Bennet feels about Bingley's arrival is shared by the rest of the neighborhood, giving the reader a glimpse of the nature of provincial society. In a novel about couples overcoming misunderstandings of each other to reach marital happiness, the reader's first view of marriage is one of a mismatched couple that cannot communicate. The disparity between them is amusing, but it is also ironic. After letting the reader hear the contrast between the couple through their dialogue, Austen then provides a general summary of the two parents' differing personalities. Bennet counters her talk with mildly sarcastic statements, the mocking tone of which Mrs. Their contrasting temperaments are first shown through their manner of conversation Mrs. Through the novel, Austen studies social relationships in the limited society of a country neighborhood and investigates them in detail with an often ironic and humorous eye.

For example, if the first sentence of the novel is read literally, it's meaning is 'Everyone knows that a single rich man is looking for a wife.' However, read ironically, the sentence means something other than its literal meaning: 'Everyone knows that a single rich man will be pursued by women who want to be his wife.' Austen also uses irony in the structure of the plot, placing her characters in situations that seem to signify one thing and are later revealed to signify something else.Īs in many of Austen's other novels, irony is employed in Pride and Prejudice as the lens through which society and human nature are viewed. In its most basic sense, irony is the use of words to express something other than, or opposite of, the literal meaning. To fully appreciate the humor and artistry of Austen's novel, one must first understand what irony is and how it is used in literature. She states: 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' This sentence introduces the theme of marriage, which is central to the novel's plot, and also introduces the tone of irony, which Austen will use both verbally and structurally throughout Pride and Prejudice. With the first sentence of the book, Austen deftly establishes the major theme and tone of Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth agrees, noting that her resentment of his proud nature stems from his wounding her own pride. Darcy's family and wealth give him the right to be proud. Charlotte acknowledges, however, that Mr. The oldest daughter, Charlotte, is Elizabeth's close friend, and commiserates with Elizabeth over Mr. Although they differ in their perceptions of the ball in general, they all agree on Jane's beauty and sweet disposition.ĭiscussion of the ball continues when the daughters of the Bennets' neighbor, Sir William Lucas, visit.

Darcy review the ball and the people who attended it. Elizabeth comments on the difference between her temperament and Jane's, noting that Jane always looks for the good in people, a quality that sometimes blinds her to people's faults. Bingley's attentions to Jane, and Jane admits that she found him to be attractive and charming and was flattered by his admiration of her.

He especially offends Elizabeth when she overhears him refusing Bingley's suggestion that he dance with her.Īfter the ball, Jane and Elizabeth discuss Mr. Darcy is declared to be proud, disagreeable, and cold. Bingley impresses everyone with his outgoing and likable personality, Mr.

Bingley is accompanied by his two sisters, his brother-in-law, and a friend, Mr. Bennet's visit, the Bennet girls do not get the opportunity to meet him until a ball is held in the neighborhood. Bennet and their five daughters - Jane, Elizabeth (Lizzie), Mary, Catherine (Kitty), and Lydia.Īlthough Mr. Skeptical of his wife's matchmaking scheme, Mr. Bingley when he arrives in the neighborhood so that their five daughters may then have the opportunity to meet the gentleman and attract his interest. Bingley has rented Netherfield Park, a large house with extensive grounds. The residents of Hertfordshire county are excited by the news that a wealthy single gentleman named Mr.

Lucas speech central idea