Literary devices and style in pride and prejudice

Extract

[...] ( ) the distinction had perhaps been felt too strongly ( ) He had removed with his family to a house ( ) denominated from that period Lucas Lodge, where he could think with pleasure of his own importance and ( ) occupy himself solely in being civil to all the world. Humour and irony Humour = harmless form of comedy that implies a good-natured observation of others e.g. E shows humour towards J and her tendency to see good in everybody: And now, my dear Jane, what have you got to say in behalf of the interested people who have probably been concerned in the business? Do clear them, too, or we shall be obliged to think ill of somebody. [...]

[...] ( E = the one who speaks and the centre of interest, for D and for the R. Another example p. 223-4: Mrs B's words are in direct speech B's are reported, but kept between brackets ( impression we are on Mrs B's side. CCL: Pov is used as: - a literary technique - a means of directing our interest - a means of delving deep inside the character's minds and attitudes - a means of developing different themes and narrative elements that are part of the story itself. [...]

[...] - Starting point of the reversed movement in the 2nd part. ( D&E brought togethern happy ending. Conversely, J's letter to E reveals the news of L's elopement ( - originally meant to put an end to E's happiness &change the focus of the narrative. - But reveals J's agitation at the same time. - Allows E to discover that D was not so unfair when he judged her family - Helps her discover she is in love with him. [...]

[...] - 63: sir Lucas mentions the future marriage b/w Jane and Bingley ( D is made aware of sth he had not suspected. Conversely, revealing secrets, either willingly trusts E the secret of his sister's near elopement) or unwillingly reveals D's presence at her marriage; LC's visit confirms D's interest in E and vice versa) contributes to the final resolution. As usual: what is at 1st a literary device finally brings the thematic content of the book = ignoring others, being blind to truth, discovering oneself and the others. [...]

[...] Style By the standards of her period, Austen's style is rather natural and simple. Influenced by 18th C writers and essayists (Dr Johnson) - use of abstract expressions or rhetorical devices (epigram): It is a truth universally acknowledged - repetition: How despicably I have acted ( ) How humiliating is this discovery ( ) How just a humiliation ( ) (137) - balancing different parts of a sentence: business of her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and news.” - Rhetorical questions: “What praise is more valuable than the praise of an intelligent servant?” (162) - Rhetorical progression: a brother, a landlord, a master” (162) - Hyperbole: the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?” (233) - Understatement: his wife he was very little otherwise indebted, than her ignorance and folly had contributed to his amusement.” (155) - Antithesis: are charmingly group'd, and appear to uncommon advantage.” 1st letter sent by Collins = example of what should be avoided Austen pokes fun at those who delight in pomposity (Collins, Mary): - useless repetitions: “promote and establish” - heavy sound effects: “bounty and beneficience” - long subordinate clauses: mind, however, is now made up on the subject ( ) by the Church of England” (en tout: 8 lignes) - overworked metaphors: olive-branch” Style is used in keeping with the different characters - Collins, Mary: way of writing / speaking reflects self- importance and bookish attitude. [...]