Pride and Prejudice: Why is Mary the least cared about Bennet sister? by Lulu Nix

Lulu Nix 

Romantic Comedy

Professor Sinowitz

3/9/20

Pride and Prejudice: Why is Mary the least cared about Bennet sister?

In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, the novel revolves around a myriad of characters, but as we know, it extensively focuses on the Bennet family. More specifically, the five Bennet daughters,  Jane, Lizzy, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. As readers, it is obvious that Jane, Lizzy, and even the youngest sister, Lydia have most of our attention throughout the book. I think it is safe to say that the two eldest daughters, Jane and Lizzy are the prettiest and most proper while Lydia and Kitty are viewed as the sillier and “high animal spirited” young ladies. Then it comes down to Mary, she is the middle child, who is characterized as being the “plain looking” Bennet sister. Although Mary is also viewed as the “most accomplished” sister, no one ever seems to take interests in her or her achievements.  Mary’s studious personality causes her to be more independent. However, there are times where the family mistreats her by not listening to her speak or set her up for humiliation. Furthermore, why is Mary the least cared about character in this novel? 

Mary is the middle child, so it makes sense that she is the odd man out in most instances. Due to the fact that Mary spends all of her time studying alone, she is shy, quiet, reserved and will only speak her mind if the situation warrants it. So, I get the sense that Mary is a bit awkward around her family at times and with people during social gatherings. Of course, Mrs. Bennet is ecstatic when she finds out from Mr. Bennet that the newcomer, Mr. Bingley, comes to town. In discussing their opinions of Mr. Bingley as a family, Mr. Bennet asks for Mary’s opinion and encourages her to voice her opinion because he knows that Mary is knowledgeable. He asks, ‘“What say you, Mary? for you are a young lady of deep reflection I know, and read great books, and make extracts.’’’ “Mary wished to say something very sensible, but knew not how.” Mr. Bennet goes on to say, “While Mary is adjusting her ideas,”  he continued, “let us return to Mr. Bingley” (Austen, 6). As you can see, Mr. Bennet rushes her and does not even seem to care about what she has to say. I think it is a shame that she cannot stand up for herself when she is being walked all over by her family. 

As we know,  it is very important to Mrs. Bennet that her daughters are to be married to someone who is well known by the community members of Longbourn. Her first instinct is to ensure the stability of her two oldest daughter’s futures. Basically, Jane and Lizzy are her first priority without ever really worrying about Mary’s future.  However, there is one instance where Mrs. Bennet wishes to have helped Mary after Elizabeth had turned Mr. Collins’ proposal down. In hindsight, she wanted Mr. Collins to notice Mary. Austen writes, “Mrs. Bennet wished to understand by it that he thought of paying his addresses to one of her younger girls, and Mary might have prevailed on to accept him. She rated his abilities much higher than any of the others; there was a solidity in  his reflections which often struck her, and though by no means so clever as herself by such an example as her’s, he might become an agreeable companion” (Austen, 89).  Mrs. Bennet means well but is in no rush to have Mary get married anytime soon. I think it has something to do with her being the “plainest” looking sister or perhaps Mrs. Bennet would think it is more difficult to find Mary a suitable person to be married to because she is  unconventional compared to her sisters.  

As a middle child, I believe that Mary is so involved in her studies because she seeks praise in everything she does and just wants to be noticed. I also think that she struggles with being social and is probably tired of being propped up next to her outgoing sisters. When Mary goes out of her way to sing for everyone at social gatherings, it is apparent that her singing voice is not great but her family does not stop her from potentially embarrassing herself. Not to mention, Elizabeth shares that Mary seeks praise within her hard work. Austen writes, “After a song or two, and before she could reply to the entreaties of several that she would sing again, she was eagerly succeeded at the instrument by her sister Mary, who having, in consequence of being the only plain one in the family, worked hard for knowledge and accomplishments, was always impatient for display” (Austen, 18). I do not blame Mary for wanting some attention from others since it seems like she is having to compete with her beautiful, well spoken sisters constantly. Furthermore, Austen harshly describes Mary’s manner while she is singing. She says,  “Mary’s powers were by no means fitted for such a display; her voice was weak, and her manner affected---Elizabeth was in agonies” (Austen, 19). Maybe Mary was nervous but it irks me that they allow her to be outgoing and then ultimately set her up for public humiliation. Luckily, Mary is more confident and pretends not to care when her father basically tells her to stop singing. Mary is once again being rushed by her family to be quiet while they display their lack of interest in her. 

In my opinion, although Mary never fulfills her mother’s dream of her getting engaged or married, she does prove to literally be the most independent character. She creates her own world by studying, doing the things that interest her and does not answer to anyone.  Unfortunately, Mary is the least cared about character because no one really shows interest in her personality or what she stands for. With her sisters being gregarious and outgoing, I do not blame Mary for being a bit awkward or afraid to put herself out there.  

Works Cited: Austen, Jane, Pride and Prejudice. W.W. Norton and Company, 2016.