Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Bennetts vs Hamlets: most dysfunctional?

 My focus today is on Elizabeth Bennet’s dysfunctional family.  I think that’s one of the great strengths of Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth is an appealing character because she has to deal with her family:  an emotionally distant, ineffectual father, a shrill, self-absorbed, silly mother, an older sister who is too nice, two slightly annoying sisters who might improve with guidance, and one willful (and not too bright) youngest sister.  Part of the emotional payoff of the ending is that Elizabeth, who has been sincere but mistaken in her perceptions of the people around her, acknowledges reality and is rewarded with a happy marriage.


Most families have some periods of time where functioning is impaired by stressful circumstances. Negative patterns of parental behavior tend to be dominant in their children's lives. Other parents over-function, never allowing their children to grow up and be on their own. Others are inconsistent or violate basic boundaries of appropriate behavior. Controlling parents fail to allow their children to assume responsibilities appropriate for their age. These parents continue dominating and making decisions for their children well beyond the age at which this is necessary. Controlling parents are often driven by a fear of becoming unnecessary to their children. 


The king can't be embarrassed like that and still be a powerful king. 

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