Mr. Bennet: Sarcastic or sincere?

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Mr. Bennet: Sarcastic or sincere? Written by Kevin S (4/12/2010 12:27 p.m.)

In chapter 1, I daresay Mr. Bennet has thoughts of ridding himself of Mrs. Bennet:

"Design! nonsense, how can you talk so! But it is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them, and therefore you must visit him as soon as he comes."

"I see no occasion for that. You and the girls may go, or you may send them by themselves, which perhaps will be still better, for as you are as handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley might like you the best of the party."

"My dear, you flatter me. I certainly have had my share of beauty, but I do not pretend to be any thing extraordinary now. When a woman has five grown-up daughters she ought to give over thinking of her own beauty."

I suppose Mr. Bennet is being sarcastic in suggesting Bingley might like Mrs Bennet, and she's completely oblivious of course. But perhaps his sarcasm shows his true feelings?

Another way to read this, I think, is that it underscores that Mrs. Bennet is being “silly and ignorant like other girls.” Mr. Bennet is putting Mrs. Bennet in a class with silly girls, but she doesn't see the insult, instead taking it as a compliment.

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Mr. Bennet: Sarcastic or sincere? Kevin S (4/12/2010 12:27 p.m.)

Poking fun - and Mr. Bennet's character Karen G (4/12/2010 1:12 p.m.)
- Of the dangers of dictionaries Anselm (4/13/2010 6:56 a.m.)
  - Of course! gianni (4/13/2010 2:29 p.m.)
  - The First "Duh" GR Moment! Lenora (4/13/2010 10:08 a.m.)
  - Thank you! Karen G (4/13/2010 9:17 a.m.)
- Is that how you read that? Laraine (4/12/2010 1:26 p.m.)
  - might like [Mrs. Bennett] the best of the party Stephanie (4/12/2010 3:21 p.m.)
  - It can be interpreted either way... Karen G (4/12/2010 1:48 p.m.)
    - I agree Laraine (4/12/2010 2:22 p.m.)
      - Mr Bennet neither is teasing or complimenting...   greg (4/12/2010 4:52 p.m.)
        
        Perhaps she doesn't realize   nan duval (4/12/2010 7:45 p.m.)
        
        From how you see him   CarolTS (4/12/2010 4:54 p.m.)
good Akaruihi (4/12/2010 12:58 p.m.)

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