Literary Devices in Pride and Prejudice

Literary devices Jane Austen uses in her novel Pride and Prejudice.

Dramatic Irony

Definition: In literature, a plot device in which the audience’s or reader’s knowledge of events or individuals surpasses that of the characters. The words and actions of the characters therefore take on a different meaning for the audience or reader than they have for the characters. This may happen when, for example, a character reacts in an inappropriate or foolish way or when a character lacks self-awareness and thus acts under false assumptions.

Alliteration

Definition: Alliteration is a literary device where words are used in quick succession and begin with letters belonging to the same sound group. Whether it is the consonant sound or a specific vowel group, alliteration involves creating a repetition of similar sounds in the sentence. Alliteration is also created when the words all begin with the same letter. Alliteration is used to add character to the writing and often adds an element of ‘fun’ to the piece.

Example: The Wicked Witch of the West went her own way. (The ‘W’ sound is highlighted and repeated throughout the sentence.)

Assonance

Definition: Assonance refers to the repetition of sounds produced by vowels within a sentence or phrase. In this regard, assonance can be understood to be a kind of alliteration. What sets it apart from alliteration is that it is the repetition of only vowel sounds. Assonance is the opposite of consonance, which implies repetitive usage of consonant sounds.

Example: “A long song.” (Where the ‘o’ sound is repeated in the last two words of the sentence)

Caesura

Definition: This literary device involves creating a fracture of sorts within a sentence where the two separate parts are distinguishable from one another yet intrinsically linked. The purpose of using a caesura is to create a dramatic pause, which has a strong impact. The pause helps to add an emotional, often theatrical touch to the sentence and conveys a depth of sentiment in a short phrase.

Example: Mozart—oh, how your music makes me soar!