Jane Austen

Jane Austen’s Language Use of inversions: The idea of his returning no more Elizabeth treated with the utmost contempt.

Sentences composed of multiple clauses: But I can guess how it was; everybody says that he is eat up with pride, and I dare say that Miss Long does not keep a carriage, and had come to the ball in a hack chaise. He assured her that as to dancing, he was perfectly indifferent to it, that his chief object was by delicate attentions to recommend himself to her, and he should therefore make a point of remaining close to her the whole evening.

Note that modern writers tend to generate sentences with phrases: George was coming down in telemark position, kneeling; one leg forward and bent, the other trailing; his sticks hanging like some insect’s long legs, kicking up puffs of snow, the whole kneeling, trailing figure coming around in a beautiful right curve, crouching, the legs shot forward and back, the body leaning out against the swing, the sticks accenting the curve like points of light, all in a wild cloud of snow. ~ Ernest Hemingway “Cross Country Snow” They huddled gaudy, motionless and alert, wild as deer, deadly as rattlesnakes, quiet as doves. ~ William Faulkner

Jane Austen’s Humor

Incongruity Austen uses unexpected words in a sentence or passage for satirical effect. Can you locate the incongruous words in these statements? (Jane and Bingley announce their marriage plans.) “Miss Bingley’s congratulations to her brother on his approaching marriage were all that was affectionate and insincere.” “Lady Lucas was inquiring of Maria across the table after the welfare and poultry of her eldest daughter.” (Elizabeth informs Bingley and his sisters that Jane’s illness has become worse.) “... his sisters declared that they were miserable. They solaced their wretchedness, however, by duets after supper.”

Irony Verbal: The literal meaning of words is the opposite of what is meant by the speaker. (Look for the way Mr. Bennet makes fun of his wife’s foolishness.) Dramatic: The reader knows that what the character says or thinks is opposite to the reality of the situation. (Watch for this in scenes involving Mrs. Bennet, or Caroline Bingley.) Situational: What happens is the opposite of what was planned, or expected. (Notice the triangle of Elizabeth, Caroline, and Darcy.)

Matt’s trip to the library was quite profitable. He came home with a list of several good sources for his research paper, two informative books, and ___________________. You were gone so long I didn’t know what to do, so I prayed and _______________. Now try your hand at “Austen style” humor:

Modes of Characterization Direct: Thenarrator states precisely what the reader should think about a character. Indirect: A character’s thoughts and qualities are revealed through their own words. Free Indirect Style (aka “closed third person”) : Presents the thoughts of a character as if from that character’s point of view. (Said of Mrs. Bennet): She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper. Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth, saying, “My reasons for marrying are, first, I think it a right thing for every clergyman... to set an example of matrimony in his parish.” Of neither Darcy nor Wickham could she think without feeling that she had been blind, partial, prejudiced, absurd.