The tone of Pride and Prejudice is primarily ironic and sarcastic. The narrator is particularly critical when describing foolish and/or arrogant characters, like in this description of Collins in Chapter 15:
Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society.
Because the narrator is following the rules of “polite” manners of their class-divided society, their critique of Collins is roundabout, having the effect of giving their words a sarcastic edge. Rather than simply and directly stating that Collins is not smart, the narrator refers to a “deficiency of nature” that can’t be helped no matter how much schooling he received.
The narrator maintains this detached tone for much of the story—focusing more on capturing dialogue and dynamics between characters, along with providing sometimes scathing background on them—but begins to shift into a more emotional tone as Elizabeth starts to develop feelings for Darcy. This is exemplified in moments where Elizabeth is alone and reflecting on her relationship to Darcy, like the following passage, which appears in Chapter 43:
[Elizabeth] longed to know what at that moment was passing in his mind—in what manner he thought of her, and whether, in defense of everything, she was still dear to him.
Here, the narrator earnestly captures Elizabeth’s longing for Darcy. The narration also stays with Elizabeth's romantic inclinations and desire for marriage through the later chapters of the book.
The tone of Pride and Prejudice is primarily ironic and sarcastic. The narrator is particularly critical when describing foolish and/or arrogant characters, like in this description of Collins in Chapter 15:
Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society.
Because the narrator is following the rules of “polite” manners of their class-divided society, their critique of Collins is roundabout, having the effect of giving their words a sarcastic edge. Rather than simply and directly stating that Collins is not smart, the narrator refers to a “deficiency of nature” that can’t be helped no matter how much schooling he received.
The narrator maintains this detached tone for much of the story—focusing more on capturing dialogue and dynamics between characters, along with providing sometimes scathing background on them—but begins to shift into a more emotional tone as Elizabeth starts to develop feelings for Darcy. This is exemplified in moments where Elizabeth is alone and reflecting on her relationship to Darcy, like the following passage, which appears in Chapter 43:
[Elizabeth] longed to know what at that moment was passing in his mind—in what manner he thought of her, and whether, in defense of everything, she was still dear to him.
Here, the narrator earnestly captures Elizabeth’s longing for Darcy. The narration also stays with Elizabeth's romantic inclinations and desire for marriage through the later chapters of the book.
