Why do you think Pride and Prejudice is an everlasting classic? Jane Austen’s use of humor in Pride and Prejudice makes it a classic literary piece. Due to its captivating literary techniques, it is a smooth read even for the readers of the 21st Century. The plot, narrative technique, literary devices, character engagement, and character development make the novel more fascinating. Additionally, Austen’s humor plays a vital role in attracting readers. Austen’s humor makes the plot rich and works as a strong force for readers to enjoy the book more.
1. Use of Satire
The use of satire is prominent throughout the novel. Austen expresses her humor by making fun of her surroundings. This also shows how she sees the world. She is seen to make fun on riches, pride, and marriage through satire. For instance, Mr. Collins is the ideal target because he is pompous, conceited, and ungainly. In addition to being humorous, his extravagant loyalty to authority and his absurd proposal to Elizabeth Bennet show how much importance society at the time placed on social position.
Next is Mrs. Bennet, who is mostly worried about marrying off her daughters. Her ongoing worry about finding “good” husbands is amusing and somewhat depressing, illustrating how individuals were frequently more concerned with outward looks than genuine connections
2. The Wit of the Characters
Elizabeth Bennet’s wit makes her character more intriguing. She is intelligent, sharp, and unapologetic to speak her mind. She uses a lot of sarcasm and playful remarks in her interactions with Mr. Darcy, particularly in the beginning of the book. Elizabeth is one of the most entertaining characters to read because of her swift thinking and inability to accept anything at face value, which lends a humorous element to the narrative.
3. Situational Irony
Austen’s humor relies extensively on situational irony. In Pride and Prejudice, a lot of things don’t work out the way the protagonists predict. For example- Mr. Darcy’s first proposal to Elizabeth which he makes with arrogance and conceit thinking she will accept. However, his shock, he was refused. A subtle yet amusing turn of events occurs later on when Darcy begins to shift and reveal his fragility, illustrating how individuals can be so wrong about one another.
Even in cases when miscommunications occur, such as when Elizabeth believes Darcy is a villain or when Mr. Collins asks Charlotte Lucas for marriage. The humor is found in the characters’ exaggerated responses and the surprising results.
Why the Humor Works
Pride and Prejudice‘s comic sense makes us laugh and makes us mesmerize at the wit of Austen. Austen shows the characters’ viewpoints through this use of humor. She shows the characters’ follies, and difficulties imposed by society, and gives a humorous chance to escape the serious themes of love and marriage. Through the sarcastic comments of Mr. Bennet, or the absurd ideas of Mr. Collins, and the witty replies by Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, Austen makes the novel more compelling for the readers. Therefore, the next time, when you read Pride and Prejudice try appreciating Austen’s humor instead of love.
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Writer
Mariam Mardia,
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE