Physical Appearance
Kitty is shorter than Lydia and prettier than Mary. (On occasion her eyes are puffy and red from crying.)
Character Description and Analysis
Catherine "Kitty" Bennet, the fourth of the five Bennet sisters in Pride and Prejudice, is a character who is often seen in the shadow of her younger sister, Lydia.
Kitty is portrayed as a young woman who is easily influenced, particularly by her younger sister. She often follows Lydia's lead, engaging in frivolous activities and showing a lack of maturity and understanding of the world around her. This lack of independence and tendency to be swayed by others is a defining characteristic of Kitty's personality.
However, Kitty's character is not without depth. Her susceptibility to influence indicates a desire for acceptance and companionship, a universal human trait. Her actions, while often misguided, stem from this desire, making her a relatable character despite her flaws.
Kitty's character also serves as a critique of the societal norms of her time. Her obsession with balls and officers, a reflection of the society she lives in, highlights the superficiality and materialism that were prevalent during this period.
Towards the end of the novel, we see a potential for growth in Kitty's character. Removed from Lydia's influence, she begins to spend more time with her older sisters Jane and Elizabeth, suggesting a desire to grow and mature.
In conclusion, Kitty Bennet is a character who, while initially appearing frivolous and immature, shows potential for growth and development. Her character serves as a critique of societal norms and a symbol of the universal desire for acceptance. Despite her flaws, Kitty's character adds depth to the narrative of Pride and Prejudice.
Character Mentions Kitty is mentioned specifically 72 times in the novel.
Quotations
Chapter 2
"I do not cough for my own amusement," replied Kitty fretfully.
Chapter 48
“I am not going to run away, papa,” said Kitty, fretfully. “If I should ever go to Brighton, I would behave better than Lydia.”
Chapter 53
Her daughters were eagerly called to partake of her joy. Jane resolutely kept her place at the table; but Elizabeth, to satisfy her mother, went to the window—she looked—she saw Mr. Darcy with him, and sat down again by her sister.
“There is a gentleman with him, mamma,” said Kitty; “who can it be?”
“Some acquaintance or other, my dear, I suppose; I am sure I do not know."
“La!” replied Kitty, “it looks just like that man that used to be with him before. Mr. what’s his name—that tall, proud man.”
“Good gracious! Mr. Darcy! —and so it does, I vow. Well, any friend of Mr. Bingley’s will always be welcome here, to be sure; but else I must say that I hate the very sight of him.”
Her daughters were eagerly called to partake of her joy. Jane resolutely kept her place at the table; but Elizabeth, to satisfy her mother, went to the window—she looked—she saw Mr. Darcy with him, and sat down again by her sister.
“There is a gentleman with him, mamma,” said Kitty; “who can it be?”
“Some acquaintance or other, my dear, I suppose; I am sure I do not know."
“La!” replied Kitty, “it looks just like that man that used to be with him before. Mr. what’s his name—that tall, proud man.”
“Good gracious! Mr. Darcy! —and so it does, I vow. Well, any friend of Mr. Bingley’s will always be welcome here, to be sure; but else I must say that I hate the very sight of him.”