English

Chronological time justifies the theme of change in Pride and Prejudice; Austen has organised transformations in feelings of love, hate, trust and betrayal according to the episodic structure of the novel. The structural layout of the novel is substantial as it links to the changes in opinions and judgements; hence, distinction between the characters is introduced at the start of the novel in order to create a significant impact when attitudes begin to mutate.
Elizabeth’s hatred for Darcy is defined shortly after the epigram, she prejudged him based on his social status and first impressions. Darcy underestimated Jane’s love for Bingley and assumed she was searching for social stability, established on Mrs Bennet foolishness. Whickam (who acts like a foil- reveals half truths about Darcy to Elizabeth) betrayed Darcy with his failed efforts to elope with his sister Georgiana, and repeated this procedure a second time by luring Lydia into his arms which resulted in a forced marriage. And Mr Bennet learned to tolerate the credulous behaviour of his wife.
Throughout the course of the novel framing devices such as letters are used as an Epistolary form to speed up the plot. In addition to acting as a catalyst, they assist in exposing another characters perspective of the situation which helps the readers to obtain additional insight in to the novel. For example, in Chapter 46 Elizabeth receives a letter from Jane during her stay at Lambton, “something occurred of a most unexpected and serious nature” Another way in which the readers gain an insight, is the use of Austen’s protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet. The novel is told predominantly through her eyes as she is frequently used as the key focaliser, the readers are aided in this sense because they can build a connection or bond with her by grasping her personal feelings, reactions and private opinions towards any situation. On the other hand they are limited because they are only shown one biased perception of the circumstance.
Elizabeth is a character in the novel that seems true to life. She is a realistic character, hence, her opinions are trustworthy. On the other hand, Mrs Bennet’s exaggeration that is presented for satirical effect, is used as a form of humour to create irony; Austen pokes fun at her as she is a caricature. This is easily identified in the introduction when Mr Bingley has arrived in town. Austen states in the first paragraph “he is considered the rightful property of someone or other of their daughters”, which is proven true; marriage is a recurring and distinctive idea running throughout the novel. Immediately after receiving the news of his arrival Mrs Bennet ecstatically exclaims “A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!”, the use of short exclamatory sentences reflect her desperation in marrying off her daughters, as was the aim of any other Mother in the 19th Century.
For example, on their first meeting, Elizabeth describes Mr Bingley as having “pleasant countenance, easy and unaffected manners” as opposed to Mr Darcy, who’s character is reviewed as undesirable, grounded on his manners which “gave a disgust”. Elizabeth’s dialect, (“disgust” “pleasant”) firmly suggest the distinctive contrast between Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley’s personality. This contrast heightens Mr Darcy’s pride as his character is compared to one considered desirable, therefore, negative connotations are automatically formed in the mind of a reader towards Mr Darcy.
Mrs Bennet is used as a device that symbolises the motif of marriage within the novel, her reaction upon hearing the arrival of Mr Bingley proves this. She insists Mr Bennet “must visit him as soon as he comes”, however, Mr Bennet’s teasing nature assures her there is no need, and maybe the girls should visit him themselves. “Mr Bingley might like you the best of the party” is his form of a dry witty comment to his wife who is naïve and fails to recognise this, replies with “My dear, you flatter me.” assuming she received a meaningful compliment. From here the readers recognise Mr Bennet as a realistic character in the novel.
Elizabeth’s use of a hyperbally, exaggerates her views in order to satirise Mr Darcy. This is shown when she claims him to be “the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world”. “In the world” emphasis the vast scale of people, exaggerating her thoughts.