The Function and Importance of Letters in Pride and Prejudice

Running head: English Literature
English Literature
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1ENGLISH LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION:
The novel entitled ‘Pride and Prejudice’, a romantic novel was written by Jane Austen in
1813 and is a portrait of nineteenth century English society. ‘Pride and Prejudice’ was first
written in an epistolary form entitled, ‘First Impressions’ (Hutcheon, 25). The topic of this essay
is, ‘The function and importance of letters in Pride and Prejudice’. This essay aims to explore the
function and significance of letters in the novel entitled ‘Pride and Prejudice’. In the novel, the
author uses letters to convey the characteristics of characters and their feelings of other
characters in the novel, for example, Mr. Bingley’s feelings about Jane Bennett. In addition, the
author employs letters to aid in the exposition of the theme of the novel and creates the social
setting. Letters are also used as a narrative device to further the plot. The letters also helps the
author to communicate important information in a fast and an effective manner to the reader that
would have taken a much longer time if it were to be written in a narrative form. Thus, the essay
will try to show how the letters in the novel entitled, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ are used by the author
as a dramatic device to further the plot of the novel and help in the revelation of character.
DISCUSSION:
Jane Austen learnt the epistolary mode of writing novels from Samuel Richardson, who
wrote novels completely in the form of letters. Jane Austen retained this device but altered the
method by weaving her letters into the very fabric of narrative of description and dialogues.
These letters often form points of narrative crisis or show a new direction in the plot. The letter is
thus, used as a literary device in the novel to further the plot, help in the revelation of character
and help in the exposition of theme (Hutcheon, 27).