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In the end, however, Mrs. Bennet proves such an unattractive figure, lacking redeeming characteristics of any kind, that some readers have accused Austen of unfairness in portraying her—as if Austen, like Mr. Bennet, took perverse pleasure in poking fun at a woman already scorned as a result of her ill-breeding.
Mrs. Bennet is revolutionary in her simple and abiding refusal to shut up, even as those for whom she chiefly advocates desperately wish for her do so. While working within a system she openly acknowledges to be against her, Mrs. Bennet acts freely and without restraint.
Mrs. Bennet is a giddy, frivolous woman whose only purpose in life seems to be gossiping and marrying off her five daughters. She lacks any awareness of her vulgar conduct and embarrasses Elizabeth and Jane to no end.
Her loud and open conversation with Lady Lucas is not only tactless but appears conniving and money-hungry. We later learn that this conversation convinces Darcy that Mrs. Bennet is encouraging Jane toward Mr. Bingley because of his money. Although Mrs. Bennet has good intentions, she is unfortunately unable to keep her mouth shut when she should.
Mrs. Bennet is concerned with security rather than happiness, as demonstrated by her own marriage to a man she cannot understand and who treats her with no respect.
As a couple, Mr and Mrs Bennet seem unsuited. Mr Bennet is dismissive of his wife’s “nerves” and her conversations.
Mrs Bennet’s stupidity is on display during almost every crisis in the novel. She shows an incapacity to argue rationally rather than simply give way to her feelings, and this leads her to contradict herself in a comical rush of nonsensical attitudes.
