I was struck at how the Bingley sisters resembled each other so much- both were vain and conceited, spent 'more than they ought', were engrossed by Darcy(of course, Caroline more than Mrs. Hurst), conveniently forgot their past 'roots' in trade, and were disdainful of country people, esp. Lizzy.

On the other hand, the Bennet girls all seem differrent from each other, except for Kitty and Lydia.

I recently read a book by Kenneth Moler, which has this 'Art vs. nature' theme for Pride and Prejudice. Perhaps, the Bingley sisters represent a form of art(what is acquired, usually by formal study and teaching), and Lydia, and Kitty-nature(relating to feelings, etc.).

The Bingley sisters went to a private seminary, probably recieved a 'uniform' education, had set views about what an 'accomplished' lady had to be like, and generally followed the standard rules of 'lady-like' behaviour to the letter.

The youngest Bennet sisters, on the other hand, follow their emotions, and spend all their time having fun, gossiping, and flirting with the officers.

Lizzy seems to represent a balance between the two. She is lively, does not follow 'lady-like' behaviour to the letter(walking for 3 miles, to visit her sick sister), does not have set values for an 'accomplished' woman, at the same time reads books(which Caroline Bingley cannot, in spite of her great breeding, and education), and does intellectual exercices by character analysis, and debating with rich gentlemen, LOL.