Abstract

Pride and Prejudicee, as one of Jane Austen's most famous works, drawing its materials from ordinary daily life, vividly shows the country life and human relationship in England during period from the late 18th century to the early 19th century when England was in a conservative and closed situation. This thesis analyses the application of irony in the novel through the ironic interchange between Elizabeth and Darcy and ironic elements in charater portrayal of Mr. Collins and Charlotte. As for the two leading roles, this thesis provides three distinctive scenes as illustration, first impression of Elizabeth and Darcy, at Sir William’s party and Darcy’s first proposal to Elizabeth and Elizabeth. This thesis further explores Austen's family life and social background that facilitate the formation of her ironic thought. Finally, analysing a target in a ironic aspect provides a good method in literary study and shows the readers a much more attracting and interesting novel and a different author with the feminist consciousness.

Keyword: Jane Austen; Pride and Prejudicee; irony

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Researches Both at Home and Abroad-1

1.2 Background and Significance-2

1.3 The Structure of the Paper-4

2. Ironic Elements in Pride and Prejudicee-6

2.1 The Definition and the Development of Irony-6

2.2 Application of Irony between Elizabeth and Darcy-7

2.2.1 First Impression of Elizabeth and Darcy-7

2.2.3 Darcy’s First Proposal to Elizabeth-8

2.3 Ironic Elements in Character Portrayal of Mr. Collins and Charlotte-9

3. Rreasons of Ironic Consciousness in Pride and Prejudicee-10

3.1 Related Social Background at Jane Austen’s Times-10

4. Conclusion-11

4.1 A Summary of This Essay-11

4.2 The Value of the Research-11

4.2.1 Theoretical Significance-11

4.2.2 Practical Significance-12

References-13