Analysing Pride and Prejudice

Analysing Pride and Prejudice

  • Submitted By: vampoet
  • Date Submitted: 03/07/2009 9:57 AM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 1546
  • Page: 7
  • Views: 814

In the given extract, Jane Austen has allowed her narrator to give an insight into the character’s thought processes via ‘showing’ in the form of a dialogue or ‘telling’ by using Elizabeth as the focalizer or by using free indirect speech to vetriloquize the kind of language associated with a character to provide a more diffused impression of the character. While switching between the utilization of ‘showing’ and ‘telling’ the narrator impresses certain effects on the reader which eventually serves as a reminder of the recurring themes in the novel such as the belief that the only ‘property’ rightfully belonging to woman is the hope of acquiring a husband, wealthy if possible and the importance of gossips and superficial impressions in the society represented in the novel. The readers also gather new insights of the characters between the ‘showing’ and the ‘telling’ stance of the narrator which serves to make them comprehend the irony and hypocrisy of some of the characters and to appreciate the resulting humour they exude.
The extract begins with Austen using dialogue in which the reader seems to hear the character of Mr Collins speak. This dramatic mode of narration is called ‘showing’. It is effective in involving the readers imaginatively with Mr Collins. It also produces an active response on the part of the reader in judging Mr Collins’ character and interpreting his attitude towards others within the social context represented in the novel. Mr Collin’s speech with the ready use of proper names- Lady Catherine, Miss Elizabeth, Charlotte, Mr and Miss Gardiner- constructs a feeling of familiarity within a small community. The opening line of the extract, “ ‘You may in fact, carry a very favourable report of us into Hertfordshire…’ ” conveys a convincing impression of a small social world and develops the theme of the importance of opinion, reports, and gossip within its system of values established at the beginning of the novel.
The narrator resumes in the...

Similar Essays