Syntax as well satiric diction in Pride and Prejudice is essential in establishing the author’s attitude regarding pride and its relationship with aristocratic society and how people shouldn't let it control their actions. According to Austen, the society in the novel only approves pride depending on the source of it and whether if it matches society’s prestigious standards. Pride is the norm in the society in the novel as evident in Austen’s syntax, which she uses to reflect society’s values. Her cynical diction in passage one, which establishes the relationship between pride and society, and two, which establishes her refusal to abide by society, determines her negative stance on the issue of pride. However, too much of it or too little
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For example, Wickham’s haughty diction in the quote is evident of how he judges others including Mr. Darcy, “You [Elizabeth], who so well know my feelings toward Mr. Darcy, will readily comprehend how sincerely I must rejoice that he is wise enough to assume even the appearance of what is right.” (226) Notice the usage of self-flattering words Wickham is quick to use including ‘rejoice’ and ‘appearance’ and ‘right’ for this diction supports the attitude Austen uses to criticize society. By having Wickham be quick to compliment himself and put down Darcy simultaneously in the same sentence, Austen gives the readers an example of the aristocratic society - quick to flatter themselves and others when they agree with them, but even quicker to insult someone else they find disagreeable in the same breath. This is why the word ‘appearance’ is italicized, in order to emphasize what aristocratic society is about: appearances. Syntax in this quote isn't quite lengthy, but it isn't short and choppy sentences either. Rather it's an average length precisely because Austen wants it to reflect what was normal for the society in the syntax. This is further seen in the quote, “[Darcy’s] pride, in that direction, may be of service, if not to himself, to many others for it must deter him from such foul misconduct as I [Wickham] have suffered by.” (226) Pride, according to Wickham, can be of service to others and if it's not, it's a nuisance to society. Austen’s syntax in this quote is of average length, implying once again the corrupt values of an aristocratic society being about appearances through her diction of ‘service,’ meaning to be used by others, and ‘foul,’ like the synonym of
For example, Wickham’s haughty diction in the quote is evident of how he judges others including Mr. Darcy, “You [Elizabeth], who so well know my feelings toward Mr. Darcy, will readily comprehend how sincerely I must rejoice that he is wise enough to assume even the appearance of what is right.” (226) Notice the usage of self-flattering words Wickham is quick to use including ‘rejoice’ and ‘appearance’ and ‘right’ for this diction supports the attitude Austen uses to criticize society. By having Wickham be quick to compliment himself and put down Darcy simultaneously in the same sentence, Austen gives the readers an example of the aristocratic society - quick to flatter themselves and others when they agree with them, but even quicker to insult someone else they find disagreeable in the same breath. This is why the word ‘appearance’ is italicized, in order to emphasize what aristocratic society is about: appearances. Syntax in this quote isn't quite lengthy, but it isn't short and choppy sentences either. Rather it's an average length precisely because Austen wants it to reflect what was normal for the society in the syntax. This is further seen in the quote, “[Darcy’s] pride, in that direction, may be of service, if not to himself, to many others for it must deter him from such foul misconduct as I [Wickham] have suffered by.” (226) Pride, according to Wickham, can be of service to others and if it's not, it's a nuisance to society. Austen’s syntax in this quote is of average length, implying once again the corrupt values of an aristocratic society being about appearances through her diction of ‘service,’ meaning to be used by others, and ‘foul,’ like the synonym of