Introduction
Pride and Prejudice is one of the most remarkable and well-known works written by Jane Austen at the beginning of the 19th century. It is not just a true love story of two main characters, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, but a unique discussion of interpersonal relationships in status-biased British society. As it was supposed to be during that period, written correspondence was a common way of communication between people, and Austen perfectly demonstrates its positive and negative effects. A letter performs a crucial role in the novel as a device that affects characters, delivers news, and sets the rules neglecting geographical and social differences and controversies. The importance of letters in the story is the main topic for analysis in this essay. First, attention will be paid to how letters may reveal people under various circumstances. Second, letters become an integral part of the plot by contributing to the storytelling process. Finally, the evaluation of letters as a determinant of social norms and understandings will be offered. Communication via letters is critical in Austen’s Pride and Prejudice due to the possibility of exposing the ambiguity of human nature, supporting the narration, and explaining the peculiarities of early 19th-century society.
Analysis
One of the most significant roles of letters in Austen’s novel is the intention to disclose the characters by showing the reader their attitudes, purposes, and intentions. For example, observing Darcy’s letter-writing and several interpretations given by the nearby companions in the room allows Elizabeth to learn about the man and some of his qualities. When Miss Bingley admires the speed or length of his writing, Darcy offers short but provocative answers, questioning the appropriateness or correctness of her words (Austen 32). Fraiman also analyses Darcy as “given to long letters and polysyllables… with excellent library and even hand” (360). Thus, the reader gets a chance to notice that this character has some mystery to avoid fast conclusions. The same scene helps know other characters better, like Mr. Bingley, who admits, “my letters sometimes convey no ideas at all to my correspondents,” or Elizabeth, who uses humility as an excuse to “disarm reproof” (Austen 33). There are no more doubts about Mr. Binley’s modesty and uncertainty in developing relationships or Elizabeth’s desire to demonstrate and justify her opinion by any means. Many other letters written by Mr. Collins or Jane prove their function of revealing the depth of their personalities.
Another important aspect of letters in Pride and Prejudice is the possibility of developing the plot and adding the necessary elements to interpreting the events in which some characters are involved intentionally or unintentionally. Darcy writes the most remarkable letter to Elizabeth that explains his behavior, decisions, and reactions to the recent events. He chooses a polite and clear way to share his purposes “without any intention of paining you, or humbling myself, by dwelling on wishes” (Austen 129). He tries to catch Elizabeth’s attention from the first lines by pardoning his freedom and calling for justice (Austen 129). Nixon admits that this letter shows “Darcy’s emotional depth and conveys his struggle at self-expression” (390). This element is vital for plot development because Darcy is no longer a self-centered character but a thoughtful and caring man who can make mistakes as any human being. In addition, this letter contributes to a better understanding of Mr. Wickham’s story and unites the past with the present. The letter is a turning point in the novel because Elizabeth, as well as the reader, gets a chance to see other characters from a new perspective and find some new angles in establishing interpersonal relationships.
Finally, letters serve a substantial purpose of describing social norms and expectations for the reader to comprehend the novel as a whole and the characters in particular. Austen mentions that in most British families, “the arrival of letters was the first grand object of every morning’s impatience” (192). She also adds that “through letters, whatever of good or bad was to be told, would be communicated, and every succeeding day was expected to bring some news of importance” (Austen 192). Some people like Miss Bingley define long and well-written letters as a demonstration of high social status and intelligence. The characters like Mrs. Bennet are obsessed with getting letters as a sign of recognition in society and immediately open them to be the first who learns the news. Darcey and Elizabeth break the cannons of letter-writing and escape the webs of pride and prejudice by trusting in their feelings and beliefs. In her life, Austen uses letters to voice her “concerns and interests” and promote changes that improve people and their attitudes toward each other (Kaplan 371-372). Such an experience probably allows the author to use letters in a variety of ways and add unique qualities to every character in the book.
Conclusion
Reading Pride and Prejudice is a priceless gift Austen gave millions of people worldwide almost a century ago. This novel contains the description of different human lives, with their truths and biases. Sometimes, it is possible to gain enough powers and skills to resist unjust or unfair decisions and prove the chosen position. However, not all people are ready to take some steps and change their lives. Austen teaches that there are many means and devices to be used for improvement, and a letter is one of them. She reminds the era of digitalized users of the worth of handwriting and the importance of emotions and genuine feelings like those demonstrated by Elizabeth and other characters. Letters have become one of the best ways of communication between people from different social statuses. In addition to revealing the characters’ personalities and supporting the plot development, letters are necessary for observing how social norms were promoted in the 19th century and affected families. The style of writing, the quality of words, and the offered content of letters prove Austen’s attention to every detail in the story of the true love between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett.
Works Cited
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice: A Norton Critical Edition. Edited by Donald Gray, 3rd ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2001.
Fraiman, Susan. “The Humiliation of Elizabeth Bennet.” Pride and Prejudice: A Norton Critical Edition, edited by Donald Gray, 3rd ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2001, pp. 356-368.
Kaplan, Deborah. “Circles of Support.” Pride and Prejudice: A Norton Critical Edition, edited by Donald Gray, 3rd ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2001, pp. 368-375.
Nixon, Cheryl L. “Darcy in Action.” Pride and Prejudice: A Norton Critical Edition, edited by Donald Gray, 3rd ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2001, pp. 389-391.