Literature Analysis Number 4:

Pride an Prejudice


Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, is a romantic novel set in old world England. The novel focuses on Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their five daughters. Each daughter encounters different romantic adventures. The novel mainly focuses on the relationship Elizabeth Bennet experiences. Elizabeth has a very difficult relationship with a man named Mr. Darcy. She is an intelligent, strong, young woman and struggles to give in to Mr. Darcy's arrogant personality.


One of the many themes of Pride and Prejudice is a woman's role in society. During the time period of the novel women were thought to be more like property rather than equals. Fathers practically sold their daughters to successful young men. Women also didn't speak out against men in relationships. Elizabeth was very strong, but often struggled to tell Darcy how she really felt. 


The tone of the novel is a bit ambiguous. The narrator seems distant and indifferent towards the characters and events, but there is always some sort of underlying mocking. The tone could almost be perceived as sarcastic. 
                     "In as short a time as Mr. Collins's long speeches would allow, everything was settled between them to the satisfaction of both; and as they entered the house he earnestly entreated her to name the day that was to make him the happiest of men; and though such a solicitation must be waived for the present, the lady felt no inclination to trifle with his happiness. The stupidity with which he was favoured by nature must guard his courtship from any charm that could make a woman wish for its continuance; and Miss Lucas, who accepted him solely from the pure and disinterested desire of an establishment, cared not how soon that establishment were gained." -Narrator
                     "So this is your opinion of me. Thank you for explaining so fully. Perhaps these offences might have been overlooked had not your pride been hurt by my honesty..." -Darcy
                      "And those are the words of a gentleman. From the first moment I met you, your arrogance and conceit, your selfish disdain for the feelings of others made me realize that you were the last man in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry." -Elizabeth 


Literary Techniques:


Rhetorical Question- "Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your circumstances?" -Elizabeth
Aphorism- "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters."
Euphemism- "And those are the words of a gentleman? From the moment I met you your aroggance and conceit and your selfish disdain for the feelings of other made me realize that you are the last man in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry." -Elizabeth
Aphorism- "Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us." -Mary
Juxtaposition- "To yield without conviction is no complement to the understanding of either."
Simile- "Your profusion makes me saving; and if you lament over him much longer, my heart will be as light as a feather."