In last week’s #5Books rec post, I recommended an upcoming retelling of Pride and Prejudice‘s Mary Bennet’s story and then I saw a comment that there were round about 20+ retellings of Mary’s story. Which got me thinking: where is Mrs Bennet’s story?
Actually, there are probably like 20+ Pride and Prejudice retellings about her hiding out there somewhere — feel free to let me know!
But back to Mrs Bennet — I’ve always dismissed her as a character there for comedy, but in essence she really did represent the times the story was being in written in.
At the article I linked to above, the author says Mrs Bennet is a reaction to the time she lived in, to the nature of the society that valued men over women and their needs.
Which got me to thinking: how did she become this over-the-top woman? Did something in her own life and romance with Mr Bennet make her into this person? Did something scare her? Did she almost lose Mr Bennet or was Mr Bennet her marriage to secure her future and it became something else altogether?
So many questions about her! I think it would be interesting to see an author make her into something more than comedic relief.
Have you ever wondered about her? Or any other character like this?
I love this! I admittedly have never wanted or desired a book about Mrs. Bennett but I think I was wrong — after reading this post, it would be so interesting! Why is she so over the top and emotional plus her connection to Lydia. It would be fascinating!
IKR? Thinking about this more and more, I feel like there’s a kernel of fear in her determination to see her daughters marry well. Perhaps, she saw her parents marry for love and it made their life harder than ever?
Oh interesting! I have yet to read P&P; I know, what’s wrong with me? haha But I know OF the character and I think it would be interesting to get some background info on her.
GASPS. Say it ain’t so, Lauren! 😉
See, even if you don’t read P&P, you know the character! There’s totally a story there!
I’d love to read a book about her! She’s such a forceful lady:-)
You’re absolutely right, she is forceful! I love that!
This is an interesting idea, Verushka. However, I’ve never been very fond of Mrs. Bennet, as she is such a SILLY, shallow woman. But I do wonder how the heck she and Mr. Bennet met, courted, and married. They are so very different! Mr. Bennet has a sharp mind and wit, in contrast to her. it’s fortunate that their daughters inherited his brains! Well, except for Lydia, who is as vapid as her mother. On the other hand, Lydia is a passionate girl, which is a plus.
So, to be honest, I would not be very interested in reading a retelling about Mrs. Bennet, unless, of course, it turned out that her sillyness was just a facade all the time. But I don’t think that’s the case at all.
Thanks for such an interesting post!! Hope you have a GREAT week!! : )
I was never very fond of her either, but I was never very fond of any sister besides Jane and Elizabeth either. You make a good point though — how did two such contradictory characters fall in love? For however Mr Bennet acts in P&P, he fell in love with her, and he makes me think too there’s something more to her. As you can see i’ve been thinking about this alot lol
P.S. It’s now 1:05 PM Monday, here in Miami. You’re already into Tuesday, 3:05 AM, and sleeping soundly, I hope! Sweet dreams!! <3 : )
HAAA, I definitely was! And thank you <3