How Does Jane Austen Use Of Personification In Pride And Prejudice

In this passage from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, her highly specific word choice when describing the scenery is, in fact, describing the feelings Elizabeth is beginning to feel for Darcy. Previous to this encounter, their courtship had come to an end when, after an argument, Elizabeth and Darcy were not on speaking terms, yet, through the use of personification, symbolism, and diction Austen conveys this important shift in their relationship and the narrative.

When Elizabeth travels to his estate she begins to see the similarities between the “large, handsome stone building” and Darcy’s physicalities and character. Austen’s use of personification, where she draws similarities between Pemberley and Darcy allows her to convey Elizabeth true feelings before she is even aware of them. Before this Elizabeth was put off by Darcy’s pride, yet, when she sees the context of where he lives she understand his intentions are also “neither formal nor falsely adorned”. Both the estate and the man are “of some natural importance” and she is

When “they gradually ascend(..) for half-a-mile” it can be seen as the progression of their relationship. Although when they first met they were cordial at best, they were able to overcome their original impressions and begin courtship. At this point they may not be in the best of terms, however, this can be seen as a turning point in their relationship. The realization that Elizabeth is experiencing is much like in their journey “where the wood ceased.” This is a time in which Elizabeth realizes the true qualities of Darcy’s character and is able to see past his distant exterior. She realizes that all of his faults that she was so upset by previously are moreso a reflection of her own prejudice towards the rich. Now, looking back on it, she regrets dismissing his proposal so thoughtlessly and now thinks “to be mistress of Pemberley might be