" After Elizabeth explains that he is mistaken, "It is not of peculiar, but general evils, which I am now complaining."(pg.117) Mr. Bennet further reveals his shortsightedness by reassuring her that Lydia would not jeopardize the family's respectability. .
However, generally Mr. Bennet is viewed as a sensible individual and often shares with Elizabeth in criticizing the ridiculous behavior of Mr. Collins; creatively displayed in the letter addressing Elizabeth's engagement. Mr. Bennet respects Elizabeth in contrast to his other daughters, "they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters." (pg. 2) since she is capable of applying her knowledge to judge her integrity; this she exercises by rejecting Mr. Collin's marriage proposal. Following Elizabeth's engagement with Mr. Darcy, she questions him whether he admired her for her impertinence. And he replies, "For the liveliness of your mind, I did." (pg. 291), suggesting that he detected this unique quality in her disposition that led to his attraction to her. This can also be suggested when Darcy comments on Elizabeth's "fine eyes" during her stay at Netherfield.
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Elizabeth's integrity is founded through her firm conviction to behave in what she believes to be upright, honest and respectful, even in difficult situations where many would otherwise be deterred. This quality is also allude to in the passage and emphasized when Elizabeth remains obstinate despite Mr. Bennet's assurances that Lydia could not possibly " grow many degrees worse, without authorizing [them] to lock her up for the rest of her life." (pg. 177) Elizabeth's obstinacy is clearly presented when "[She] was forced to be content; but her own opinions continued the same, and she left him disappointed and sorry." (pg. 177) .
This firm conviction derived from her integrity is revealed after receiving news regarding Lydia's elopement.
