Jane Austen makes use of very many different types of
narrative techniques. One technique she uses is referred to as Free Direct
Speech, in which the author leaves off the dialogue tag, or reporting
clause to show which character is speaking. We see an excellent example of this in the
first chapter when Mr. and Mrs. Bennet have their teasing back and forth exchange about
Bingley taking Netherfield and what it will mean for the girls.
She
also quite frequently uses Direct Speech, in which the
dialogue tag is employed to identify the speaker. Here is one good example: "'Now,
Kitty, you may cough as much as you chuse,' said Mr. Bennet; and, as he spoke, he left
the room, fatigued with the raptures of his wife" (Ch. 2, Vol.
1).
Austen also quite frequently makes use of what we call a
Narrative Report of a Thought Act, in which she shows the
character's thoughts through the standpoint of the narrator. A good example can be seen
when Elizabeth is reading Darcy's letter: "She grew absolutely ashamed of herself. -- Of
neither Darcy nor Wickham could she think, without feeling that she had been blind,
partial, prejudiced, absurd" (Ch. 13, Vol. 2).
Austen also makes use
of Narrative Report of an Act, in which the narrator tells
us the character's actions. One good example can be seen when Darcy and Bingley return
to Longbourne once the awful business with Lydia has been completed. The narrator
reports: "The colour which had been driven from her[Elizabeth's] face, returned for half
a minute with an additional glow, and a smile of delight added lustre to her eyes, as
she thought for that space of time that his[Darcy's] affection and wishes must still be
unshaken" (Ch. 11, Vol. 3).
During the denouement, Austen even made
use of Direct Thought to show the reader Elizabeth speaking
outloud her agonizing thoughts about whether or not Darcy still loved her: "'Why, if he
came only to be silent, grave, and indifferent,' said she, 'did he come at all?'" (Ch.
12, Vol. 3).
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