Examining the use of satire in Jane Austin's classic, Pride and Prejudice

Robyn Dennis English IV 10/1/02 Jane Austen's Intentions for Satire <Tab/>Although Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is a relatively straightforward and philosophically uncomplicated novel, Austen still endeavors to portray the deep and inescapable influence of bad manners regardless of class. In order to fulfill this purpose, Austen needed to create characters and situations that were humorous, yet easy to identify with and this was accomplished by the use of satire. Satire …

…bliss, and Mr. Collins represents the necessity of a solid self-image and strong character. None of these characters though would leave the impression that they do without the use of satire and ultimately humor. Thus, satire is used in Pride and Prejudice to show that no class is free from blemishes, but if one strives to learn from and laugh at the satire in life, a happy ending reminiscent of Lizzy's and Jane's will result.