"Pride and Prejudice": How does Jane Austen create interest in her characters?

"If we don't care about the marriages of the characters, there isn't much else to interest us in Pride and Prejudice"

EXPLORE THE METHODS WHICH AUSTEN USES TO CREATE INTEREST IN HER CHARACTERS IN THE FIRST VOLUME OF PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

The statement says that: "If we don't care about the marriages of the characters, there isn't much else to interest us in Pride and Prejudice". It's debateable to whether you should agree or disagree because it's no fabrication that marriage is a key theme and the main drive in the novel. However the title itself (Pride and Prejudice) reflects the true meaning of the novel.

In the first volume of Pride and Prejudice, Austen creates interest whilst presenting each of the characters in the novel. What is most interesting about the presentation of the characters is the fact that many of the key protagonists are each paired to a character which is contrasting to their personality- yet remain to be so close in friendship (which is another key theme in the novel). Two major examples would be Elizabeth and Jane or Mr Darcy and Charles Bingley ("Between him and Darcy there was a very steady friendship, in spite of a great opposition of character"). Mr Bingley is described to have a "pleasant countenance, and...unaffected manners" whereas Darcy is described to be the "proudest, most disagreeable man". Austen creates interest by showing the reader how different these two characters; they have a close bond. They are very trusting and loyal to each other. Darcy is a very distinguished, almost father figure type. He is cold and guarded, whereas Bingley is more naive and susceptible to persuasion. Darcy's tendency to be standoffish and judgmental, coupled with his modesty and pride to a fault, lead him to be misjudged as "disagreeable" by many, when he is, in fact, a responsible and caring man. Bingley has a far greater reputation among others, but his shyness and dependence on the assurance of others causes him to abandon the woman he loves- Jane. Most would think that the different character personalities may cause one to become curious as to how their friendship works- Austen uses this is create interest. Essentially one may assume that the reason the characters have such as close bond is due to the idea that the two gentleman balance each other out. This is similar to Austen's representation of Jane and Elizabeth's relationship, where similarily Elizabeth is presented as intelligent and unintentionally proud. Jane is conveyed as a easygoing and friendly who shows other the beauty from within her:"Jane- one does not often see anybody better looking". The contrasts allows readers to identify similar traits among Darcy and Elizabeth and Jane and Bingley- which links to how the marriages of the characters are the major driving force in the novel.

The opening of Pride and Prejudice introduces the tone of irony, which Austen uses verbally and structurally. The first sentence in the novel establishes the tone of irony very clearly: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife". Yet again this links to the theme of marriage- which would agree with the statement. This shows that, from the start, the novel establishes that marriage is what would be your main interest whilst reading the novel. However the tone of irony is repeated throughout the novel suggesting that marriage is not all that may interest readers. Austen uses irony in the structure on several occasions, for example: "Everyone knows that a single man is looking for a wife". Austen places her characters in situations that seem to signify one thing and are later revealed to signify something else. The use of irony allows words to be expresses to oppose the literal meaning- suggesting that everyone knows that a single rich man will be pursued by women who want to be his wife. This would interest the reader in the sense that it provides challenges to the readers way of interpretation and thinking. This shows disagreement from the statement, suggesting that there are other elements that may interest the reader- as opposes to only marriage.

Another way that Jane Austen creates interest in Pride and Prejudice is the way she created conflicts between characters, or the way she created a negative appeal among characters. There's a character in particular that Austen uses as an object of abhorrence - Mr Darcy. The narrator describes how Darcy would pay "the smallest interest". It's obvious to the reader that Austen get's her moral and philosophical messages across to the reader by using a range of narrative techniques, which mainly centres the consciousness of Elizabeth (of whom felt  "sufficient" and "amused" about Darcy). By using narrative techniques the readers have practically been forced to create certain feelings towards Darcy - which could also be considered to be preconceptions. This opposes to the meaning of the statement provided with the question,  The technique of influencing readers what to feel allows readers to let their emotions 'run wild' and analyse the characters - as opposed to believing that marriage is all that could influence one from the novel.

It's clear that Austen presents marriage as the key topic to interest the readers: characters of similar personalities are paired to each other for matrimony, for instance Jane and Bingley or Darcy and Elizabeth. However Austen's conveyance of irony in the tone throughout the novel presents interest, which can also be opposed to marriage as the only interest in the novel, alongside Austen's presentation of preconceptions on certain characters (such as Darcy). Jane Austen interests the reader in many ways, and although the novel represents matrimony often in the novel the idea that "there isn't much else to interest us in Pride and Prejudice" is incorrect. 

Thanks for reading,

Lorr

Shakespeare: Conveyance of a Woman (The Taming of the Shrew)

The inductions from Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" is "unequivocally misogynistic" for it truly does transfer distaste for women. "In this comedy, the desire of a women to reject all suitors who are not to he liking is the female need which is to be brought under male control". This is foreshadowed before Shakespeare presents the play within the play. The Lord is one character of who represents the fatality of life for a women in great depth; a women "May show her duty and make known her love". The repetition of "duty" is coherent, this feels like an attack towards the audience to convince them of what worth a women had during the Elizabethan era. To a modern day audience it could be concluded that into simple terms women are inferior to men. This associates to what McEvoy presents. McEnvoy insists that "the play becomes a kind of fantasy of male wish fulfillment". From what I have read of the play so far, this is presented very thoroughly. The want for Petruchio for a wife, the want for Lucentio's scholar in Philosophy, the want for Hortensio's admiration of Bianca. What about a woman's want, is this why Katherina is so disobedient, aggressive and envious?

Bibliography
Sean McEvoy

One Day

My desperation for needs can be so easily acquired by others, at points, can just be astounding. What is very different to need. This is something that I had learnt earlier on in my life, unfortunately not early enough to avoid myself from the trap of making mistakes which could cost me more than intended. In life you learn about how difficult it is to keep a balance. Not only a balance of physical needs: school, college, university..not that.. what I mean is the ability to find a balance among yourself; to who you are and who you are as an individual. Will it ever be possible to find a peace and tranquility in the life that we lead at this current point in time. This is a question I want to be answered. But will it ever be answered?

One book that made me question this, into a much greater level is "One Day". Many people say that it is best to read a book more so than reading a novel. Now I tend to differ from this ruling, whenever I hear of a film adaptation I tend to wait to watch the movie then read the book. Many film adaptations can be so spectacular that it does respect the tranquility of the book, however for some reason the film can never be better than the actual book. Therefore I decided to read One Day after the film. The film was amazing, the actors were fantastic, attractive and precise, and I enjoyed reading the book with the image of them.

This novel spans a time of  decades on the 15th  July, St Swithin's Day, which is destined to be the anniversary of several key events in the lives of the two principals. Emma Morley is a spiky, non-U, from Yorkshire and Dexter Mayhew, very confident, very handsome, large parental home in the Cotswolds. They form a friendship that is so beautiful, so unique and so secretively romantic. What I mean by that is that the characters have a love formed among each other which is hidden from their views. It's only us, as the readers, that can identify this from the beggining of the novel.

Nicholls has made full use of his central concept, so he has drawn on all his comic and literary gifts to produce a novel that is not only glaringly funny but also , moving and, its own unassuming, unpretentious way of presenting romance.

Thanks for reading, 

Lorr
xoxo

Early indications.

William Shakespeare’s “Othello” and Arthur Miller’s “The Death of a Salesman” are two plays that are presented among the genre of tragedy. Tragedy is a very popular device for entertainment, for it’s a drama that evokes human suffering to the protagonist. Tragedy is known to convey a strong element of catharsis towards the audience, for the audience can feel a sense of pity or emotion. Tragedy was originated by the Greek’s and has been powerfully interpreted by many individuals. Aristotle, a Greek philosopher, believed that tragedy is a representation of a serious, complete action which has magnitude, in embellished speech. Of which in a way both Shakespeare and Miller integrate to their plays.

Miller himself, the writer of “The Death of a Salesman", has his own views on tragedy. This view is a view that opposes against what Aristotle depicts. Aristotle’s theory of tragedy is made up of six different elements. One of the most important elements would be the characterisation element. Aristotle believed that it is much better if a tragic accident happens to a hero because of a mistake he makes, rather than something that would happen anyway-referred to as hamartia. This is argued against by Arthur Miller of whom believed “that the common man was not apt a subject for tragedy”.  Miller seems to believe in no flaw of the character and that the character has “inherent unwillingness to remain passive in the face of what he conceives to be a challenge to his dignity”.  Miller depicts the protagonist’s situation as a “challenge to his dignity” which could associate to the idea of pride as the reason for this. In this instance there would be a strong association to Aristotle’s view of a character’s flaw.

In Act 1 of “Othello” Shakespeare conveys Othello as brave, pretentious and honorable: “My parts, my title and my perfect soul”. This allows the audience to gather an immediate response to Othello’s success regardless of his background.  Immediately at the beginning of the play Iago refers to Othello as “Moorship’s ancient”.  Shakespeare’s pun repositioning war ship to "moorship" alone is incredibly racist as it is an attack against religion. However being referred to as a "valiant moor" and individual characters such as Iago declaring how he is "affined to love the moor" shows the audience that regardless of personal beliefs, color and race Othello has managed to gain honor and pride from the Venetians. This in itself is a representation of a tragic hero for he has outstanding quality and greatness. Aristotle explored what exactly is a tragic hero; "A man doesn't become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall". Also a man should have nobility from birth, as Aristotle says, yet Othello slowly climbed the ladder of hierarchy enabling him to stable that status as the Venetian moor, yet sets himself as a tragic hero as he isn't going to be accepted into society due to his color. Throughout Act one Othello is referred to "the moor" rather than "Othello", as though the audience should never forget it. This shows that to a certain extent Othello's color is his conceit, showing an anticlimax, foreshadowing the downfall of his status, to make the whatever event less tragic.

However it can be easily argued that Othello isn't a tragic hero. Othello's success is parallel to the fact that Othello essentially is doomed from the start of the play. In act one, Brabantio finds a hatred against Othello for marrying his daughter: "Is of so flood - gate and o'erbearing nature/ That it engluts and swallows other sorrows". Othello was previously respected and admired highly by Brabantio: "Her father loved me; oft invited me". This just goes to show that what Othello means to other people can change as quick as traffic lights. This can imply that Shakespeare intended for Othello to be doomed from the start, therefore abolishing any idea, of what Aristotle recalled, hamartia.  Othello may have never had any fatal flaw, for his race can cause others to wait on his downfall. Race is not acquired, for it a quality of which each individual is born with. Miller's protagonist in "The death of a Salesman" is similarly presented from the beginning of the play where Willy's wife, Linda, depicts how Willy is working too hard for nothing: "Your mind is overactive, and the mind is what counts, dear". Work life for a man during this time contributes to the majority of thoughts and cognitive thinking, to start the play on a note that Willy's work life is deteriorating is a hint to the audience that this character essentially is doomed already.

Arthur Miller's view of a tragic hero is so different to the view presented by Aristotle.  Miller perceived a tragic hero as someone who "reveals what has been called his tragic flaw". And to his play he incorporated to the presentation of Willy Loman. From act one we see different moods of Willy's character, of which all branch out from paranoia and worry. Willy tells his wife "Well, dear life is casting off. It's always that way". This initial introduction to one of Willy's insecurities to how his life will end or where he'll be in the years to come shows his anxiety. This can be Miller's use of foreshadowing to what extent Willy's character goes through these emotions as the play progresses. There is a theme of escapism which branches off from Willy's disregard for living. The theme links to the background of Willy's mistress: "the woman". This woman seems to give Willy everything he needs: an alternative world and an ego boost helping him to continue living. Miller makes sure we are able to understand these reasons for why Willy has an affair. Miller previously stated: " the tragic feeling is evoked in us when we are in the presence of a character who is ready to lay down his life". Willy is so ready to give himself up which could be perceived as the fatal flaw to which Willy posses which links back to Willy's paranoia and fear. This is so different to Shakespeare's "Othello" of which the play starts with the protagonist, Othello, presented as a confident and strong individual: "That I have ta'en away this old man's daughter,/It is most true; true I have married her". Most individuals would fear to speak of what they had done, when knowing it is frowned upon in society. Confidence is what sets both Othello and Willy Loman apart in character.

However the character of Willy Loman could also be perceived as just a regular character for some would argue that the character does not meet the correct criteria to be a tragic hero. Miller exclaimed that "Tragedy, then, is the consequence of a man's total compulsion to evaluate himself justly" however Willy's presentation in act one shows otherwise. Willy seems to be an insecure man, for instance as he speaks to his wife he sorrows: "I'm fat, I'm very foolish to look at, Linda". This being only one of many other insecurities. Willy is seen to be living in his world of delusion as he lies not only his family but to himself. Although Miller presents Willy as a hugely successful businessman, the character disguises the profound anxiety and self doubt with extreme arrogance. Part of Willy's insecurities lies within the reason to why Willy has such a great desire to escape. In act one, Willy is shown to experience many flashbacks. Willy begins to lose grip with reality and on time. To him, his life seems to be miserable, yet inevitable "He's been trying to kill himself". Willy escapes into the past and also conveniently gives the audience the background information to why he is so corrupted. Of which shows the different situations that has caused Willy to act the way that he does. Shakespeare, however, doesn't present Othello this way. The only insight we get is of Othello moor background. Shakespeare does this to shock the reader for when Othello's flaw becomes evident.

Both Shakespeare and Miller introduce their plays similarly in the sense that the protagonists are presented to be flawed, causing them to be destined to tragedy. A.C. Bradley stated that "the suffering and calamity are exceptional. They befall a conspicuous person. They are themselves of some striking kind. They are also, as a rule, unexpected, and contrasted with previous happiness or glory". Both Othello and Willy have been acquired great status for themselves, however both use their successes to hide the eliminating factors which meddles with their insecurities. It seems that the flaws  versus fate debate is non-existent as both playwrights seem to exclaim how they work hand in hand. Fate always ends in tragedy, as the flaws each protagonist possesses are abominable.

Thanks for reading, 

Lorr

xoxo

A Review of "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

I first heard about this book many years ago, and scraped it aside assuming it was a bore, this was due to my lack of insight and passion for novels with deep well written imagination. It didn't occur to me to give the book a read until the movie adaptation was being promoted. I learned that the background of the main characters and his family were from Pondicherry, India. A district on the eastern landscape of Tamil Nadu. I am not of an Indian background but having a Tamil family who were born and raised in Sri Lanka allows to to grasp interest in the novel. My father did many travels during his youth away from Sri Lanka and before settling in England, Pondicherry was one of his visits and the story of its cultural mix of the French and the Indian intrigues and excites me. Hence finally coming to reading "Life of Pi".

Yann Martel is very clever. Writing a novel so drifted from his own culture and beliefs marks the talent of a true author. It is marked by the sentiment of the fact that a movie was adapted, as mentioned, in 2012. Before I read the book I wondered what the story held that was so "vivid and entrancing"[1]. The back cover in itself starts as "ONE BOY, ONE BOAT, ONE TIGER". It seems so outrageous and unreal that I questioned the point, and how a 300+ page novel could be produced. However I put my questions on hold while I read the book. And I was blown away...

The chapters were very short, yet very concise. The literary concepts of the opening chapter is what I believe to be the magical opening to your curiosity. The opening concepts and connotations of death and life, captures the readers to find themselves curious to the character's life story. The opening sentence consists of seven words. "suffering", "sad" and "gloomy" are only but three of these words, what possible story could lead to such a character feeling so melancholy when a story had not yet begun? This already in itself showed me the beauty of what this novel was soon to present. And it was true. For 100 chapters, some short some long, I was shown what it was like to find an interest in nature. Part two of this book is the longest and most dreary part to some extent. However its still the BEST part of the book. Martel manages to entice the reader with presenting emotions within a fierce, aggressively presented Bengali Tiger and a young boy. He presents a realistic relationship of love and friendship among the two of which is not thought out to be real in reality. But while your in the world of your imagination, it can feel so real. 

Whilst reading this book I was so impressed by the level of scientific and psychological knowledge that was integrated into the story line. During the part of the story where Pi's character marks his territory he trains the Bengal Tiger with conditioning. He teaches the tiger by association of a whistle ringing. There was also a great wealth of knowledge in marine biology to survival meaning showing how the author really had presented a wide scope of knowledge and research when it came to writing this novel. 

The story of "Life of Pi" is definitely a must read, for it enraptures the mentality of the mind and the subconscious care for another creature. The presentation of friendship and love by two parties and also the theme of adventure, suffering and nature. The book is full of ideas and concepts which can really enrich the mind for everyone. "A terrific book, It's fresh, original, smart, devious, and crammed with absorbing lore" [2].

Thanks for reading,

Lorr

xoxo

Bibliography:

[1] - Sunday Telegraph

[2] - Margaret Atwood, Sunday Times