P & P Ch. 11-16

Stephen Simmons
AP English 11/Mr. George
11/3/09
P&P

"They were not welcomed at their coming, and thought them very wrong to give so much trouble, and was sure Jane would have caught cold again.-But their father, thought very laconic in his expressions of pleasure, was really glad to see them"(45).

This quotation once again exemplifies the over obsessive nature of Mrs. Bennet. After getting the cold and being sick for numerous days, Mrs. Bennet insists that her daughters return home without a carriage, as Jane did when going to the Bingley's previously, in hopes that Jane will once again get sick and be forced to stay even longer at the Bingley's residence. This quotation and instance in the novel furthermore depicts the substantial difference between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet which is that Mr. Bennet is more laid back and appreciative of his daughters no matter what their social or romantic status is.

"Mr. Collins was punctual to his time, and was received with great politeness by the whole family. Mr. Bennet indeed said little; but the ladies were ready enough to talk, and Mr. Collins seemed neither in need of encouragement, nor inclined to be silent himself"(48).

In this chapter we are first introduced to Mr. Bennet's cousin, Mr. Collins. Despite his awkward nature he comes across as a very well spoken and well mannered individual. One thing to take note of in this section of the chapter is the fact that when Collins precedes with complimenting the women in the room Mrs. Bennet almost immediately responds as she sees Collins as an eligible suitor for one of her daughters. This not only once again reflects on the persistent nature of Mrs. Bennet but on the importance of the Bennet home, for Collins is the (un-rightful) heir to the estate.