PROSE STYLE IN THE WORKS OF JANE AUSTEN

CATHERINE RIORDAN SEARLE, Fordham University

Abstract

This study examines the six published Austen novels through a close examination of repeated structural and stylistic patterns. The primary focus of Austen's work is found to be on judgment, revealed in overall plot, broad patterns within each novel, the setting of individual chapters, and even sentence structure. Each novel is examined broadly, to display the importance of the heroine's judgment, whether her need for it or her adherence to it. Next, the recurring broad pattern of acceptance and rejection is considered, and its importance in charting the psychological development of the main characters. Then, Austen's use of outdoor settings to highlight character and judgment is examined. Finally, Austen's repeated use of parallelism and antithesis is demonstrated, along with the effect that such highly odered syntax has in shaping reader response to the characters and their judgment.

Subject Area

British and Irish literature

Recommended Citation

SEARLE, CATHERINE RIORDAN, "PROSE STYLE IN THE WORKS OF JANE AUSTEN" (1983). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI8326690.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI8326690

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