Jane Bennet is the eldest Bennet sister. Twenty-two years old when the novel begins, she is considered the most beautiful young lady in the neighbourhood. Her character is contrasted with Elizabeth's as sweeter, shyer, and equally sensible, but not as clever; her most notable trait is a desire to see only the good in others. As Anna Quindlen wrote, Jane is "sugar to Elizabeth's lemonade." Jane is closest to Elizabeth, and her character is often contrasted with that of Elizabeth. She is favoured by her mother because of her beauty.
She grows to be in love with Mr Bingley, a rich man who recently moved to Hertfordshire. Throughout the novel she is hurt by Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley's best friend, as Mr Darcy feels their love is not equal and he doesn't want to see Bingley get hurt by Jane. Thanks to Elizabeth, Mr Darcy realises his wrongdoing in judging Jane to be so faulty and brings back Bingley who then marries Jane. Jane is the second Bennet to marry.
Read more about Jane Bennet: Major Themes, Style, Title, Publication History, Reception
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“If the veil were withdrawn from the sanctuary of domestic life, and man could look upon the fear, the loathing, the detestations which his tyranny and reckless gratification of self has caused to take the place of confiding love, which placed a woman in his power, he would shudder at the hideous wrong of the present regulations of the domestic abode.”
—Lydia Jane Pierson, U.S. women’s rights activist and corresponding editor of The Woman’s Advocate. The Woman’s Advocate, represented in The Lily, pp. 117-8 (1855-1858 or 1860)