Literary Techniques in Pride and Prejudice

Simile

Literary Technique One

Irony

Literary Technique Two

The simile, "your profusion makes me saving; and

if you lament over him much longer, my heart will be as light as a feather" (Austen 192-193), mainly focuses on the characterization of the protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth is a bright, amiable and intelligent young lady. This simile is a very good depiction of how Elizabeth speaks and portrays herself to her family and close friends. Throughout the novel and in the provided quote it is evident that she is very open with her acquaintances on how certain subjects

make her feel.

Symbol

Literary Technique Four

The first sentence of Pride and Prejudice,

"it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife” (Austen 1), sets the mood and theme for the rest of the novel. One of the major themes of the novel is marriage. There is irony about marriage in the quote provided. The quote describes that a man should be in want of a wife, whereas in the novel it is

mainly the women who are in search

of a husband.

Pemberley, the home of Mr. Darcy, is described in

the novel by Elizabeth as being "large, handsome, stone building, standing well on rising ground . . . in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal, nor falsely adorned" (Austen 207). Austen uses this description to symbolize who Mr. Darcy is physically and further his characterization. Up until this point in the novel, you are only given small insight on what Mr. Darcy's appearance is. The reader is given the description that he is like his home, "large", "handsome" and well groomed.

Alliteration

Literary Technique Three

Imagery

Literary Technique Five

There are several examples of alliteration throughout the novel. One specific example is when Mrs. Bennet says to Elizabeth, “Oh, my dear Eliza! Pray make haste and come into the dining-room, for there is such a sight to be seen” (Austen 152). The alliteration helps the reader to remember this quote and emphasizes its significance.

Austen's alliteration helps add to the mood of this scence, which is cheerful and exciting.

When Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth see each other near the end of the novel, "their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of each were overspread with the deepest blush" (Austen 213).This interaction between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth is written with a multitude of imagery. The description of their reaction to each other helps the reader develop a mental image of what is occurring in the novel. Not only does it help with "seeing" what is happening, it also sets the mood and plays with the

theme of love.

Foreshadowing

Literary Technique Six

Imagery

The summary at the end of chapter four states that

"Miss Bennet was therefore established as a sweet girl, and their brother felt authorized by such commendation to think of her as he chose" (Austen 13). The establishment of Jane Bennet as a "sweet girl" at the beginning of the novel foreshadows the separation between Jane and Mr. Bingley later in the novel. This foreshadowing helps establish the recurring sad and disappointing mood that comes with the separation of a couple.

Irony

Literary Technique Ten

Literary Technique Seven

Austen's description of the first ball is an excellent example of imagery, she describes, "The evening altogether passed off pleasantly to the whole family. Mrs. Bennet had seen her eldest daughter much admired by the Netherfield party. Mr. Bingley had danced with her twice, and she had been distinguished by his sisters. Jane was as much gratified by this as her mother could be, though in a quieter way. Elizabeth felt Jane's pleasure. Mary had heard herself mentioned to Miss Bingley as the most accomplished girl in the neighbourhood; and Catherine and Lydia had been fortunate enough never to be without partners, which was all that they had yet learnt to care for at a ball. They returned, therefore, in good spirits to Longbourn, the village where they lived, and of which they were the principal inhabitants" (Austen 9).

This example of imagery ties into one of the major themes of the novel which is society and class. Only people of high stature and class were invited to balls such as the Lucases' ball described above.

When Mr. Darcy speaks of Elizabeth at the beginning of the novel he says "she is tolerable; but not handsome

enough to tempt me (Austen 8). The statement from Mr. Darcy about Elizabeth is extremely ironic because he later falls in love with her. This turn from believing she is just tolerable to loving her is a gigantic part of the plot development. This famous statement also commences the characterization of Mr. Darcy as a very disagreeable man in the beginning of the novel. His character in the later part of the novel, again, shows irony because of the kind

and agreeable person he becomes.

Personification

Literary Technique Nine

Mrs. Bennet's nerves are personified by Mr. Bennet when he says, "you mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends…" (Austen 3)

Mr. Bennet's description of Mrs. Bennet's nerves lets the reader know what kind of person Mrs. Bennet is, allowing for the characterization of Mrs. Bennet to begin.

Literary Techniques

in Pride and Prejudice

Archetype

Literary Technique Eight

The archetype hero can be mainly seen in Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Bennet feels she must tell everyone of this heroic act when she states, "“This is an evening of wonders, indeed! And so, Darcy did every thing; made up the match, gave the money, paid the fellow’s debts, and got him his commission” (Austen 350). He resolves many issues in the novel, such as the provided example in which he pays Wickham's debt. His heroic acts only furthers his characterization.

Kailey - 4B