The Importance of Jane Austen's Letters in Pride and Prejudice
In Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" letters are used to indicate a
change in direction of the plot or to form narrative crisis points.
Jane Austen successfully weaves her letters into the natural narrative
of the dialogue and description. It is suggested that Jane Austen
developed her epistolary mode of writing from many other 18th Century
authors such as Samuel Richardson, whose novels are written completely
in the form of letters.
In the 18th century letters were an important form of communication
for characters such as Jane, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy; who write with
assiduousness and diligence. Through letters these characters convey
their hidden emotions, apprehensions and convictions. This is a great
contrast to characters such as Lydia and Mr. Collins whose letters
reflect their own ludicrous personalities. For example Lydia's letter
to Harriet concerning her elopement with Mr. Wickham confirms previous
convictions of her vulgar, and indiscrete traits.
Although each of the characters write for different motives and with
individual approaches, each letter reflects the personality of their
scribe and contributes to the movement of the narrative, as letters
are followed by action, whether inward or outward, and are thus
pivotal contributions to the plot.
Darcy's letter to Elizabeth is perhaps the most influential letter in
the novel. It is written to Elizabeth during her stay with Mr. and
Mrs. Collins at Hunsford near Rosings Park. Darcy writes this after
his initial proposal, which Elizabeth brutally rebuffs. It explains
his past dealings with Wickham and th...
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Not all characters get a happy ending, and a particular character’s husband turned out to be someone much different than who she believed to be marrying. Through dishonesty, confusion, and chicanery, each character had a helping hand in dishing out each other’s fate, but nonetheless, the relationships that resulted in a law-binding marriage beat destiny and overcame every hardship standing in the way of love and happiness.
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The origins of Third Wave feminism are highly debated, as there is no clear commonality that this wave uses to differentiate between the First and Second waves that occurred prior. Emerging during the 1990’s, Third Wave feminism sought to build upon the achievements and ideas that were accomplished during First and Second wave’s, by increasing the significance and accessibility of its ideas to a greater spectrum of people.
Throughout the texts we have read in English thus far have been feminist issues. Such issues range from how the author published the book to direct, open statements concerning feminist matters. The different ways to present feminist issues is even directly spoken of in one of the essays we read and discussed. The less obvious of these feminist critiques is found buried within the texts, however, and must be read carefully to understand their full meaning- or to even see them.
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In the Eighteenth and Nineteenth centuries, the idea of patriarchy ruled the many societies all over the world. Particularly in Britain, its “overarching patriarchal model” (Marsh) had “reserved power and privilege for men” (Marsh). Also during this time period feminist literature began to arise and was invaded by, “the complex social, ethical, and economic roots of sexual politics… as testimony to gender bias and the double standard” (“Sexual Politics and Feminist Literature”). In Jane Austen’s writing, readers have been aware of her constant themes of female independence and gender equality. However, many have criticized the author for the fact that many of her “individualistic” female characters have ended up
The Significance of Letters in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Letters play a very important role in 'Pride and Prejudice'. They can link the story because letters provide information which we would not have found out from the dialogue between the characters. We an also find out extra background information which can help with the reader's understanding of characters, the plot and the novel in general. Letters can reveal characters' personalities and how they feel about the other characters in the novel, for example Miss Bingley's feelings about Jane. Letters are used as a dramatic device in 'Pride and Prejudice' to further the plot, link the story and to inform the readers of the character's personalities.
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