In Chapter 35, letter form is predominantly used throughout; Austen uses this technique cleverly to move the plot of the novel along. The letter helps communicate important information in a short amount of time that would have taken a lot longer in narrative form. ‘Two offences of a very different nature, and by no means of equal magnitude, you last night laid to my charge.’ This is a turning point in the novel; it allows both the character and the reader to understand the motivation behind character’s actions. By Austen using this aspect of narrative she has cleverly allowed the narrative to intensify quickly and allowed changes in characters views to one another take place.
In the letter form, the narrative voice is taken on by Mr.Darcy. This allows the reader to find out more about his character and may give an opportunity for the reader’s opinion of him to change. By the use of a letter it enables the author to reveal the character and personality of the writer, to the audience. It may be argued that this letter from Darcy to Elizabeth is an example of ‘stream of consciousness’ , however in letter form it takes on a chronological structure, with slight flashbacks to the past. ‘The part which I acted is now to be explained’. This supports the argument that a letter does not take on the style of ‘stream of consciousness’ but may take certain aspects of it. In Darcy’s letter it does allow the reader to imitate the qualities and thoughts in his head, but the use of grammar and structure suggest otherwise. ‘Is now to be explained ‘shows that the character has had to plan and think about the choice of diction and language to present in their letter. The language and diction used by Mr. Darcy throughout the letter is very formal and educated and takes on a Latinate manner.
One main objection in Darcy’s letter to Miss Bennet is to inform her of his relationship to Mr.Wickham. Austen has cleverly interpreted this part of her plot in to letter form to allow the information to be addressed in a characters own experience. ‘But whatever may be the sentiments which Mr.Wickham has created’. This shows the reader that in previous encounters with Mr.Wickham he may have taken on the role of an unreliable narrator. This is where the narrator is perhaps self-deceiving or cannot be trusted to give an account on a version of events that has occurred. This is also a turning point in the novel because Elizabeth, along with the reader, has discovered Wickham to be an unreliable narrator, which may change her thoughts and feelings towards Mr.Darcy. Elizabeth realises how she has acted with Wickham and learns the truth. Austen has used this information to show the reader Darcy’s point of view on his relationship with Wickham and allows the reader to change their own opinions.
The letter finishes with Mr. Darcy addressing Elizabeth directly in a manner which the reader has not previously seen. Austen uses this technique to allow the reader to connect with the characters actions and thoughts. ‘I will only add, God bless you. FITZWILLIAM DARCY’. This again shows that Mr.Darcy writes in a very formal manner and gives an impression of a well educated man. ‘God bless you’, this is an obvious example of Darcy’s admiration towards Elizabeth. Austen has cleverly used this choice of diction to give a clear example of strong feelings between two characters in her novel. This always allows the reader to understand Darcy’s character, it shows that he does have an affectionate side to him but he does not know how to express it. Austen has used letter form to her advantage throughout this chapter and is the first direct address in her novel, with elements of different narrative techniques.
Throughout Chapter 35 Austen has cleverly used a range of narrative techniques to allow a relationship to form between the reader and characters, and their opinions to change. Austen has successfully enabled the reader to understand the motivation behind the characters action and allowed the narrative to intensify quickly. By taking on a letter form Austen has revealed the character’s traits and personalities and provided information in an engaging way. Chapter 35 is classed as a turning point in the plot and takes on a major role in the novel as a whole.