Analysis of Style and Structure

By: Ashley Jose

Section 2

            Pride and Prejudice is a novel that consists of many different themes, literary devices, and symbols. I believe that the central theme of this novel mainly concerns itself with marriage. In the beginning of the book it says, “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” As I read this, I automatically came to the conclusion; this book is mainly dealt with love. This novel is not about a man seeking for a spouse, but a mother seeking suitable husbands for her daughters.

            Pride and Prejudice is filled with the theme of love because of Darcy and Elizabeth’s love for each other. Although Elizabeth’s pride makes her misjudge Darcy and Darcy’s negative thinking about Elizabeth’s poor social standing blinds him, they still managed to find love with each other. Jane Austen portrays that true love is separate from society and should be a love that can fight through any obstacles that fall in their way.  This novel also portrays a theme of reputation. During these times, women were told to act and dress a certain way, and if they didn’t, they were greatly frowned upon. The theme of class is related to reputation,  both themes reflect the strict nature of life for the middle and upper classes in England. The Bennett’s, who are middle class socialize with the upper-class Bingley’s and Darcy’s.  The Bennett's and other woman had thought negatively towards Darcy because he is a higher class than they are. The themes of love, reputation, and class are extremely popular in this novel.

            Foreshadowing occurs once, to hint at Elizabeth’s eventual love for Mr. Darcy. This is when she is struck with admiration for Pemberley, which is a symbol for Darcy himself. Darcy’s estate Pemberley is a great symbol to describe this novel. Elizabeth visits it at a time when her feelings toward Darcy are beginning to increase; she is mesmerized by the estates beauty and charm, and by the countryside image. Austen makes the connection when she describes the stream that flows beside the place. “In front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance.” This can also be interpreted as Darcy possessing a “natural importance” that is “swelled” by his arrogance.

           

                    In conclusion, Pride and Prejudice deals with many different types of themes, literary devices and symbols. Jane Austen has done a terrific job balancing this out and showing that symbols have a much deeper meaning then expected. Themes and symbols have a great impact on literature because, it tells us the author wants us to think deeper and understand the book in a more interesting way.  Through the Darcy-Elizabeth and Bingley-Jane marriages, Austen shows the power of love and happiness to overcome class boundaries and prejudices.