These notes are clearly presented and easy to understand so that you can achieve the highest level of analysis about SYMBOLS in Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice.
I provide a detailed explanation of the key symbols included, with evidence and quotes to back up the points as well as a high...
Journeys
- The journeys between the action in the novel are significant, they alter the course of
the story.
- Netherfield:
- In Chapter 7, Mrs Bennet orders that Jane should travel to Netherfield by
horseback rather than by carriage - this way she will have to “stay all night” due to
the forthcoming rain.
- When Jane has set off, and the weather then turns - the Bennet sisters worry about
Jane while Mrs B is delighted that her cunning plan has worked. She is even
overjoyed to hear that Jane becomes ill during her time at Netherfield.
- This journey is significant:
- Shows Jane (& Mr B) are submissive characters to Mrs B’s strong will.
- Shows Mrs B’s desperation to get her daughters married.
- Elizabeth’s journey is important too: It shows her lively spirit and her genuine
concern for her older sister.
- She arrives finally with “weary ankles, dirty stockings and a face glowing with the
warmth of exercise” - notice that Austen has given us a lot of description here
which is unique… therefore the point is very much highlighted for the reader that this
is quite the journey that Lizzy has made.
- Her arrival stirs some interesting reactions, gives us some information about the
unwritten social rules of the time. The Bingley sisters condemn Lizzy for her scruffy
appearance
- So, Elizabeth’s journey: 1. furthers our understanding of her character. 2. Shows us
the Bingley’s snobbish ways and 3. Slightly develops the relationship between her
and Darcy.
- Pemberley:
- Also significant.
- Chapter 43: As Lizzy gets closer and closer, she admires what she can see of
Pemberley more and more. Eventually after “ascending for half a mile” she sees it in
all its glory and the text explains: “....she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might
be something!”
- Elizabeth’s short time visiting Pemberley is a very crucial moment in her and Darcy’s
journey to love.
- Modes of Transport:
- The type of transport tends to signify the wealth of the person of which has travelled
this way. Eg: chaise-and-four is used by Mr Bingley and also Lady Catherine.
- Darcy’s status is emphasised when him and Georgiana travel by curricle in Chap 44.
-
- Chapter 59 when Mrs B talks of the marriage between Lizzy and Darcy “....What
jewels, what carriages you will have” - here Austen shows us that clearly mode of
transport = status in the eyes of Mrs Bennet.
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