Irony

A writer’s use of literary devices can enhance an ordinary piece of writing into a masterpiece. Irony, one of the most commonly used literary devices, is seen throughout all of literature. In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, especially, irony plays an extensive role in strengthening the plot and the relationships between characters. Irony sets up first impressions, situations and their aftermaths, and the realizations of misjudgment from first impressions. It also provides contrast between what a character says versus what a character actually means, the expectation of an outcome versus what ultimately happens, and information the audience knows versus information the characters know. Pride and Prejudice displays a great deal of knowledge …show more content…
In the very first line of the book, the narrator says, “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). The irony of this quotation is that it is actually the women who are in search of rich husbands, rather than men in search for suitable wives. The quote sets the tone for the novel because in its entirety, the Bennet girls and other women are on the constant prowl for a fitting husband. Another demonstration of rhetorical irony is the sharp and quick witted comments of Lizzy. During Lizzy’s conversation with Darcy at Netherfield, Darcy claims he only knows six accomplished women. Lizzy responds by inferring that Darcy must understand a great deal of his idea of a woman with accomplishments. Although she says this, Lizzy truly believes that Darcy does not know what he wants in a woman because he is too arrogant and proud. The most humorous example of verbal irony is the sarcastic manner of Mr. Bennet. Mr. Bennet is very teasing of his wife, and her ridiculous character leads to the irritation of Mr. Bennet. The brief argument between Mr. And Mrs. Bennet in the first scene sets the tone of their poor marriage. Rhetorical irony is a very effective way for the narrator and characters to make their points and express …show more content…
For example, the reader knows of Darcy’s gradual affection for Lizzy, but Lizzy herself is completely ignorant of it. The reader first learns of Darcy’s fondness for Lizzy when he defends Lizzy when Caroline Bingley is talking badly about her. Lizzy shows up to Netherfield with her hem covered in mud because she had walked there. Caroline thinks it is hysterical and gossips about her only to have Darcy defend her saying that the exercise had brightened her eyes. Another time Darcy unveils his affection is when he asks Lizzy to dance with him at the ball at Netherfield. Lizzy is still blind to the fact that Darcy is fond of her, so she resents that she is dancing with him. This creates tension and an awkward situation for both Darcy and Elizabeth. The true character of Mr. Wickham also creates dramatic irony. The Bennet girls fancy Wickham when they first meet them because he is good looking and charming. Eventually, Lizzy finds out Wickham’s true intention through a letter from Darcy. Darcy exposes that Mr. Wickham had recently tried to elope with his sister because, “Mr. Wickham’s chief object was unquestionably Georgiana’s fortune” (Austen 152). She reveals Wickham’s cruel and greedy characteristics to Jane only. Since Lydia is ignorant of the fact that Wickham’s intentions are not pure, she is all to eager and happy to