An excerpt from the notes I had prepared long ago for my Post Graduate study. It gives an interesting perspective about what is so fascinating about Jane Austen and especially Pride and Prejudice. ” Irony penetrates the whole 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 stress, emphasis and the tone of the sentences. 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. 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 Wickham’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 specially at Mr. Wickham. She never knows that she is pinching the heart of Mr. Darcy by reminding him of Mr. Wickham’s unsuccessful attempt to elope with his sister. Jane Austen herself pauses to count the nails which Miss Bingley hammers into her own coffin. The novel is replete with examples of irony. Every page is full of them but the irony of Jane Austen is 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.
It is also revealed by the 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.”
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. All the important characters are either moving about, donning false qualities or behaving with sufficient elan to degrade themselves.
Half of Darcy’s character which is pride, severity and rudeness, aloofness are highlighted in the first part of the novel. In the second half he is shown as being, friendly, loving and considerate also. Likewise Wickham who behaves like a well-bred gentleman is actually a thoroughly money-minded, extravagant rascal.
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 knave thinks himself to be worthy of great respect and attention. Mrs. Bennett a vulgar, unrefined woman never for once thinks her behavior to be disgusting.
What renders timelessness to a work of art or Literature is amply evident in the novel; the irony, the wisdom and the genius that has and will transcend ages.