Caroline Bingley - Pride and Prejudice

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Personality

Role

  • PREJUDICED - she and her sister (Mrs Hurst) dislike Jane because they believe she is too lower class for them and Mr Bingley (Mrs Hurst says that 'with such a father and mother and such low connections, I am afraid there is no chance of' marrying well)
  • PROUD - she and her sister are 'very fine ladies (...) but proud and conceited (...) and were in every respect entitled to think well of themselves and meanly of others'
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  • Miss Bingley's interest and flirtatious attitude towards Mr Darcy is a source of HUMOUR in the novel; particularly when she takes a book just because it is the second volume of his and exclaims 'I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!'
  • She is also an OBSTACLE - she attempts to prevent Mr Darcy from falling further in love with Lizzy by putting her down and teasing him. She says 'her hair so untidy, so blowsy' and then 'I am afraid, Mr Darcy, (...) this adventure has rather affected your admiration of her fine eyes'
  • Caroline is also an obstacle between Jane and Bingley, as she does not respond to her letters etc

Development (Growth & change)

Other information              

  • The Bingleys are actually arguably lower class than the Bennets. Mr Bennet is a gentleman as he has land which is worked for money (even though we know that his financial situation is not ideal). The Bingleys are part of the nouveau rich as they have earned their wealth through trade and not inheritance of land
  • Miss Bingley is a 'social climber'

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