The Use of Verbal, Situational, and Dramatic Ironies in Pride and Prejudice
In Pride and Prejudice, Austen uses several literary techniques to build character, push the plot along, emphasize themes, and also offer insight to readers on the ongoing situations. Almost all of this is presented through some sort of irony whether it is verbal, situational, or dramatic. These ironies occur when there is a discrepancy between what should be and what actually is and the effect of these is different based on the given context. Austen’s use of the different ironies not only entertains people but also allows the readers to understand her own view on the characters.
Verbal irony occurs when a character says or does the exact opposite of they are actually …show more content…
The opening sentence of this novel is perhaps the most prominent example of verbal irony as it states, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife” (1). Here, the irony lies in the true meaning of this phrase, which is that during this time period the main motive of most women was to find a single man who was well off and marry him as soon as possible. The opposite of the quote is displayed later on in the book when Charlotte Lucas decided to move up the social ladder when she shows interest in Mr. Collins. Moreover, an instance of verbal irony that gives the readers a look into Elizabeth’s thoughts is when she thinks that her best friend, Charlotte Lucas, decided to marry William Collins “solely from the pure and disinterested desire of an establishment, care not …show more content…
This type of irony is called situational irony, in which an action performed has the opposite reaction than intended so the response to said situation may be an unexpected one. A prime example of situational irony is when Mr. Darcy says “In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you” (145). He then proceeds to ask for her hand in marriage although his timing could have definitely been better. At this point in the novel, Elizabeth is extremely angry at Darcy as she remembers that he is the reason her sister’s relationship with Mr. Bingley was broken off because of him. Then she proceeds to reject him as she cannot imagine being married to him. The intended reaction to a marriage proposal from a proper man like Darcy should have been a prompt acceptance and immense joy but instead Mr. Darcy managed to only cross Elizabeth further by bad mouthing her family and her social
In Pride and Prejudice, Austen uses several literary techniques to build character, push the plot along, emphasize themes, and also offer insight to readers on the ongoing situations. Almost all of this is presented through some sort of irony whether it is verbal, situational, or dramatic. These ironies occur when there is a discrepancy between what should be and what actually is and the effect of these is different based on the given context. Austen’s use of the different ironies not only entertains people but also allows the readers to understand her own view on the characters.
Verbal irony occurs when a character says or does the exact opposite of they are actually …show more content…
The opening sentence of this novel is perhaps the most prominent example of verbal irony as it states, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife” (1). Here, the irony lies in the true meaning of this phrase, which is that during this time period the main motive of most women was to find a single man who was well off and marry him as soon as possible. The opposite of the quote is displayed later on in the book when Charlotte Lucas decided to move up the social ladder when she shows interest in Mr. Collins. Moreover, an instance of verbal irony that gives the readers a look into Elizabeth’s thoughts is when she thinks that her best friend, Charlotte Lucas, decided to marry William Collins “solely from the pure and disinterested desire of an establishment, care not …show more content…
This type of irony is called situational irony, in which an action performed has the opposite reaction than intended so the response to said situation may be an unexpected one. A prime example of situational irony is when Mr. Darcy says “In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you” (145). He then proceeds to ask for her hand in marriage although his timing could have definitely been better. At this point in the novel, Elizabeth is extremely angry at Darcy as she remembers that he is the reason her sister’s relationship with Mr. Bingley was broken off because of him. Then she proceeds to reject him as she cannot imagine being married to him. The intended reaction to a marriage proposal from a proper man like Darcy should have been a prompt acceptance and immense joy but instead Mr. Darcy managed to only cross Elizabeth further by bad mouthing her family and her social