For those living in the nineteenth century, the way they presented themselves to the world was of utmost importance. They were expected to portray themselves as delicate yet alluring. Those who chose to separate themselves from this social standard were sure to be scorned and criticized. A commendable reputation was a reflection of a person's upbringing and class. In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, one's most prized possessions is a good reputation.
             The Bennet family consists of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their five daughters. This means that only a male relative can inherit the Bennet property when Mr. Bennet passes away. "Upper- and middle-class women's choices were limited to marriage and motherhood, or spinsterhood. Both choices resulted in domestic dependency" (Cruea). As stated by Catherine McDevitt, "In general, under the legal doctrine of covertures, free married women lacked the standing to write wills and undertake property or credit transactions, including the purchase or sale of real estate." Therefore, it is important that the Bennet daughters are married off, preferably to rich men to take care of them. According to Marilyn Francus, "Fame and reputation function as commodities." This is certainly true, because a good name and a good reputation will certainly increase the chances of a young woman being married off. Because of this, Mrs. Bennet's number one priority is certainly to marry her daughters of too well to do men. In her desire to do so, she acts like a fool. In her own home, she is rather belligerent when trying to convince Mr. Bennet to welcome Mr. Bingley and mention his available daughters. She pleads adamantly, "But my dear, you must indeed go and see Mr. Bingly when he comes to the neighborhood. Indeed you must go, for it will be impossible for us to visit him if you do not" (Austen 2). In her desperation to marry her daughters off and make the ...