Narrative Voice in Pride and Prejudice
Abstract
shaping the novel's tone, characterization, and thematic depth. The study examines Austen's use of free indirect discourse, irony, narrative
distance, and social commentary, revealing how these techniques create a balance between authorial omniscience and character subjectivity.
Through free indirect discourse, Austen blends third-person narration with individual consciousness, allowing readers to access characters'
inner thoughts while preserving narrative objectivity. Her pervasive use of irony serves both as a tool of humor and as a subtle critique of social norms, particularly regarding class, marriage, and gender. The analysis also discusses how exaggeration and gossip function as narrative
devices that expose social hypocrisy and highlight the limited roles available to women in Regency-era England. By combining psychological
realism with satirical observation, Austen's narrative voice invites readers to actively engage with the text, fostering a deeper understanding of
its moral and social implications. Ultimately, the paper argues that Austen's innovative narrative strategy not only enhances the novel's artistic
value but also redefines the relationship between narrator, character, and reader in English fiction.
Keywords
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.70711/rcha.v3i10.8303
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