Pride and Prejudice [Chapters ]

 Her novels about everyday people living ordinary lives were unappreciated at that time (until the 20 th century)  Her writings are realistic ( a change from the melodramatic).  The genre she writes in is “comedy of manners”  A constant theme in her writings: “maturity is gained through loss of illusion.”  The reason behind her success: - She wrote about society and manners (relatable) - Austen portrayed deep real characters - She left room for the intelligence and fantasies of readers.

 Written between the years ; but published in  Narration: Third person omniscient.  Narrative Technique: “Showing & Telling”  a combination of a narrative voice (adopts a character’s tone and vocabulary) and direct dialogue  Point of View: Primarily, Elizabeth Bennet’s  Structure: Very simple (predecessor of the romance novel)  Style: A mix of neoclassicism (employs reason and a logical form) & romanticism (employs emotions & a free form).  Setting: Longbourn, England (place), during the Napoleonic war between (time)  Tone: witty, comic and sarcastic at times.

 The whole story is drawn from the author’s personal experience: a single woman in the 18 th century under the social pressure of marriage.  Imperfection is an aspect of realism (the families & the characters are not perfect)  Good & evil is balanced in every character.  Contrast is an aspect of realism (between the Bingleys & the Bennets)  Social realism: the merging of the aristocrats with the bourgeoisie through marriage.  Pride & Prejudice is romance influenced by realism (a realistic novel “intertwined” with romance)

 Pride: Is it justified or not? A study & analysis of it.  Prejudice: How it affects one’s sound and objective judgment.  Marriage: It was necessary for financial security.  Reputation: Judgments of many characters are based on their reputation.  Social Class: It determines how you behave, dress and whom you marry.  Social Conformity: Abiding to the rules of society  Women’s independence: By refusing to marry Mr. Collins, Elizabeth asserts her independence & free will.

 The title: “Pride and Prejudice”  “It is a truth universally … … or other of their daughters.” (chapter 1)  “Mr. Bennet was so odd … … its solace was visiting and news.” (chapter 1)  “Mr. Bingley was good-looking … … his having ten thousand a year.” (chapter 3)  “Which do you mean? … … handsome enough to tempt me.” (chapter 3)

 “She told the story … … delighted in anything ridiculous.” (chapter 3)  “You never see a fault … … hasty in censuring anyone.” (chapter 4)  “’His pride,’ said Miss Lucas … … if he had not mortified mine.” (chapter 5)  “In nine cases out of ten … … does not help him on.” (chapter 6)  “Mr. Darcy had at first … … caught by their easy playfulness.” (chapter 6)  “She was shown into the breakfast parlour … … justifying her coming so far alone.” (chapter 7)

 “Her manners were pronounced … … no style, no beauty.” (chapter 8)  “’Such as vanity and pride … … under good regulation.” (chapter 11)  (A) “He seems to be a most conscientious & polite young man.” (B) “The wish is certainly to his credit” (C) “I cannot make him out” (D) “In point of composition … expressed” (E) “To Catherine … … degree interesting.” (F) “As for their mother, … daughters.” (chapter 13)  “Elizabeth tried hard to dissuade him … … the scope of your understanding”  An example of the narrative technique of showing & telling. (chapter 18)  “I am perfectly serious … … make me happy.” (chapter 19)

This is an extract from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The novel opens with these very famous lines in literature. By such an opening, Austin introduces so many issues to the reader. *Introduction

When any writer commences their work, the aims behind writing their book is still fresh in their minds- before they lose themselves in the story. These lines serve as a “miniature” of the whole plot. Austen introduces one of the basic themes: society’s obsession and pursuit of marriage (a “truth so well fixed in their minds”). The author exaggerates such a “truth” that it is “universally acknowledged” only to mock her own society. Her sarcasm shines through the words “must be in want of a wife”. As a matter of fact, it is the other way around. Women and their mothers were constantly in the look for or hunting for single wealthy men. Sarcasm is the tool Austen excessively uses to criticize her society and set forth her messages. *Body

Austen employs third person omniscient narration. The narrator takes the readers into the minds and feelings of every character. Furthermore, Austen is well known for utilizing the “showing and telling” technique of narration: a combination of dialogue and a narrative voice. In this quotation, “telling” is the technique used. Moreover, a sarcastic and cynical tone prevails the whole passage: “However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be,” mothers nonetheless viewed this man as “the rightful property” of their daughters. *Conclusion