. Collins

The Campaign for Mr. Collins The New Target When Mr. Collins arrives, Mrs. Bennet initially dislikes him, but when she learns he intends to marry one of her daughters, she becomes his ally. She pushes Elizabeth to accept him, arguing that it will secure the family's future. The Pressure on Elizabeth Mrs. Bennet uses every tactic: flattery, threats, and tears. She even tries to enlist Mr. Bennet's support. When Elizabeth refuses, Mrs. Bennet is furious and claims that Elizabeth is ungrateful and selfish. The Defeat Despite her efforts, Mrs. Bennet cannot force Elizabeth to marry Collins. She is forced to watch as Charlotte Lucas snatches the prize. Her disappointment is bitter, and she blames Elizabeth for the family's continued vulnerability.

The Crisis of Lydia's Elopement

The Crisis of Lydia's Elopement The Hysterical Mother When news of Lydia's elopement arrives, Mrs. Bennet is hysterical. She takes to her bed, lamenting her fate and blaming everyone but herself. She is completely unable to cope with the crisis. The Helplessness Mrs. Bennet's only concern is that Lydia will not be married. She is frantic about the loss of a daughter's prospects, not about Lydia's welfare. She pressures Mr. Bennet to go to London and force Wickham to marry Lydia. The Relief When Lydia is married, Mrs. Bennet is ecstatic. She immediately plans wedding clothes and visits. Her short memory and lack of depth are evident. She is a caricature of maternal anxiety, driven by social and financial concerns rather than love.

Triumph Over Jane and Elizabeth

Triumph Over Jane and Elizabeth The Double Victory Mrs. Bennet is overjoyed when both Jane and Elizabeth marry wealthy men. She boasts about her daughters' success and feels that her life's work is complete. She even manages to be civil to Darcy, though she is still in awe of him. The Comic End Mrs. Bennet remains unchanged to the end. She is silly, nervous, and obsessed with status. Her husband tolerates her, and she is a source of comedy. However, her schemes have succeeded, and the family is secure. Her character is a testament to the social pressures that drove women of her time.

The opening of the novel

The night of the Netherfield Ball

During Mr. Collins's visit to Longbourn

When Lydia's elopement is discovered

After Jane's and Elizabeth's engagements