Irony penetrates the structure of the novel Pride and Prejudice. The irony of Jane Austen is very subtle and we can understand it only when we understand the emphasis and the tone of her language. The very opening sentence of the novel is a fine specimen of verbal irony. “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of good fortune must be in want of a wife. “ Here Jane Austen emphasizes the possession of good fortune and slyly hints that girls incline to marry a man of good fortune. Mr. Bennett speaks ironically about Wickham: “He is a fine fellow as ever I saw. He simpers and smirks and makes love to us all. I am prodigiously proud of him. I defy even Sir William Lucas himself, to produce a more valuable son-in-law.” The verbal irony can be understood if we know that the son-in-law of Sir William Lucas is Mr. Collins the pompous fool. It is ironical that Darcy who dissuades Mr. Bingley from marrying Jane because of the vulgar conduct of the Bennett family, himself proposes to Elizabeth.
“The story of Pride & Prejudice is based on irony. Elizabeth feels proud about understanding the character of other persons. She reposes her faith in the smooth-tongued Mr. Wickham and is deeply prejudiced against Mr. Darcy. The story reveals that Wickham is a villain while Mr. Darcy is a gentleman. This is one of the greatest ironies of the novel. It is ironical that Wick ham's rascality is made the chief agency in the reconciliation of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. It is also ironical that Lady Catherine helps the marriage of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy while trying to obstruct it. Miss Bingley teases Elizabeth in Mr. Darcy’s presence about the departure of the officers hinting specifically at Mr. Wickham. She never knows that she is pinching the heart of Mr. Darcy by reminding him of Mr. Wick ham's unsuccessful attempt to elope with his sister. Jane Austen herself pauses to count the nails which Miss Bingley hammers into her own coffin. It could be called the intended taking a devious turn. It is no use multiplying examples. The novel is replete with examples of irony. Every page is full of them but the irony of Jane Austen is sly and subtle. Her irony can be understood if we understand her attitude to a character and situation. Unless such an attitude is noted the effect of irony and humor is lost.
“Jane Austen’s attitude is also revealed by her style of writing which is often given a humorous twist by the juxtaposition of two unlikely elements. An example of such a style is, “They solaced their wretchedness, however by duets after supper.” The syntax of the sentence construction is carefully executed by the novelist to heighten the irony and create the desired effect in such examples as:
‘She is tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me” “ She could easily have forgiven his pride had he not mortified hers” “My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me”
Indeed it may be said that one of the greatest charms of this novel is derived from the gentle ironical humor and delightful “tongue in the cheek” way of describing people and situations. Jane Austen’s predisposition to deal ironically with her novel is evident in her character portrayal. She does not stoop to the level of vulgarity in describing her characters nor elevate them to a state of extreme ironic significance by undue exaggeration or lampooning. Hers is a restrained technique and she concentrates on speaking to the point, on exposing the comic foibles and laughable weaknesses of her characters. The principal characters portray an attitude or behavior which is very unlike their real nature: Mr Darcy who is caring and considerate is shown to be proud and obdurate, Elizabeth who is loving and kind is shown to be prejudiced and Mr Wickham whose moral fiber is sick and corrupt is shown to be gentle and refined. The structure of the novel also helps in establishing this aspect. Half of Darcy’s character which is proudness, severity, rudeness and aloofness are highlighted in the first part of the novel. In the second half he is shown as being, friendly, loving and considerate. Likewise Wickham who behaves like a well-bred gentleman is actually, a thoroughly money-minded and extravagant rascal. Jane, Bingley, Lady Catherine, Charlotte, Mr Collins and the other characters maintain a consistency.
Another way in which Jane Austen sounds ironical in character portrayal, is in giving the readers the advantage of examination and judgement. Mr. Bennett who is an impractical cynic never thinks about the consequences which could rise out of such a behavior of his.
Mr. Collins the loud mouthed pompous fool thinks himself to be worthy of great respect and attention. Ms Bennett a vulgar, unrefined woman never for once thinks her behavior to be disgusting. Lydia is a flirt who thinks that such a sort of behavior is perfectly normal. In Pride and Prejudice, irony is also a reversal of situations. Elizabeth goes to the ball expecting Mr Wickham but finds him absent. Ironically Mr Darcy is present. When Elizabeth visits the Pemberley estate along with the Gardiners, where she dares to enjoy the sights assured of the owner’s absence, she is surprised by the sudden arrival of Mr Darcy.This episode, leads to the breaking of ice between the both of them.
Jane Austen’s irony in the novel is never bitter. It is funny, lighthearted and delicate, treated with amusement. Her humor and wit make irony a necessity in her novels. It can be said that the novelist herself loves folly so much that she should have found little pleasure in an ideal world.