In Darcy’s discourse he is disagreeing with Elizabeth – a pattern that emerges throughout the novel. Within the conversation between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet we are exposed to the narrative technique of showing. This technique is particularly effective as it involves the reader imaginatively and allows us to judge the characters and their relations with one another.
Darcy only smiles in answer to Elizabeth’s retort. Bearing in mind the character already sketched of Mr Darcy, we are unaccustomed to him showing any humour. Through the narrative therefore I am able to deduce that Mr Darcy may be amused due to him mocking Elizabeth’s point of view. The dialogue ceases and gives way to third-party narration using Elizabeth as a focalizer.
An awkward silence followed – awkward only from Elizabeth’s point of view less she be embarrassed by her mother. Elizabeth's fear of her mother “exposing herself” shows the extent of her shame and distress.
Although this scene is largely seen from the viewpoint of Elizabeth, we view the narrator as omniscient as little ironies are revealed about Elizabeth herself. For example, Elizabeth thinks Mr Darcy and the Bingley sisters rude due to the prejudices they hold against the Bennet’s for being of a lower social-standing. Yet Elizabeth herself is embarrassed “lest her mother should be exposing herself again”. Although Elizabeth is a thinking character and can laugh at the ridiculousness of unthinking characters, the author is able to turn the tables on her heroine once in a while, demonstrating the fact that Elizabeth is not a creature of pure reason and perfection. The brief silence which made Elizabeth so uncomfortable was not a neutral one, we know it affected Elizabeth through phrases such as “Elizabeth trembled” and “She longed to speak”.
Indirect speech follows with Mrs Bennet repeating her thanks to Mr Bingley. The conversation that ensued between Mrs Bennet and Mr Bingley was not dialogic, but rather it was described in the narration. The narration of the exchange between the two was summing up their actions and conversation rather than reporting it in a detailed fashion. In this way we are being exposed to the narrative technique of telling, this has the advantage of precision and conciseness. As this exchange is not of paramount importance, we are not troubled with the detail of the dialogue. Mrs Bennet, in “repeating her thanks” is trying very hard to please Mr Bingley (a man of considerable wealth) in order to be in good-standing with the family. Mr Bingley was his usual inconsequential well-mannered self, whilst his sister had to act her civility (“performed her part”) suggesting she was not accustomed to being polite. The scene between the Bingley’s and Mrs Bennet was described as direct narrative, the narrator being omniscient and who can be trusted to convey situations as they occur in reality.
What then follows is a narration of the character of Lydia Bennet. This character discourse includes both direct and indirect speech, and a lengthy narrative. The character is revealed to us mainly by the art of telling. This may be slightly patronizing as the reader is not allowed to make up his/her own mind in conclusion of the character, but the technique is beneficial in respect of brevity and clarity. From the narration, I surmise Lydia to be very outspoken and head strong. From the indirect speech that follows, when Lydia “orders” Mr Bingley to present a Ball at Netherfield, my interpretation of Lydia’s characterization is reinforced. Through Lydia’s dialogue regarding the second ball “I shall tell Colonel Forster it will be quite a shame if he does not”. Again, my opinions are reinforced. The showing of the character has allowed me to reiterate that Lydia is thoroughly selfish and she uses people so that she may get what she wishes. She shows no gratitude toward Mr Bingley for his acquiesce to hold the ball.
Thus, this passage displays many of the narrative techniques which Austen uses in the novel as a whole, and reveals her level of skill in being able to express her ideas through the narrative while still remaining entertaining and readable.
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Bibliography
Austen.J., Pride and Prejudice (1818) Oxford University Press
Walder, D. (ed.), The Realist Novel (1995) Open University