Position and Character: I think Austen's main objective by not allowing Mr. Bennet a voice at first was to give her readers a hint about certain aspects of his character, his position in the conversation, and his relationship with his wife. The fact that she gives him no voice implies that he seems passive about his wife's input into the conversation and does not wish to say much about the topic at hand---or perhaps that he knows he may not have the CHANCE to say much. His narrated actions imply that his wife tends to take over most of the conversation, leaving little opportunity for him to speak. Additionally, it is possible that Mr. Bennet knows his wife may not usually take what he says into consideration, so he figures there is no reason to say much to her while she speaks.

bahahaha: She's hysterical! I mean Mr. Bennet really shouldn't have favoritism over his children, but his wife's reaction is just so extreme and dramatic! She's great :)