An Excellent Father
(Jane Austen)
Jane Austen (1775–1817) was born in Steventon, Hampshire, where she spent the first 26 years of her life. She was the seventh of eight children in a close-knit family that greatly influenced her literary development. Writing primarily for her own pleasure and with little expectation of publication, Austen demonstrated a profound belief in artistic discipline, famously asserting that "an artist cannot do anything slovenly."
Her major works, including Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, Emma, and Northanger Abbey, showcase her unparalleled ability to portray the complexities of human relationships and societal norms. Austen's novels remain celebrated for their incisive social commentary, vivid characterisations, and the use of everyday language that makes her work timeless and universally relatable.
An Excellent Father
Summary:
This extract from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice sets the stage for the intricate interplay of humor, irony, and social dynamics that defines the novel. The story begins with Mrs. Bennet's excitement upon learning that Netherfield Park has been rented by Mr. Bingley, a wealthy, single gentleman with a fortune of four or five thousand pounds a year. To Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bingley represents a perfect match for one of her five daughters. However, her husband, Mr. Bennet, remains unenthusiastic and mocks her relentless attempts to involve him in her plans.
Mrs. Bennet insists that Mr. Bennet should visit Mr. Bingley to secure their acquaintance, but Mr. Bennet playfully refuses, suggesting instead that Mrs. Bennet and the girls go on their own. His witty and sarcastic remarks leave Mrs. Bennet exasperated, highlighting the contrast between her anxious energy and his detached amusement. She laments her "poor nerves," while Mr. Bennet humorously claims to respect them as "old friends."
Despite his outward resistance, Mr. Bennet secretly visits Mr. Bingley, surprising his family later with the revelation. His unexpected action leaves Mrs. Bennet both delighted and astonished, as she praises him—albeit ironically—for being an "excellent father." The narrative captures the essence of familial interactions, with Mrs. Bennet's single-minded determination to see her daughters married and Mr. Bennet's sardonic yet affectionate demeanor adding layers of humor and irony.
Through this extract, Austen vividly portrays the societal pressures surrounding marriage, the quirks of individual characters, and the intricate dance of wit and emotion that defines the Bennet household.
Word meanings
1. Let out: To rent out a property.
2. Vacant: Empty, not occupied.
3. Delighted: Very pleased or happy.
4. Acquaintance: A person one knows slightly.
5. Fortune: Wealth, a large amount of money.
6. Apprehension: Fear or anxiety about something.
7. Design: A purpose or intention.
8. Compassion: Sympathy for the suffering of others.
9. Tiresome: Annoying or bothersome.
10. Consent: Permission or agreement.
11. Flatter: To praise excessively, often insincerely.
12. Suffer: To experience pain or distress.
13. Occasion: A particular event or opportunity.
14. Persuade: To convince someone to do something.
15. Amusement: Entertainment or enjoyment.
16. Trim: To decorate or add finishing touches.
17. Selfish: Lacking consideration for others; self-centered.
18. Discretion: The quality of being cautious or reserved.
19. Scold: To criticize someone angrily.
20. Cough: A sudden, forceful release of air from the lungs.
21. Mock: To tease or make fun of someone.
22. Acquainted: Familiar with someone or something.
23. Assemblies: Meetings or gatherings of people.
24. Introduce: To present someone to another person.
25. Compassionate: Feeling or showing sympathy and concern.
26. Neglect: To fail to care for properly.
27. Stubborn: Refusing to change one’s attitude or position.
28. Impatience: Lack of tolerance or patience.
29. Converse: To engage in conversation.
30. Resentment: A feeling of anger or displeasure about something.
31. Reassure: To comfort or restore confidence.
32. Amusing: Entertaining or humorous.
33. Approve: To agree or accept as satisfactory.
34. Impression: An effect or influence on the mind or feelings.
35. Provoke: To incite or irritate someone into action.
36. Deliberate: Done consciously and intentionally.
37. Admiration: A feeling of respect and approval.
38. Engage: To participate or become involved in.
39. Eager: Strongly wanting to do or have something.
40. Complain: To express dissatisfaction or annoyance.
41. Irony: A situation where the opposite of what is expected occurs.
42. Unexpected: Not anticipated or predicted.
43. Consent: Agreement or approval.
44. Deliberate: Considered carefully.
45. Anxious: Experiencing worry or nervousness.
46. Sarcastic: Using irony to mock or convey contempt.
47. Imply: To suggest without explicitly stating.
48. Enthusiasm: Intense and eager enjoyment or interest.
49. Admire: To regard with respect or approval.
50. Fascinated: Strongly attracted or interested in something.
Additional Words
1. Eligible: Qualified to be chosen or participate.
2. Neighbor: A person living near or next to someone.
3. Humor: The ability to find amusement or see the funny side.
4. Esteem: Respect or admiration for someone.
5. Solicitous: Showing concern or care for someone’s well-being.
6. Prudent: Acting with thought for the future; wise.
7. Lament: To express sorrow or regret.
8. Disposition: A person’s inherent qualities or temperament.
9. Eccentric: Unconventional or slightly strange behavior.
10. Arrogant: Having an exaggerated sense of one’s importance.
11. Charming: Pleasant or attractive.
12. Melancholy: A feeling of sadness or depression.
13. Compelling: Evoking interest or admiration irresistibly.
14. Reproach: To criticize or express disapproval.
15. Perplexed: Confused or puzzled.
16. Frivolous: Not having serious value or purpose.
17. Cordial: Warm and friendly.
18. Tedious: Boring and repetitive.
19. Criticism: Disapproval expressed by pointing out faults.
20. Accomplishment: Something achieved successfully.
21. Modesty: Humility; not being boastful.
22. Detest: To strongly dislike something or someone.
23. Mischief: Playful behavior that causes annoyance.
24. Admire: To look up to or respect greatly.
25. Ample: More than enough; sufficient.
26. Conceited: Having an excessively favorable opinion of oneself.
27. Pride: A sense of one’s dignity and self-worth.
28. Genuine: Authentic or real.
29. Dread: Great fear or apprehension.
30. Despair: The feeling of no hope.
31. Indifferent: Showing no interest or concern.
32. Persistent: Continuing firmly despite challenges.
33. Reputation: How one is perceived by others.
34. Flawless: Without any defects or faults.
35. Gossip: Casual or unconstrained conversation about others.
36. Hostile: Unfriendly or antagonistic.
37. Exaggerate: To represent something as greater than it is.
38. Distinct: Clearly different or separate.
39. Benevolent: Well-meaning and kind.
40. Judgmental: Inclined to judge harshly.
41. Overbearing: Assertive in an arrogant way.
42. Diligent: Hardworking and careful.
43. Ridicule: To make fun of or mock.
44. Conceal: To hide or keep secret.
45. Affectionate: Showing fondness or tenderness.
46. Resolve: To decide firmly on a course of action.
47. Mutual: Shared or common between two or more parties.
48. Estranged: No longer close or affectionate with someone.
49. Restless: Unable to relax or stay still.
50. Assertive: Confident and forceful in expression.
Thinking about the text:
1. What does Mrs. Bennet tell her husband?
Mrs. Bennet informs her husband that Netherfield Park has been let at last to a young gentleman of large fortune from the north of England. She is elated about the news and insists Mr. Bennet must visit him promptly. Her excitement stems from the fact that the gentleman, Mr. Bingley, is unmarried, making him a desirable prospect for one of her daughters. She sees this as an opportunity to secure a prosperous match for the family.
2. Who takes over Netherfield Park? Why is Mrs. Bennet happy about it?
Netherfield Park is taken over by Mr. Bingley, a young man of large fortune, earning four or five thousand pounds a year. Mrs. Bennet is overjoyed because Mr. Bingley is single and wealthy, making him an excellent match for one of her daughters. She views his arrival as a promising chance to elevate the family’s social standing and secure the future of her daughters.
3. Why does Mrs. Bennet insist her husband meet Mr. Bingley?
Mrs. Bennet is determined that Mr. Bennet meet Mr. Bingley to ensure their family is introduced first. She fears other families might claim his attention if her husband does not act quickly. Mrs. Bennet believes that establishing an acquaintance with Mr. Bingley will pave the way for him to consider one of their daughters as a suitable wife, securing their future.
4. ‘You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion on my poor nerves.’ Explain.
Mrs. Bennet’s remark reveals her frustration with Mr. Bennet’s teasing nature. While she frets about Mr. Bingley and her daughters’ futures, Mr. Bennet remains calm and humorously provokes her anxiety. Her dramatic claim about her "poor nerves" underscores her tendency to exaggerate and highlights her contrasting personality with Mr. Bennet’s detached demeanor.
5. Why does Mrs. Bennet think that Mrs. Long is selfish?
Mrs. Bennet believes Mrs. Long is selfish because she suspects that Mrs. Long, despite promising to introduce Mr. Bingley to the Bennet family, will prioritize her nieces instead. Mrs. Bennet’s competitive nature and single-minded focus on her daughters’ marriages lead her to mistrust Mrs. Long’s intentions.
6. How does Mr. Bennet react to the plan designed by his wife?
Mr. Bennet humorously mocks his wife’s plan, pretending to ignore her demands. However, unbeknownst to Mrs. Bennet, he visits Mr. Bingley to initiate their acquaintance. His eventual revelation delights Mrs. Bennet, showcasing his playful nature and subtle support for her aspirations.
7. Why does Mrs. Bennet tell her girls that they have an excellent father?
Mrs. Bennet ironically calls Mr. Bennet an "excellent father" after he reveals he has already visited Mr. Bingley, despite initially pretending to ignore her pleas. Her statement reflects her relief and delight but also underscores her frustration with his earlier teasing. While she praises him, her tone subtly hints at her exasperation with his playful nature, as he enjoys keeping her in suspense about matters she considers urgent and significant.
Character Sketches
Mr. Bennet
Mr. Bennet, the patriarch of the Bennet family, is a witty and reserved gentleman with a sharp sense of humor. He often uses sarcasm to distance himself from the frivolities of life, particularly his wife’s obsessive matchmaking. While intelligent and insightful, he is somewhat detached from his family’s emotional and practical needs. Despite his aloof demeanor, he subtly cares for his daughters' futures, as seen in his quiet efforts to introduce the family to Mr. Bingley. Mr. Bennet embodies a mix of intellectual humor and passive indifference, making him a complex figure who values peace over familial chaos.
Mrs. Bennet
Mrs. Bennet is a vivacious, talkative, and somewhat superficial character driven by a single ambition: to see her five daughters well-married. Her enthusiasm often borders on comical, as she is easily flustered and overly dramatic in her pursuit of potential suitors. She lacks self-awareness and frequently embarrasses her family with her loud, tactless behavior. Despite her flaws, Mrs. Bennet’s intentions stem from a genuine desire to secure her daughters' futures in a society where marriage determines a woman’s social standing. She serves as a humorous foil to her husband’s quiet cynicism, embodying the era’s matrimonial fervor.
Mr. Bingley
Mr. Bingley is a charming, affable, and wealthy gentleman who rents Netherfield Park. He is sociable, good-natured, and genuinely kind, making him well-liked by everyone he meets. Unlike his friend Mr. Darcy, Bingley is unpretentious and approachable, with a cheerful disposition that endears him to the Bennet family. His admiration for Jane Bennet is evident in his attention and respect toward her. However, his lack of assertiveness makes him susceptible to the influence of others, particularly Darcy. Bingley represents an ideal suitor of the time: wealthy, handsome, and honorable, yet his mild nature adds depth to his character.
Here are the answers to the tasks based on the image:
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Thinking About the Text
1. What does Mrs. Bennet tell her husband?
Mrs. Bennet tells her husband about the arrival of a wealthy bachelor, Mr. Bingley, who has taken Netherfield Park.
2. Who takes over Netherfield Park? Why is Mrs. Bennet happy about it?
Mr. Bingley takes over Netherfield Park. Mrs. Bennet is happy because she hopes he will marry one of her daughters.
3. Why does Mrs. Bennet insist her husband to meet Mr. Bingley?
Mrs. Bennet insists her husband meet Mr. Bingley because she wants to introduce her daughters to him and increase their chances of making a suitable match.
4. "You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion on my poor nerves." Explain.
Mrs. Bennet says this to Mr. Bennet, accusing him of deliberately irritating her and being indifferent to her constant anxiety and concerns about their daughters’ future.
5. Why does Mrs. Bennet think that Mrs. Long is selfish?
Mrs. Bennet thinks Mrs. Long is selfish because she suspects Mrs. Long would introduce her nieces to Mr. Bingley before Mrs. Bennet can introduce her daughters.
6. How does Mr. Bennet react to the plan designed by his wife?
Mr. Bennet reacts with sarcasm and amusement, often teasing Mrs. Bennet about her obsession with marrying off their daughters.
7. Why does Mrs. Bennet tell her girls that they have an excellent father?
Mrs. Bennet tells her daughters they have an excellent father because Mr. Bennet promises to visit Mr. Bingley, giving them a chance to meet him.
Language Work
1. Find words from the passage having the following meanings:
(a) Rent out: Let
(b) Unmarried: Single
(c) Make someone angry: Vex
(d) In great haste; unwilling to wait: Impatient
(e) To live somewhere permanently: Settle
(f) Intention or plan: Design
Use a verb in agreement with its subject in the following sentences:
1. The page of the book is torn and the pages of the book are torn.
2. Two and two make four.
3. A black and white dog is barking.
4. The horse and the carriage are ready.
5. The madam as well as the students is in the library.
6. Either she or her brother is absent.
7. If I were her, I would have resigned.
8. Physics is said to be an interesting subject.
9. Not only she but also her sisters are involved in this crime.
10. The team is divided over who should be the captain.
Make five more sentences using the patterns in the tables (A) and (B):
Table A: Subject + Verb + To + Infinitive
1. She promised to help him with the project.
2. They decided to attend the conference.
3. He planned to study abroad next year.
4. We were delighted to hear the good news.
5. I wished to visit the historical site.
Table B: It + Be + Subject Complement + Subject
1. It is unlikely that he will arrive on time.
2. It was a surprise that she won the competition.
3. It is evident that he needs more practice.
4. It was a relief that the exams were postponed.
5. It is encouraging that she is improving every day.
Discussion: Do you feel that mother's love is different from father's love? Why or why not?
Mother's love is often perceived as nurturing, unconditional, and emotionally expressive, while father's love may be more protective, practical, and action-oriented. However, both forms of love are deeply rooted in care and sacrifice, and neither is superior to the other. The differences lie in expression rather than intensity.
Worksheet 1: Did you listen to these sentences in the story?
1. Mr. Bennet made no answer. ✔
2. Cried his wife impatiently. ✔
3. You take delight in vexing me. ✔
4. You mistake me, my dear. ✔
5. This was invitation enough. ✔
6. Is he married or single? ✔
Worksheet 2: Fill in the blanks:
1. A single man of large fortune.
2. What a fine thing for our girls.
3. You must know that I am thinking of him marrying one of them.
4. Design! Nonsense, how can you talk so!
5. I daresay Mr. Bingley will be very glad to see you.