Analysis of the Passage from the Novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - Essay Example

?ESSAY The passage is an excerpt from the novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, (Volume I, Chapter 22). It contains the matter pertainingto Charlotte's acceptance of Mr. Collins' marriage proposal, and Elizabeth's reception for the same. The writer liberally makes use of both Direct and Focalised narrative in the passage. The possibility of Mr. Collins fancying himself in love with her friend had once occurred to Elizabeth within the last day or two; but that Charlotte could encourage him, seemed almost as far from possibility as that she could encourage him herself, and her astonishment was consequently so great as to overcome at first the bounds of decorum (Paragraph 1). The aforementioned piece is a flawless demonstration of Direct Narrative. One can say so, as in this case, the viewpoint presented to the reader is that of a heterodiegetic narrator, who is not a part of the story, and has complete knowledge of all the happenings in the story. As a result, it gives the reader an opportunity to analyse the situation in the story using a wide pool of thoughts. Charlotte did not stay much longer, and Elizabeth was then left to reflect on what she had heard. It was a long time before she became at all reconciled to the idea of so unsuitable a match. The strangeness of Mr. Collins making two offers of marriage within three days was nothing in comparison of his being now accepted. She had always felt that Charlotte's opinion of matrimony was not exactly like her own, but she could not have supposed it possible that when called into action, she would have sacrificed every better feeling to worldly advantage. Charlotte the wife of Mr. Collins was a most humiliating picture! (Paragraph 4) This fragment very gracefully mingles both Direct and Focalised narrative. The first line has been laid out in pure Direct narrative, with the narrator informing the reader about the departure of Charlotte and the beginning of Elizabeth's train of thoughts. However, from the second line onwards, the narrative shifts to being Focalised, with Elizabeth being the focaliser. The text from here onwards, gives the reader a portrayal of the happening (Charlotte's acceptance of Mr. Collins marriage proposal), solely through Elizabeth's point of view. In a way, the reader 'sees' what Elizabeth sees, and is made to think at the same wavelength as Elizabeth. It ignores all the other aspects of the situation, thus narrowing the scope of understanding and reflection of the reader. However, it also gives the reader the liberty to gather a deep understanding of Elizabeth's character. Moreover, the passage also lays down a brilliant understanding of Free Indirect Speech and Dialogue. But Elizabeth had not recollected herself, and making a strong effort for it, was able to assure her with tolerable firmness that the prospect of their relationship was highly grateful to her, and that she wished her all imaginable happiness. (Paragraph 3) The underlined sentences in the above paragraph are a perfect literary example of Free Indirect Speech. It models indirect speech to a certain extent, the only difference being that in this form, there is no introductory clause. For example, in the above sentence, one does not see an expression like 'she said' or 'she exclaimed', which are characteristics of indirect speech. Apart from Free Indirect Speech, the passage also underlines the importance and definitive nature of Dialogue. The steady countenance which Miss Lucas had commanded in telling her story, gave way to a momentary confusion here on receiving so direct a reproach; though, as it was no more than she expected, she soon regained her composure, and calmly replied, ?Why should you be surprised, my dear Eliza? Do you think it incredible that Mr. Collins should be able to procure any woman's good opinion, because he was not so happy as to succeed with you?" (Paragraph 2) The sentences within double quotes are Dialogues, said by Charlotte to Elizabeth. Whereas Free Indirect Speech gives the reader an overview of the situation at hand, Dialogue provides the reader with hands on information about the present scene. One can exclaim that the Dialogue actually enables the reader to 'hear' what the characters are saying, thus making the story increasingly engrossing. Moreover, Dialogue provides the text a certain liveliness which, in a way, contributes towards giving life to the characters. In the above cited example, Charlotte's reaction to Elizabeth's reproach has been expressed in Dialogue. It gives the reader a strong and extremely accurate impression of Charlotte's mind and nature, making him/her simultaneously aware of the atmosphere in the story at that very instant. It actually makes the reader feel that he/she is a part of the story and makes him/her 'see', 'hear' and 'experience', just like the characters. Further, the two contrasting narratives that have been utilized to perfection, guarantee the passage its continuity and credibility. Elizabeth quietly answered ?Undoubtedly“; and after an awkward pause, they returned to the rest of the family. Charlotte did not stay much longer, and Elizabeth was then left to reflect on what she had heard. It was a long time before she became at all reconciled to the idea of so unsuitable a match. The strangeness of Mr. Collins making two offers of marriage within three days was nothing in comparison of his being now accepted. She had always felt that Charlotte's opinion of matrimony was not exactly like her own, but she could not have supposed it possible that when called into action, she would have sacrificed every better feeling to worldly advantage. (Paragraph 4) The underlined sentences are examples of direct narrative, along with a Dialogue. They provide the reader with a wide knowledge about the nature of the air hanging in that room, giving deep introspection into the mood of the family, Elizabeth and Charlotte. The narrative then shifts to being focalized according to Elizabeth's perspective, and helps the reader develop sympathy and concern for Charlotte through Elizabeth's eyes. Thus, the narratives make the reader both the observer and the sufferer, causing him/her to feel as well as judge. The steady countenance which Miss Lucas had commanded in telling her story, gave way to a momentary confusion here on receiving so direct a reproach; though, as it was no more than she expected, she soon regained her composure. (Paragraph 2) The balanced use of Free Indirect Speech in constructing these sentences very skillfully informs the reader about the innermost thought process of Charlotte, bringing out the aura of her feelings and expectations from her friend Elizabeth. Thus, the passage very efficiently makes one understand the subtle rules of narrative, speech and dialogue by clearly differentiating between them throughout the text, as illustrated above. Moreover, it makes one realize and appreciate the indispensable role played by these features in enhancing the essence of any literary work. Read More