I'm going to agree with Lizzy and say I believe we are being too hard on Mr. Bennet. I'm also going to throw out a quote from chapter 50:
"Mrs. Bennet had no turn for economy, and her husband's love of independence had alone prevented their exceeding their income."
Yes, he could have been a lot better, but he also could have been a lot worse. Compared to Austen's other fathers (Sir Elliot comes to mind), Mr. Bennet was rather good.
"Mrs. Bennet had no turn for economy, and her husband's love of independence had alone prevented their exceeding their income."
Yes, he could have been a lot better, but he also could have been a lot worse. Compared to Austen's other fathers (Sir Elliot comes to mind), Mr. Bennet was rather good.