What role does prejudice play in the novel? Deirdre LeFay, Jane Austen: The World of Her Novels (London: Frances Lincoln Limited, 2002), 58. It has been speculated that this is Jane Austen's way of pointing out the characteristics of some of the naive debutantes in her era, and satirizing them. She gloated incessantly about her status as a married woman to all the neighbors in town, and even told her eldest sister that she was more important due to her marriage. Among the "other costs" I'd include the press announcement. [11] See note 10, though this is something which I think it is slightly more likely that Mr. Gardiner paid for himself without telling Darcy at the time as Darcy was not necessarily present when Mr. Gardiner wrote the letter. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Wickham described Georgianna as spoiled, proud, reserved and disagreeable. Why does Elizabeth appeal to her father not to let Lydia go to Brighton? According to this source, the standard fee for an ensigns commission in an infantry regiment (which had the least expensive commissions) was 400 pounds, followed by the Foot Guards where an ensigns commission cost 600 pounds. He has paid for Lydias wedding, and the insightful Mrs. Gardiner, who provides levelheaded analyses of situations at various points in the novel, can think of only one reason for him to do so. Which Teeth Are Normally Considered Anodontia. When he discovers the young couple, it is clear to him that Wickham has no intention of marrying Lydia. Akshad Singi. Marriage is primarily a social institution. The letter further says, to Mrs. Bennets consternation, that Mr. Bennet is returning home. Not affiliated with Harvard College. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! I assume that Wickham joined the army following the end of the Napoleonic wars at least I dont remember any concern expressed that he might get himself killed. Common licenses could be had from bishops or their representatives like archdeacons but not every clergyman. How is the novel a critique of the social norms of its time? Sometimes it can end up there. Bennet returns to Longbourn, Mr. Gardiner writes to tell him that Wickham and Lydia have been found and that Wickham will marry her if the Bennets will guarantee him a small income. It is originally reported at his first Meryton Assembly that Darcy has an income of 10,000 a year. (Also, I just discovered and am loving this blog. (one code per order). Darcy completely wins Elizabeth over with his involvement in Lydia's marriage. He is simply filling the adult role that the Bennet parents have vacated. confederacy people united for some common purpose. Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice Background. [1] Analyze Cartoons Look at the cartoon below. you wished to join and this was one of the reasons for Hon. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. $24.99 She became acquainted with Mr. Wickham while he stayed in Hertfordshire, but didn't show any particular interest in him. I was trying to include all possible expenses that I could think of (should have thought of the announcement), partially to show that you just dont get to 10,000 pounds. Its always something Ive wondered! creating and saving your own notes as you read. After dissolving his claim to the clergyman position, Wickham received 3,000 more pounds (240,000 dollars) from Darcy. Therefore, Bingley is described as having "four or five thousand a year" because Mrs. Bennet is not sure of what his 100,000 pound inheritance is earning. She is making fun of Miss Bingley for her false interest. "If . Even Elizabeth, her own second-oldest sister, views her as "vain, ignorant, idle, and absolutely uncontrolled", as well as a 'determined flirt', which made her, and even her family, an object of ridicule at times. They are not yet married, but will be, provided that Mr. Bennet pay Wickham a small amount every year. You are welcome. In Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy falls in love with Elizabeth Bennet because of her lively spirit and, in particular, because she stands up to him and refuses to flatter him. Austen does not allow Elizabeth to assume anything from Janes engagement, but the reader is allowed to assume that another wedding will follow. What special attention and compliment does Darcy pay Elizabeth? Required fields are marked *. There was some bottom limit of the money one could invest at 5%. Jane and Bingley's relationship is based on genuine love, understanding, and a similarity of feelings and perspectives on the world. He also comes to find her attractive, especially her eyes, though at first he considered her not pretty enough to dance with. Mrs. Bennet is deliriously happy at having Lydia married, even when her husband and daughters point out how much it has probably cost. When Bingley visits Longbourn, Elizabeth is surprised and excited to see that Darcy has accompanied him. from your Reading List will also remove any on 50-99 accounts. He figured it would be fun to have some c. He also helped him get a new commission in the regular army, which Wickham couldn't have done by himself. Please wait while we process your payment. Subscribe now. Darcy paid the cost of moving Mr. and Mrs. Wickham from London to Newcastle, for which I will budget 100 pounds. Why does Mrs Bennet want Lydia to marry Wickham? As for the interest on 1,000 pounds, I was basing my assumption on Mr. Bennets statement in chapter 49 following his being told that Lydia would receive an equal share of the five thousand pounds settled on Mrs. Bennet, he tells Jane and Elizabeth I mean that no man in his senses would marry Lydia on so slight a temptation as one hundred a year during my life, and fifty after I am gone.. Why does Charlotte Lucas marry Mr. Collins? Wickham then runs off with Lydia, whose portion equals Elizabeth's 40 pounds a year, 1,000 pounds overall. $24.99 According to Mr. Darcy, what qualities make a woman accomplished? The family's reputation is saved, but Lydia remains in a bad marriage when the book ends. What does Darcy feel when he finds out what Elizabeth has said to Lady Catherine at Longbourn? Darcy paid for the marriage license at a cost of 10 shillings. She is also silly, flirtatious and girlish past propriety, as Darcy points out to her sister. He decided to let Lydia tag along, because she had a crush on him, and he didn't mind a little female companionship, but he had no intention of marrying her. I definitely agree that Wickham was desperate, his being willing to marry Lydia shows just how desperate. Jane learns that he had no idea that she was in London over the winter, and she realizes that his sisters were attempting to keep him away from her. I cannot say how much would be a reasonable bribe, but my guess is that it would be less than 100 pounds (which was a very large sum back then). The plot, which had slowed since Darcys proposal, now picks up speed as it rushes toward its conclusion. Please wait while we process your payment. It is clearly stated in the book that Wickham was actually fleeing the regiment, as he had racked up a huge debt he couldnt pay. Elizabeth's first views on Darcy and Wickham are primarily based on __________, By the end of the novel, Mr. Darcy has a new sense of __________, When Elizabeth hears from Darcy's housekeeper that she has "never had a cross word from him," Elizabeth realizes that __________, she has never given Mr. Darcy a fair chance, Mrs. Bennet can best be described as __________. The Lydia-Wickham affair serves as a reminder of Darcys original objection to marrying Elizabeth, and Elizabeth believes that he must certainly consider it a symptom of the poor breeding of her family and an example of the embarrassment that association with her family would bring him. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! It is originally, When it comes to parenting their five daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet aren't likely to, The problem of clandestine (sometimes known as Fleet) marriages was resolved by the "Act for. In fact, Elizabeth believes that because of her multitude of flaws, all Lydia has to recommend herself are her youth, her health, and her good humor. Why does Lizzy form a negative first impression of Darcy? She is not the prettiest or the liveliest, but she is the smartest. Summary and Analysis Mr. Why did Mr Darcy stretch his hand? on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% Throughout the novel, Austen has conditioned the reader to expect witty, intelligent, and rapid dialogue between Elizabeth and Darcy in the scenes in which they are together. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. The happy conclusion to Bingleys courtship of Jane suggests that Darcy no longer cares about the Bennet sisters low social status. Much to Elizabeth and Jane's embarrassment and Mr. Bennet's outrage, the couple acts completely self-assured and unashamed. Sue posted her analyses years ago at HG or HG BuB, but it wasnt as detailed as yours. Your email address will not be published. I'm also not sure if Mr. Bennet paid for Lydia's trousseau. Using monetary values from 1810 as a reference point, The Telegraph calculated exactly how much characters like Mr. Darcy and Emma would have at their disposal in terms of contemporary money. You can view our. Renews March 10, 2023 In what way are Elizabeth's and Darcy's inner conflicts in the novel similar? Elizabeth's insecurities are not relieved at all by Darcy's visit to Longbourn with Bingley. After Wickham and Lydia depart for their new home in the North, news arrives that Bingley is returning to Netherfield Park for a few weeks. Mr. Gardiner follows Mr. Bennet to London and writes to Longbourn a few days later with the news that the search has been unsuccessful so far. Chapters 47-50 (Volume III, 5-8), Next It is clearly stated in the book that Wickham was actually fleeing the regiment, as he had racked up a huge debt he couldn't pay. Mr. Bennet paid Wickham's Meryton debts or made arrangements to do so before he found out Darcy was involved. [3] Chapter 52, Mrs. Gardiners letter to Elizabeth. In private, Jane assures Elizabeth that there was no way anyone could have known about their sisters attachment to Wickham. creating and saving your own notes as you read. Wickham would have attempted to get an additional amount for himself. (one code per order). Lydia ran away with George Wickham after being led to believe he would marry her, when he really had no intention of doing so. The first contains the shocking news that Lydia had run off with Wickham to get married in Scotland. (objective) in the blank. Mr. Wickham tries to get Miss Darcy to marry him because _________. Unlike Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, both of the Gardiners are _________, British Literature: 4.03 QUIZ: Analyze Two Po, 4.10 Analyze "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good, 2 globalization and economic policy excercises, 1.12 Quiz Analyze Two Poems by John Keats, 5.07: Unit Test - Critical Skills Practice 4, The Language of Composition: Reading, Writing, Rhetoric, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses, Literature and Composition: Reading, Writing,Thinking, Carol Jago, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses. Darcy immediately blames himself for not exposing Wickham, and Elizabeth blames herself for the same reason. Catherine "Kitty" Bennet is the fourth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Summary and Analysis Chapters 47-50 (Volume III, 5-8) Summary. [7] Chapter 52, Mrs. Gardiners letter to Elizabeth, complete supposition, but it seems likely that a person who would be friends with Wickham would be willing to betray him for money. Mr. Bennet gladly acquiesces, deciding that marriage to a scoundrel is better than a ruined reputation. How much money has Mr Bennet put aside for his daughters? Elizabeths instincts tell her the same thing: Her heart did whisper, that he had done it for her. Nevertheless, she insists on squashing that whisper, as her embarrassment about Lydia and her sense of Darcys pride compel her to the assumption that Darcy would never connect himself with her family, especially now that the odious Wickham is her brother-in-law. (b) What does the cartoon suggest about the goals of nationalists? The yearly percent from 1,000 would be 40 pounds. Family Fortunes: Men and Women of the English Middle Class 1780-1850, 2, Clandestine Marriages and the problems they caused, Isabella Thorpe, Basic Character Information, General Tilney, Basic Character Information, Henry Tilney, Basic Character information, Elizabeth Bennet, Basic Character Information, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Basic Character Information, Wickhams debts amounted to considerably more than 1,000 pounds. Why does Lizzy reject Darcys first proposal to her? She runs off with Wickham while not caring about the possible repercussions; social ruin of the entire family and destitution. Is not he a charming man? Elizabethrealizes that her opinion of Darcyhas changed so completely that if he were to propose to her again, she would accept. Mr Darcy, by the end of the book has shown that he is lovely, and caring for Elizabeth and her family, he shows himself as a B)Humble man. Women's Roles in Early Nineteenth-Century Britain. I should never be happy without him, so think it no harm to be off. Elizabeth panics, realizing that if Wickham does not marry Lydia, the reputations of both Lydia and the entire family will be ruined. March 3, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 She wasnt permitted to leave the house when she was with the Gardiners and they went to Longbourn immediately after the wedding, so anything purchased would have had to have been done in or around Meryton and within a short time frame. Better Humans. [1] In Chapter 50 Mr. Bennet later writes to Mr. Gardiner, begging him to tell him how much was actually spent, indicating that Mr. Bennet didnt know and was just throwing out a number. Colonels. Perhaps Mr. Bennet is earning more now, because he has a larger sum invested, and typically forgets that things will change when he dies? Amid the turmoil of Lydias folly, Elizabeth turns immediately to Darcy, illustrating the closeness developing between them. Elizabeth wrote back, refusing to give her any money. By the end of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet has learned __________. Your background, title, available money these were all important. So, in conclusion, based on the evidence in the text and my own historical research, I would say that Darcy did not pay out anywhere near 10,000 pounds in order to bring about the Bennet-Wickham wedding. Darcy paid for the express that Mr. Gardiner sent Mr. Bennet. Elizabeth replies by telling them generally about Wickhams past behavior, without revealing the details of his romance with Darcys sister. When Lydia found out about Elizabeth's marriage to Mr. Darcy, she wrote and asked her sister for money. On discovering that Elizabeths youngest sister Lydia, has fallen prey to and run off with Mr. Wickham, Darcy tracks them down and induces Wickham to marry Lydia, thus saving both Lydia and her family from social disgrace. Some sentences have more than one pronoun to identify./ [14] Again, I picked a number that seemed excessive to me, particularly when you consider that most people in Regency England lived on less than 100 pounds per year. Catherine Bennet is the fourth of the five Bennet sisters, and is almost always called "Kitty" by her family . Soon after Lydia and Wickham marry, they arrive at Longbourn. Love and marriage between Wickham and Lydia Pride and Prejudice is the most successful and popular novel written by Jane Austen. He calls so early in the morning that he arrives before the women have gotten dressed. parade to walk about ostentatiously; show off. Both must fight the hasty, mistaken judgments they have made, Unlike Elizabeth, Charlotte Lucas views marriage in terms that can be described as __________, In his letter to Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy acknowledges that he __________, believed that Jane did not love Mr. Bingley. However, both couples couldn't bear to be around the errant couple for long, and would send them away. cordiality cordial quality; warm, friendly feeling. Bennet and Elizabeth are shocked that Wickham is marrying her for so little, and deduce that Mr. Gardiner paid Wickhams debts and bribed him to marry Lydia. There was a seven day waiting period. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. and any corresponding bookmarks? Contact us . Darcy paid for the express that Mr. Gardiner sent Mr. Bennet. Bennet because of her stupidity and Mr. Bennet because of his refusal to take responsibility for his children. George Wickham - everyone else, following her marriage to Mr. Wickham, Unnamed child (unknown if baby did survive). It is not terribly surprising that Mr. Gardiner apparently finds Lydia, or even that he apparently pays Wickham to convince him to marry her. Darcy also purchases a commission for Wickham in the Army regulars (higher pay than he earned in the militia), and puts some more money into the deal in ways that aren't described. He must have paid for her wedding ring though. Dont have an account? Read more about the novel as a critique of social norms. On the way home, Mr. Gardiner attempts to reassure his niece that Wickham will certainly marry Lydia because he will not want his own career and reputation ruined. Fretfully, they examine the letter that Lydia left for Colonel Forsters wife, in which she looks forward to signing her name Lydia Wickham.. Personally, I really dont think Darcy paid out that much money. panegyric a formal speech or piece of writing praising a person or event. Their shared sense of guilt about failing to expose Wickhams true nature (which they believe would have prevented the elopement) aligns them emotionally and gives them a common purpose. cogent forceful and to the point, as a reason or argument; convincing. Why does Elizabeth appeal to her father not to let Lydia carry through with her plans? Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. Mr. Darcys hand in the picture above is intended to show just how moved he is by being able to touch her hand. Mr. Collins speaks of one thousand pounds in the 4 per cents when he proposes to Lizzy, and from what I know hes right. This is so wonderfully researched and informative, I love it! When Wickham ran off with Lydia he would not have thought Darcy would become involved and he would have been forced to be reasonable. [13] This one is pure conjecture on my part, but I do think that it is likely that Wickham attempted to weasel a small amount for himself, though my guess is anything like that he received would fall under an aggravated here is some money for your travel expenses. If there was anything else that Darcy did, I think it would be more likely to be a (written) promise that Darcy would later purchase Wickham a promotion or would provide the Wickhams with an additional 50 pounds per year following Mr. and Mrs. Bennets deaths. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! This comparison of Austen's pound with the modern dollar not only clarifies characters' annual incomes, but also exposes the magnitude of certain financial transactions, such as Darcy's dealings with Wickham. Do Men Still Wear Button Holes At Weddings? [8] My research hasnt turned up exactly what amounts the premiums were, since it does indicate that during the Peninsular War (1808-1814) most young officers were able to get their commissions for free, I will make the assumption that the premium was no more than the difference in cost between the official cost of Wickhams commission and the next most expensive commission; this was 200 pounds in the case of infantry to Foot Guards, 135 pounds in the case of Foot Guards to Dragoons (whose lowest rank was a cornet). Wickham was lucky that due to Darcys private nature and his desire to protect his sisters reputation, he had left him alone. Sue from the Regency Encyclopedia also came with a much smaller sum than 10,000. After an apology to Darcy and his sister for breaking their dinner engagement, Elizabeth and the Gardiners hasten back to the Bennet home in Longbourn. bookmarked pages associated with this title. Darcy purchased Wickhams commission, an ensigncy in the Regulars. She is a distant cousin of William Collins, a clergyman. You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser. the first of September the beginning of bird-hunting season. Discount, Discount Code About the Wickham would be a fool if he took less than ten thousand pounds quote: Id never understood that figure to mean the expense of setting the new couple up with a clean slate, but as the personal bribe needed to induce Wickham to actually *marry* Lydia instead of continuing to pursue 10,000+ heiresses like Mary King. Renews March 11, 2023 Removing #book# simpers smiles in a silly, affected, or self-conscious way. Although the Gardiners are hopeful that Wickham and Lydia have married, Elizabeth doubts that is the case. He is once more grave and reserved, though, which troubles her. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Despite her not being as excited about Mr. Bingleys arrival, she still is quick to announce his arrival to the family as she was out with her older sister, Kitty, and received the news that they will be attending the ball at the assembly room. Mr. Bennet refuses to visit him, much to the familys discomfort. Mr. Bennet also conjectures that "Wickham's a fool if he takes her for less than ten thousand pounds," meaning that Darcy probably also paid Wickham an additional 800,000 dollars. would only accept young officers from titled families. However, the pair were made to marry by Mr. Darcy, who acted in secret to help protect Elizabeth and the rest of the family's reputation. Lydia is not worried about her reputation because she is young and naive and she is proud that she got married before any of her sisters. Ace your assignments with our guide to Pride and Prejudice! In particular, Darcy detests Wickham because after Darcy refused to give Wickham money, Wickham seduced Darcy's fifteen-year-old sister and planned to elope with her in order to get his hands on her fortune. Critic Edward Copeland has calculated the value of one pound in Austen's day to be roughly equivalent to 80 dollars now. He reports that Mr. Bennet is now going to every hotel in turn looking for the couple. After Elizabeth tells Darcy of her family's trouble, he goes to London, finds Wickham and Lydia (living in sin, presumably), and makes it worth Wickham's while to marry the youngest Miss Bennet. Wickham was in a desperate situation, and in many ways thinking ahead doesnt seem to be his strong suit. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Report Content | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. One morning, Lydia mentions that Darcy was present at her wedding. They deserve a holiday after how hard they have worked." Ive always hoped for Lydias sake that Darcy paid it in installments. She does not love him, but she doesnt believe that love is essential for a successful marriage. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% Dont have an account? Want 100 or more? Who is Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and how does she influence the plot? Want 100 or more? Darcy immediately blames himself for not exposing Wickham, and Elizabeth blames herself for the same reason. As evidence that Darcy has overcome this important obstacle at least to some, he now does nothing to dissuade his friend from tying himself to a disreputable family. Mr collins benefactor asked him to find a wife, thats why he sees marriage as D) Social contract. What is the significance of the novels opening line? He tells her that he is already engaged for the day but eagerly accepts an invitation for the following day. it is somewhere in chapters 50 - 52 but I am having trouble locating it. . A+ Student Essay: Does the Novel Endorse the Role of Marriage in Society? (a) Infer: What has happened to the mouse's attempt to prepare for winter? She is a distant cousin of William Collins. Meanwhile, the neighborhood agrees that the Bennets are extremely fortunate in their daughters marriage. Wickhams actions were careless and contemptible, and made even worse by his lack of authentic affection for Lydia. The third journey, meanwhile, sends various people in pursuit of Wickham and Lydia, and the journey ends with Darcy tracking them down and saving the Bennet family honor, in the process demonstrating his continued devotion to Elizabeth. Free trial is available to new customers only. Why is Lizzy Mr. Bennets favorite daughter? "Why do we not arrive about two weeks before the wedding, if Darcy agrees, and then Mary will have plenty of time to show us all her new home. (Mrs. Bennets fear that her husband will die in London and leave her destitute typifies her general tendency to ignore real problems and magnify trivial ones.) What is entailment, and what role does it play in the novel? To persuade Wickham to marry Lydia, Darcy must then pay Wickhams debts, totaling 1,000 pounds, or 80,000 dollars in addition to buying his commission at about 450 pounds or 36,000 dollars. The result of this technique is a heightened identification with Elizabeth and Darcy's obvious frustration as they are forced to prolong their uncertainty and suspense regarding their feelings for each other. She is married to George Wickham and has four sisters, Jane Bingley, Elizabeth Darcy, Mary Bennet, and Catherine Bennet. When they left school it was to join a social network that extended throughout business, politically and in the Military and Navy. Mr. Bennets property consisted almost entirely in an estate of two thousand a year, which, unfortunately for his daughters, was entailed in default of heirs male, on a distant relation; and their mothers forune, though ample for her situation in life, could but ill supply the deficiency of his. Whilst they were taught to maintain and look after their commands it is a fact that most officers left the running of things to the senior NCOs. Because of the entail, the Bennet women will have a bleak financial future after Mr. Bennet dies. for a customized plan. Lydia was born in June and is 15 at the start of the novel. Mrs. Gardiner replies to Elizabeth that it was Darcy who found Lydia and Wickham, and Darcy who paid Wickham the money that facilitated the marriage. To persuade Wickham to marry Lydia, Darcy must then pay Wickham's debts, totaling 1,000 pounds, or 80,000 dollars in addition to buying his commission at about 450 pounds or 36,000 dollars. To prevent too great a scandal, Mr. Darcy finds Lydia and Wickham and makes sure that they get married. twelvemonth [Chiefly British, archaic] one year. This is a really great discussion. I am going to Gretna Green, and if you cannot guess with who, I shall think you a simpleton, for there is but one man in the world I love, and he is an angel. Continue to start your free trial. Lydia is a spoiled rotten youngest child, heedless and shallow, obsessed with beating her older sisters to the altar. Continue to start your free trial. she wanted to hear of him, when there seemed the least chance of gaining intelligence. Her feelings toward Darcy are now what his were toward her earlier; she assumes that he has changed his mind and that her change of heart has come too late. Money had to be paid for a bond of 100 to be paid if they lied on the license. Thanks for all the information!). Chapter 51 (pp. Chapters 51-55 (Volume III, 9-13), Women's Roles in Early Nineteenth-Century Britain. A 10,000 pound dowry from Darcy might have persuaded the officers of a regiment that Wickham was fit to be one of them. Chapters 56-61 (Volume III, 14-20). partake to take part (in an activity); participate. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Making Elizabeth more uncomfortable is her mother's rude treatment of Darcy, especially when she reflects upon how much Darcy has secretly helped the Bennet family. Darcy has long seen Wickham to be selfish and unscrupulous, characterized by "vicious propensities.". Officers who couldnt pay their bills were expected to resign. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# . Why is it bad Lydia ran away with Mr Wickham? MY DEAR HARRIET, You will laugh when you know where I am gone, and I cannot help laughing myself at your surprise tomorrow morning, as soon as I am missed. He decided to let Lydia tag along, because she had a crush on him, and he didnt mind a little female companionship, but he had no intention of marrying her. Mr. Bennet happily agrees and Jane tells Elizabeth that she is the happiest creature in the world.. Sometimes it can end up there. Purchasing What is entailment, and what role does it play in the novel? Mr. Bennet was to provide the Wickhams with 100 pounds a year during his life and to provide Lydia with a 1/5 share of the 5,000 pounds settled on Mrs. Bennet following both the deaths of both Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Pride and Prejudice is critical of the difficulties faced by women in English society of the period. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more!