The Daughter of the Silliest Woman in the World

1990. Choose a novel or play that depicts a conflict between a parent (or a parental figure) and a son or daughter. Write an essay in which you analyze the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work. Avoid plot summary.

Perhaps one of the most recognizable opening lines ever penned, "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife" is Jane Austen's manner of setting the stage for her satirical novel, Pride and Prejudice.  Through the story of the changes and struggles in Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy's relationship, she addresses what she perceives as oddities or flaws in society of Regency England.  One particular way this is done is by the relationship between the protagonist, Elizabeth, and her mother, Mrs. Bennet, which works to symbolize the relationship Elizabeth has to the societal norms around her.

From the very opening of the book, it is hinted that Mrs. Bennet does not have a very close relationship to her second-oldest daughter.  When Mr. Bennet comments that he wishes to mention Lizzy's good traits to the newly arrived Mr. Bingley, her mother protests vehemently, insisting that she is not as pretty as Jane and not as friendly as Lydia.  Mr. Bennet goes to his favorite child's defense, insisting that she is more clever and witty than any of the other girls, she responds by insisting that he cannot abuse his children in such a way.  She completely ignoring her own hypocrisy in doing the same only moments earlier when she implied that Elizabeth was not worthy of positive words and attentions from the new neighbor when compared to her sisters.  From the very first chapter, therefore, it can be established that there will be arising conflicts between Elizabeth and her mother originating from their rough relationship, which further serve to move the plot along.

Throughout the novel, many different situations help give rise to a characterization of Mrs. Bennet as a woman who is easily excitable and of a weak mind.  Her focus on marrying off her daughters, originating from the need to find them all good homes once her husband dies and their estate is then inherited by a distant family member, resembles the concerns of society as a whole.  In the Regency era and particularly in the gentry, the primary goal of women were to get married and be proper wives to their husbands.  They had limited powers and many inheritances were through the male line, which further emphasized their reliance on their dowry and their position in society.  Because of this, the marriage of young daughters was of vital importance to parents, and Mrs. Bennet is a clear indication of that fact.  Her chief concern has been described to be the goal of marrying off all of her daughters and throughout the book, her opinions have been voracious on the subject of marriage.

Elizabeth's personalities and beliefs contrast strongly with her mothers, resulting in many moments of exasperation throughout the book.  Seeing the tale from Elizabeth's perspective, the reader sympathizes with her in various stages as she rebels against the expectations that society, and her mother, have set for her.  The usage of limited third person perspective allows the reader to understand the inner thoughts and workings of Elizabeth's mind as she shares her beliefs.  She shares that she believes in marrying for love and happiness through her actions and her discussion about marriage with her close friend Charlotte Lucas, who insists that happiness in marriage is entirely by chance.  When Elizabeth disagrees, she shows her own beliefs, that happiness and love are important for marriage, a belief that her mother seems to disagree with.  This can be seen in Mrs. Bennet's reaction to Elizabeth turning down a marriage proposal from Mr. Collins, a man of extreme self-esteem and strange attitudes, with whom Elizabeth asserts that she could never be happy.  However, Mrs. Bennet completely ignores her daughter's protests, insisting that her daughter marry the man and proclaiming dramatically that the family shall be turned out to the hedgerows  - that is, be without home - due to her daughter's pigheadedness.  Again, Mrs. Bennet shows that her thoughts are primarily that of marriage for security, rather than for the love, respect, and happiness that her daughter wishes for.  The mother's view more closely resembles that of her society as a whole, while Elizabeth protests such ideas.

As a satirical author, Austen likes to show problems in the society in which she lives.  Her characterization of Mrs. Bennet addresses her dislikes of the concerns of society as a whole.  From the very first sentence of the novel, her distaste for the pressing importance of marital concerns on women of the gentry class from Regency era is apparent.  Throughout Pride and Prejudice, this abhorrence of societal expectations continues through her ridicule of Mrs. Bennet, who represents them.  The woman is established as silly and nervous, making a fool of herself and her family in public.  She constantly embarrasses her children through her loud proclamations that Mr. Bingley will marry her beautiful and gentle Jane, insisting on showing off her daughter's good fortune before there is any established proof of an engagement of any sort.  Again and again, through her loud and rather rude behavior, Austen emphasizes the silliness and shamefulness of the typical views and hopes of society.

Through the rocky relationship between Elizabeth and her mother, the reader can find more than just a woman who does not understand her daughter.  Instead, the reader can discover through the portrayal and actions of Mrs. Bennet the faults of the society itself and the way her daughter can find happiness even without following society's norms.