ure the reader is made to understand the true depth of the relationship between her and her father” (Jenkins 293). To clarify, it would be impossible for her to grow up without noticing the affection that he feels, and not to benefit from it. She is, in other words, a direct derivation of her parental genes - the next improved and more modern step up in the evolution of character and abilities exemplified by her father. As previously stated, Mr. Bennet admits to two mistakes in the course of the novel. The first one he avows to is his unhappy marriage. The second, of course, is his failure in fatherly duties. “This instance is different from the other, simply because he really does not loose his composure as he discusses the subject with Elizabeth” (Schroer 84). To illustrate, the way “he chastises Kitty is vintage Mr. Bennet, full of sarcasm and hyperbole to the extent that makes his youngest daughter cry. It is obvious to the reader that he is not really going to prohibit all balls or not allow her to leave the house, and yet at the same time there is a feeling that he really has learned his lesson” (Trevor 335). Mr. Bennet realizes that there is still time to change Kitty for the better, and though his methods might not be as severe as he threatens, his fifth daughter will still benefit from them. Interestingly, “throughout this scene Mr. Bennet shows very few chinks in his armor, and his admission is very profound” (Watt 296). Not only does he display the guilt he feels for being an irresponsible and distant father but also assumes a part of the blame for the way his family has evolved. This acknowledgement is the most evident display of Mr. Bennet’s character importance to the story. “Mr. Bennet's acknowledgment of poor fathering takes on a new light. Perhaps if Mr. Bennet has shown more love and more guidance to his three youngest children they would not be so infe...
