The reader sees some development of Lydia's character in Chapter 16 of Volume II. Lydia is very youthful and lighthearted. She is amused easily by superficial pleasures, such as her new bonnet, which she concedes is not very pretty, but she bought it impulsively because it was prettier than the other that we're on display. Her inability to control her shopping habits demonstrates her innocent immaturity.
This immaturity also manifests itself in her inability to control what comes out of her mouth. For example, she does not hesitate to voice her concern that Jane "will be quite an old maid soon" (186). This accusation is clearly not socially acceptable to make verbally in the company of other families, but the young and inexperienced Lydia has not yet learned that unspoken rule.
Interestingly, it appears that Lydia represents the common inward thoughts of other women within the novel. While Lydia is the one to actually voice her concern for Jane's approaching old make status, it is evident throughout the novel the Mrs. Bennett is also quite concerned about Jane's age. After all, Mrs. Bennett is the one frantically putting her daughters on display at aristocratic parties as if they are commodities. When Lydia monologues to her family and friends in the coach, she brings to light the thoughts that none of the other women, who have grown more accustomed to the social expectations of their society, plan to say to one another.
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