One good example of sensual language dealing with
Feeling that Jane Austen uses can be seen when Elizabeth
goes to tour Pemberley with her aunt and uncle Gardiner. As their carriage turns into
the drive through Pemberley Woods past the lodge house, Austen describes that
Elizabeth's "spirits were in a high flutter," meaning she felt very anticipatory and
nervous (Ch. 1, Vol. 3). An example of Taste sensory
language can also be seen in this chapter. While strolling through the woods after
visiting the house, Austen remarks that "Mr. Gardiner, though seldom able to indulge the
taste [of fish], was very fond of fishing." This line tells us that Mr. Gardiner does
not like to eat fish, but he still enjoys the sport.
This is also a
good chapter to find an excellent example of Sight sensory
language. Austen makes a point of describing Pemberley House with far more detail then
she uses to describe either Netherfield or Longbourn. She describes it as "situated on
the opposite side of a vally, into which roads, with some abruptness, wound." She
further states that "It was a large, handsome, stone building, standing well on rising
ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills."
A good place to
find a reference for Sound sensory language can be found at
the moment of the ball at Netherfield. At the ball, we witness Mary sing for the
company, and Austen uses many details to describe just how horrible Mary's voice
actually was:
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By many significant looks and silent entreaties,
did she [Elizabeth] endeavour to prevent such a proof of complaisance, -- but in vain;
Mary would not understand them; such an opportunity of exhibiting was delightful to her,
and she began her song. Elizabeth's eyes were fixed on her with most painful sensations;
and she watched her progress through the several stanzas with an impatience which was
very ill rewarded at their close; for Mary, on receiving amongst the thanks of the
table, the hint of a hope that she might be prevailed on to favour them again, after the
pause of half a minute began another. Mary's powers were by no means fitted for such a
display; her voice was weak, and her manner affected. -- Elizabeth was in agonies. (Ch.
18, Vol. 1)
Austen seems to
have chosen not to employ any Smell sensory language, even
though Elizabeth's frequent strolls through Rosing's Park and her visit to Pemberley
Park would be obvious places to refer to smells.
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