Language
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Lots of old words
Pride and Prejudice was published in 1813, and it was begun already around 1796 and revised significantly in 1811-1812. Consequently, the language is rather different from present-day English, as you have probably noticed. Jane Austen’s language is generally precise and uses irony and humour, but the novel still poses some language challenges for the modern reader.
Certain words and expressions are used with a different meaning than we do today. One example is the word ‘respectable’, which is often used in connection with Mr Collins who otherwise is a rather foolish character for …
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Sentence structure
The typical sentence in Pride and Prejudice tends to be rather long. However, there is some variation in terms of length and structure that gives rhythm to the narration and helps the paragraphs flow.
The author is also well-known for creating balanced sentences that usually outline opposition between characters and situations. One such example is the Bingley sisters’ attitude towards the Bennet family: “Though the mother was found to be intolerable, and the younger sisters noted worth speak…
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Realistic and yet satirical tone
In many ways, the overall tone in the story is formal and realistic. Consider, for example, how the author presents characters acting in banal social circumstances: “Mr. Bingley had soon made himself acquainted with all the principal people in the room; he was lively and unreserved, danced every dance” (p. 6). Here, Bingley is presented objectively as acting according to the etiquette of the time, dancing with everyone and going through a series of introductions. Even though the main topics are love and marriage, there are few emotional or stylised des…
