In this passage Jane Austen uses narrative voice and different dialogic perspectives which affect the way the reader responds to the events and the characters being described. Some of the techniques Austen uses include direct narrative addressed to the reader, narrative focalisation, and free indirect speech. These different techniques allow varying levels of insight into different characters, ranging from seeing the in-depth thoughts and feelings of a character, to allowing the reader to view a character in conversation with others.
The passage begins with the omniscient narrator setting the scene for the reader, establishing that Elizabeth and Jane are conversing. This quickly shifts to using Jane as the focaliser, telling the reader her reaction to the news she is receiving from Elizabeth: Jane listened with astonishment and concern; she knew not how to believe that Mr. Darcy could be so unworthy of Mr. Bingleys regard. This focalisation serves to encourage the reader to trust in what the narrator is saying, and to believe in the feelings of Jane. Austen also uses free indirect speech here, which tells the reader of Janes innocence and naivety in wanting to think well of them both, to defend the conduct of each.
In the second paragraph of the passage Austen introduces dialogue between Elizabeth and Jane, further enhancing Janes character and her wanting to believe in the goodness of all people: They have both, said she, been deceived, I dare say, in some way or other. The dialogue continues, allowing Elizabeth to show the readers her own thoughts on what Mr. Wickham has told her the previous night. In the third paragraph Elizabeth adopts a sarcastic tone towards Jane, which modifies slightly the readers opinion of her, in that through the dialogue she is shown to be almost obnoxious in the dismissal of her sisters opinion. The reader is able to see that Elizabeths judgement is determined by her own prejudice that derives from her first impression of Darcy.
This exchange of dialogue in the passage enhances the readers knowledge of the two characters through the highly individualized styles of speech Austen employs. The discourse which develops as the passage continues reflects the moral sensibilities of the two characters. Through the dialogue the reader gains an insight into the characters social attitudes, views of the world and of themselves. Jane follows Elizabeths sarcasm by continuing into the fourth paragraph: Laugh as much as you chuse, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion. This response from Jane helps to build up the structural irony which is developing; Jane has doubts over Elizabeths opinions of Wickham and Darcy, and through the trust already engaged in Janes feelings from earlier in the passage, this element of doubt is successfully projected into the mind of the reader.
Further dialogue continues in the passage, before switching back to the narrator referring to Janes inner thoughts: Mr. Bingley, if he had been imposed on, would have much to suffer when the affair became public. This free indirect speech encourages the reader to imagine the outcome of such an idea, illustrating one of the important themes throughout the novel as a whole; a world whose social importance relies heavily on its systems of values and status. The techniques of dialogue and free indirect speech work to provide the reader with a deeper insight into Janes character, by employing the use of two different styles of narrative, which flow from one to another. An interesting contrast is made in what Jane is consciously speaking out loud, and her fears which she keeps to herself.
The narrator goes on to signify the end of the dialogue, and continues to tell the story through direct narrative addressed to the reader: The two young ladies were summoned from the shrubbery where this conversation passed. On the arrival of Mr. Bingley and his sisters the narrator tells the reader of their reason for arrival, and through indirect speech assures the reader of the conversation between Jane and the sisters, without actually creating the dialogue: The two ladies were delighted to see their dear friend again, called it an age since they had met, and repeatedly asked what she had been doing with herself. As this technique of indirect speech encourages the reader to imagine the conversation, it illustrates the effect of irony that different techniques have in the passage, and indeed the novel as a whole.
The last paragraph of the passage reverts back to the omniscient narrator directly addressing the reader: The prospect of the Netherfield ball was extremely agreeable to every female of the family. Through this technique of narrative the narrator is able to illustrate some of the social and moral values of the characters as the reader is given an insight into their personal feelings and what the prospect of the ball means to each of them. Also within this final paragraph, two consciousnesses inhabit the words the narrator is speaking: the nave consciousness of the characters, and the knowing consciousness of the narrator. However, at this stage in the passage, and the novel as a whole, the narrator does not include the reader in this knowingness. This illustrates some of the techniques used to gain the readers trust in the narrator, whereas in actual fact this voice is often deliberately unreliable.
In conclusion, the different ways in which the narrative voice and dialogue are used at this point in the novel work together in unison, with a fine balance existing between them, to acquaint the reader with all the relevant information concerning the characters, and to continue the flow of the novel as a whole. The passage relates strongly to some of the themes of the novel, including the prejudice shown by Elizabeth, and the importance placed on social values and status. The ways in which the narrative voice and dialogue are used together help to continue the structural irony apparent throughout, whilst subtly keeping the reader aware of the various themes that underpin the novel.
Word count: 998
Bibliography
Austen. J. (1818) Pride and Prejudice Oxford University Press
Padley. S. (2006) Approaching Prose Fiction Open University
Walder. D. (2006) The Realist Novel Open University
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