„Humour is the quality of being amusing or comic: (…) the ability to appreciate things, situations or people that are comic; the ability to be amused: (…)” (Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary 1995). In Latin the word “humour” stands for moisture. In the ancient world it was meant as the right and healthy condition of body fluids. But nowadays it is a well known element of Art, especially of literature. The need of people to get entertained in a humoristic way is placed in nearly all epochs of mankind. Humour can be distinguished between “clean” variants and “dark” humoristic styles like satire, irony, parody or even sarcasm. A well known example is the so called black humour. Individual views or interpretations of humour depend on different nations, social classes, or mentality. For example England is famous for the English Humour, which can be compared with the “dark” sides of humour (Encarta Enzyklopädie 2003). Jane Austen is a representative for the English humoristic style.
Table of Contents
1. Jane Austen’s humour
1.1 Definition
1.2 Comments and criticism
2. The humour of Pride and Prejudice
2.1 Humoristic techniques and styles
2.2 Characters and exaggeration
2.3 Irony
2.4 Satire
2.5 Contrary Characters
3. Conclusion
4. Literature
Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this work is to analyze the function and nature of humor in Jane Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice," exploring how irony, satire, and character exaggeration serve as tools for social criticism and reader engagement.
- The definition and historical context of humor in literature.
- Austen’s utilization of irony as a fundamental device for moral evaluation.
- The role of exaggeration in constructing ridiculous and comedic character archetypes.
- The impact of satire on the portrayal of 18th-century social structures and manners.
- The synthesis of social criticism and humor to guide reader perception.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2 Characters and exaggeration
An important technique in this case is exaggeration of the character’s behaviour or way of living. Exaggeration of a person’s behaviour can emphasize this character in a comical way (Polhemus 1986, p. 36).
Jane Austen uses exaggeration with Mrs. Bennet to show clearly her ridiculous manner. Her behaviour, which is closely unbelievable in many passages, causes funny situations. In many cases the reader feels ashamed for her embarrassing actions. Jane Austen uses Mr. Bennet as a tool to make fun of her. The reader often cannot understand why Mrs. Bennet can act the way she does. Mr. Bennet is on the reader’s side and makes fun of her. He can not stand her ridiculousness either. Mrs. Bennets aim in life is getting her daughters married. This sounds friendly and kind but it is not at all. While she is doing that she does not care about the happiness of her daughters, as long they get married to a man of good fortune. This is nearly a possession. She is so mad about that, that she even risks her daughters live.
Summary of Chapters
1. Jane Austen’s humour: This chapter provides a definition of humor and examines the literary context of Austen's work as a representative of the English humoristic style.
2. The humour of Pride and Prejudice: This section investigates specific comedic devices used in the novel, including character exaggeration, irony, and satire, to reflect on societal manners.
3. Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes how Austen utilizes humor to offer a moral re-visualization of 18th-century society while entertaining the reader through witty dialogue.
4. Literature: This section lists the academic sources and critical texts referenced throughout the analysis.
Keywords
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Humour, Irony, Satire, Social Comedy, Character Exaggeration, 18th Century, Manners, Literary Criticism, Social Structure, Wit, Morality, Novel of Manners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research paper?
The paper examines how Jane Austen employs humor, specifically irony and satire, as a means of social criticism within her novel "Pride and Prejudice."
What are the primary thematic fields addressed?
Key themes include the analysis of humoristic techniques, the depiction of 18th-century social norms, and the use of character exaggeration to critique human foibles.
What is the main research question of the study?
The study explores how Austen combines humor with social critique to influence the reader's perception of characters and societal values.
Which scientific methods does the author employ?
The author uses a literary analysis approach, drawing on established definitions of humor and existing critical perspectives to interpret text passages from the novel.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body covers the theoretical definition of humor, the application of humoristic techniques like irony and satire, and a detailed look at how specific characters are exaggerated for comedic effect.
Which keywords characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Jane Austen, irony, satire, social comedy, and character exaggeration.
How does the author characterize the role of Mr. Bennet in the novel?
Mr. Bennet is identified as a tool used by Austen to express irony, often aligning with the reader's perspective to highlight the ridiculous nature of Mrs. Bennet's behavior.
Why does the author consider "Pride and Prejudice" to be a "comedy of life and manners"?
It is described as such because the novel reflects the superficialities, morals, and social pressures of the 18th century through witty dialogue and ironic narrative structures.
- Quote paper
- Michael Kellner (Author), 2005, The Humour Of Pride And Prejudice, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/35389
