It is clear that the narrative style of this classic is
distinctive to Austen. She writes using the omniscient point of view, which means that
she as a narrator takes a God-like perspective, and can see the actions and thoughts and
motives of all characters and presents to us a carefully selected amount of detail. One
example of this is the way that the narrator chooses not to reveal Wickham's true nature
to us and information regarding his background. The narrator focuses on Lizzie and her
response to him, and the way that she is taken in by first
impressions.
The narration also includes lots of examples
of direct characterisation. In this respect, it is not exactly subtle. We are told very
clearly what characters are like and, therefore, we can obviously see the author's
sympathies and pet hates. For example, note the description that we are given of Mr. and
Mrs. Bennet at the end of Chapter One that leaves little to the
imagination:
readability="14">
Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts,
sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three and twenty years
had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character. Her mind was less
difficult to develop. She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and
uncertain temper. When she was discontented she fancied herself nervous. The business of
her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and
news.
Note the way that the
author makes clear her own views on the various characters. We are left with no
confusion regarding her feelings towards Mrs. Bennet, for example! Thus the style of
narration is one that is omniscient and which the author herself clearly tells us her
feelings about characters and situations.
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