Jane Austen’s Use of Irony in “Pride and Prejudice.” 

Answer

Comment on Jane Austen’s use of irony in “Pride and Prejudice.” 

Or, The use of irony makes Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” more enjoyable- discuss.  

“Pride and Prejudice” (1813) is written by Jane Austen (1775-1817). This iconic novel was first published in 1813. It is a classic novel that is rich in irony. Austen uses irony to satirize the society and characters. He highlights the gap between appearance and reality. Here are some examples of irony in “Pride and Prejudice.”

Irony in the Title: The title “Pride and Prejudice” is ironic. At first, we might think Mr. Darcy is proud, and Elizabeth is prejudiced. However, as the story develops, both characters possess these qualities. Darcy’s pride in his social status blinds him to Elizabeth’s virtues. Elizabeth’s prejudice against Darcy, based on the first impression and Wickham’s deceit, blinds her to his true character. 

Irony in the Opening Line: The novel starts with a famous opening line, 

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife,

This is a prime example of irony. Austen is poking fun at the social belief that wealthy men are always seeking wives. Austen also reveals that society often pressures women to seek out these rich men. This tendency is found in Mrs. Bennet. She sends her daughter Jane to Mr Bingley’s Netherfield estate. This ironic statement highlights the absurdity of such societal expectations.

Mr. Darcy’s Proposal: Mr. Darcy’s first proposal to Elizabeth Bennet is a classic example of dramatic irony. He proposes to her while expressing his love. At the same time, he speaks of her lower social standing, her family’s shortcomings, and her inferiority to him. His pride and lack of self-awareness prevent him from realizing how offensive his proposal sounds to Elizabeth. Earlier at Meryton ball, Darcy refused to dance with Elizabeth and made an insulting comment about her,

 She is tolerable: but not handsome enough to tempt me;

He is genuinely shocked when she rejects him. The irony here is in the clash between his expectations and the reality of Elizabeth’s response.

Elizabeth’s Initial Prejudice: Elizabeth Bennet’s initial prejudice against Mr Darcy is another layer of irony. Elizabeth prides herself on her ability to judge character. She is entirely wrong about Darcy and Wickham, especially about Darcy’s supposed arrogance and Wickham’s honesty. Elizabeth’s realization of her mistake is captured when she reflects, 

Till this moment, I never knew myself. 

Wickham’s Charm: George Wickham’s charm is another source of irony. Initially, he appears to be a handsome and charming officer. He wins the hearts of many girls, including Elizabeth. He paints Darcy as the villain. Elizabeth believes the worst about Darcy. The irony is that Wickham, who seems so sincere and trustworthy, is deceitful. His true nature is revealed later when he elopes with Lydia. 

Mrs. Bennet’s Matchmaking: Mrs. Bennet’s efforts at matchmaking are comically ironic. She is determined to see her daughters married. At the very outset, we see Austen saying,

The business of her life was to get her daughters married;

Her lack of tact and social grace often hinder her efforts. She is focused on securing advantageous marriages. For instance, she attempts to push Jane toward Mr. Bingley. But here, fate separates Bingley and Jane as he moves to London. Moreover, her delight at Lydia’s marriage to Wickham is ironic. Despite achieving her aim of marrying a daughter, she fails to see the disgrace and future hardships this union will bring. Mrs Bennet’s actions, intended to secure her daughters’ futures, often have the opposite effect.

In conclusion, the use of irony in “Pride and Prejudice” helps shape the plot, develop the characters, and criticize social norms. It allows Jane Austen to comment on her society’s flaws and foibles with wit and insight.