英语论文《傲慢与偏见》中反讽写作手法 (1)

毕 业 论 文 毕业论文题目：毕业论文题目：On Irony in Pride and Prejudice 学生姓名：学生姓名： 瞿琳斐瞿琳斐 学学 号：号： 200906334415 院（系）：院（系）： 外国语学院英语系外国语学院英语系 专专 业：业： 双学位经贸英语双学位经贸英语 班班 级：级： 091 指导教师姓名：指导教师姓名：刘丽刘丽 指导教师称谓：讲师指导教师称谓：讲师 起止时间：起止时间： 20122012 年年 1010 月月20132013 年年 5 5 月月 中原工学院外国语学院本科毕业论文 i On Irony in Pride and Prejudice A Thesis Submitted To Foreign Languages Department Of Zhongyuan University of Technology In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Bachelor of Arts By Qu Linfei Supervisor：Liu Li May, 2013 SCHOOL OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES Zhongyuan University of Technology Declaration of Academic Integrity I promise that the thesis contains no material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma in any institutes of higher learning and that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the thesis contains no material previously published or written by another person, except when due reference is made in the text of the thesis. I understand that to do so would mean that I had committed plagiarism, and that it is my responsibility to be aware of the Universitys regulations on plagiarism and their importance. Signed: Date: 中原工学院外国语学院本科毕业论文 iii On Irony in Pride and Prejudice Abstract: Jane Austen is a British woman novelist in the 19th century. In her masterpiece Pride and Prejudice, the use of irony is the biggest artistic feature. The thesis first introduces the definition and function of irony. Second, it analyzes the application of irony in the characterization of the novel, which not only makes the novel filled with wit and humor, but also proves the authors thorough understanding of human nature; Third, it expounds the irony in the marriage plot, whereby the author criticizes the British marriage value that money matters most and puts forward that the happiness of marriage consists in emotional communication, independent personality and good character. Finally, the thesis concludes that Jane Austines irony contains her understanding of life and society and so it is the sharpest weapons used in her novels. Key words: Jane Austen, irony, Pride and Prejudice, characterization, plot 傲慢与偏见傲慢与偏见中的反讽中的反讽 摘要：摘要：简奥斯丁是一位英国 19 世纪杰出的女性作家。在她的作品傲慢与偏见 中，对于反讽的写作手法是对于文学最大的财富。本论文首先介绍了反讽的定 义和功能；其次，从人物塑造方面,分析了人物刻画中反讽的运用，不但使小说 充满了智慧和幽默，还体现出作者对人性的透彻的洞察力。再次，论证了小说 中婚姻情节中的反讽，借此，作者批判了当时只重视金钱的婚姻观念，提出感 情的沟通，独立的人格和高尚品格才是幸福婚姻的保障。最后得出反讽体现出 了简奥斯汀对生活和社会的理解，因此反讽也成为她作品中一个利器。 关键词：关键词：简奥斯汀；反讽；傲慢与偏见 ，人物塑造，情节 中原工学院外国语学院本科毕业论文 v Contents 1 Introduction.1 2 The Introduction to Irony.2 2.1 Definition of Irony.2 2.2 The Function of Irony.2 2.3 Expressions of Irony in Pride and Prejudice .2 3 The Appreciation of Irony in Characterization3 3.1 Elizabeth.3 3.2 Mr. Darcy.4 3.3 Mr. Bennet .4 3.4 Mrs. Bennet4 3.5 Mr. Collins .5 3.6 Miss. Bingley6 3.7 Mrs. Catherine.6 4 Application of Irony in the Marriage Plot7 4.1 Mr. Collins Proposal to Marry Elizabeth 7 4.2 The Marriages of Lydia Bennet and Mr. Wickham.8 4.3 The Marriage of Mr. Collins and Charlotte Lucas8 4.4 The Marriage of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth.9 5 Conclusion11 References:.12 Acknowledgments.14 On Irony in Pride and Prejudice 1 Introduction Jane Austen is an outstanding British woman novelist in the 19th century. Her literary works have far-reaching influences not only on posterity, but also on the development of society and literature. Through analysis of the plot and the characterization of figures in Pride and Prejudice, the thesis will explore irony used by Jane Austen. Her novels are filled with snide tone and sarcastic words. More than that, Jane chose to use irony in shaping characters, arrangement of the plot and the theme. Therefore, the analysis of the irony is the key to understanding this novel. In recent years, many domestic and foreign scholars devoted to Austins fiction studies, in which ironical art is generally talked. Monaghan, David and Willis, Jane, they share the same idea. In their paper, the theme is to analyze expressions of irony in Pride and Prejudice. It focuses on irony in the three areas of characterization and character relationships. Jane Austen focus on the five marriages in the novel, applies irony at different aspects, and uses humorous words to show us her own progressive view on love and marriage. The opening sentence of Pride and Prejudice directly pointed out the most popular view on marriage in society “It is a truth well known to all the world that an unmarried man in possession of a large fortune must be in need of a wife.” The content of this sentence is really ridiculous and stupid while the sentence pattern is neat and formal. The sharp contrast between the content and form makes a great effect of irony. And irony is used many times in this novel. This thesis will discuss how irony is employed in terms of the characterization of the figures, the plot in Pride and Prejudice in the hope of better understanding the novel. 中原工学院外国语学院本科毕业论文 1 2 The Introduction to Irony 2.1 Definition of Irony “Irony is a rhetorical device, literary technique, or situation in which there is an incongruity between the literal and the implied meaning.” (Huang, 2010) “It is a universal phenomenon of natural language used in our daily communication. Irony is a broad term referring to the recognition of a reality different from the masking appearance. It is a contrast or a difference between the way things seem and the way they really are.” (Willis, 2006)That is to say, one says a thing but means the opposite. Irony can be divided into the following several: Verbal irony, Dramatic irony.(Skehan, 2004) No written method for indicating irony exists, though an irony punctuation mark has been proposed. In the 1580s, Henry Denham introduced a rhetorical question mark or preconditions point which looks like a reversed question mark. This mark was also proposed by the French poet Marcel Bernhardt at the end of the 19th century to indicate irony or sarcasm. 2.2 The Function of Irony The use of words that say the opposite of what you really mean, in order to be emphatic, amusing, sarcastic, etc.(Hu, 2008).Irony is a figure of speech that achieves emphasis by saying the opposite of what is meant, the intended meaning of the words being the opposite of their usual sense. It can be amusing or can show annoyance. Irony have a deeper meaning and can arouse peoples sympathy. 2.3 Expressions of Irony in Pride and Prejudice In the Pride and Prejudice, there is always a gap between what she says and what she means, between the surface meaning and her real intention. Irony is the most striking feature in Jane Austens novels. As an ingenious work, the master piece of Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice employs the ironic technique in characterization and structure, which has made a great realistic comic work of the novel. 3 The Appreciation of Irony in Characterization Irony plays a decisive part in characterization as well as in plot development. In Pride and Prejudice, both the wise (Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy, etc.) and the foolish (Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Collins, etc. ) become the objects of Jane Austens irony. Irony is the marrow of this novel, in which no one is perfect. 3.1 Elizabeth Elizabeth is our heroine. Pride and Prejudice was, for some time at least, Jane Austens own favorite and she wrote her sister when it appeared “I must confess that I think her ( the heroine, Elizabeth) as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print; and how I shall be able to tolerate those who do not like her at least I do not know.” Yet, Jane Austen spares no satire upon such a delightful creature. Elizabeth is witty, intelligent and unconventional. She “has something more of quickness than her sisters”.(Austen, 1813: 152) However, she also cant avert herself from the influence of the “truth universally acknowledged.”(Austen, 1813: 305) Moreover, she is too hasty in judgment and too easily taken in by appearances. On the one hand, she is slighted by Mr. Darcy at a ball and then safely promises her mother never to dance with him. On the other hand, she is attracted by Mr. Wickham, whose appearance is greatly in his favor. Then she “prepared in the highest spirits for the conquest of all that remained unstudied of his heart.” (Austen, 1813: 155)The relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy is worsened by Wickhams ill words to Darcy. Sense is overwhelmed by sensibility. On account of her prejudice against Darcy, Elizabeth tries to bring down his pride and has the satisfaction of refusing his proposal by saying that “you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.”(Austen, 1813: 179)Of course, Elizabeth finally recognizes Wickhams true face and reveals that it is the arrogant Darcy who saves the reputation of the Bennet family by arranging Lydia and Wickhams marriage. Then false pride is humbled and prejudice dissolved. In the end, Darcy and Elizabeth are united. Darcy, as a wise man, is another object of satire. At first, he claims that Elizabeth is not handsome enough to tempt him and says frankly that “it must very 中原工学院外国语学院本科毕业论文 3 materially lessen their chance of marrying men of any consideration in the world.”(Austen, 1813: 18). However, he is the very man who marries Elizabeth. 3.2 Mr. Darcy Like Elizabeth, Darcy is an ideal character by Austens writing. He was arrogant by nature. For the first time seeing Elizabeth, he treated her very picky. But then he has affection for her gradually, and asked her to marry him, but he encounters flat refusal and rage given by Elizabeth. Darcys proposal is arrogant, Elizabeth rejected it with great prejudice. Austens mockery at them has played to the extreme here. Later Darcy changes his arrogant attitude; he treats Elizabeths relatives courteously and makes every attempt to help Lydia. Elizabeth falls in love with him, giving him second time. 3.3 Mr. Bennet Mr. Bennet, who is smart humorous and educated man, is odd within his words. Maybe he can always give people surprise and excitement. From his words, Mr. Bennet is a man who tries to say something by feigning uninterested or making concessions but he does not say it immediately, which makes you nervous. For examples, he says, “You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.”(Austen, 1813: 243) In the following story that Mr. Bennet notices the coming of Bingley, but he still pretends to say that he has not heard. Why he says it like thisto show humor of the old gentleman and his daughters and wife can attend him. He is a smart and educated man from the way of dealing with things and the manner of speaking. He has a high and far sight to care about his daughters marriage but is quiet which is very different from his wife who is unceremonious and rough. His character highlighted the rudeness of his wife. He is a smart and educated man from the way of dealing with things and the manner of speaking. He has a high and far sight to care about his daughters marriage but is quiet which is very different from his wife who is unceremonious and rough. 3.4 Mrs. Bennet Mrs. Bennet is the five daughters mother. And she is the model of the foolish. “She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper. When she was discontented she fancied herself nervous. The business of her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and news”.(Austen, 1813: 93) Mrs. Bennet herself proves this comment true. She has not even seen Mr. Bingley, but she considers him as “the rightful property” for her daughters and thinks of his marrying one of them when she hears about that he has one hundred thousand pounds property. In addition, she is so ignorant and foolish that she cant even realize her husband is mocking at her “you are as handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley might like you the best of the party.” (Austen, 1813: 171). “My dear, you flatter me. I certainly have had my share of beauty, ” (Austen, 1813: 127) When Mr. Bennet refers to Mr. Collins, his cousin, “Who, when I am dead, may turn you all out of this house as soon as he pleases.”(Austen, 1813: 291)Mrs. Bennet cried, “Oh, my dear, I cannot bear to hear that mentioned. Pray do not talk of that odious man.”(Austen, 1813: 149) But when Mr. Collins plans to choose one of her daughters as his wife, she “treasured up the hint, and trusted that she might soon have two daughters married; and the man whom she could not bear to speak of the day before was now high in her good graces.”. (Austen, 1813: 164)What a capricious woman she is! Although Jane Austen made few comments on her characters, the readers know the characters gradually by listening to their voice and observing their behavior. 3.5 Mr. Collins His each word, each movement and each attempt embodies the bitter satire upon him. After he arrives at Mr. Bennets punctually, “he had not been long seated before he complimented Mrs. Bennet on having so fine a family of daughters; said he had heard much of their beauty, but that, in this instance, fame had fallen short of the truth; and added that he did not doubt her seeing them all in due time well disposed of in marriage”.(Austen, 1813: 256)How perfect and unrivaled gallantry. When Elizabeth refuses his proposal, he concludes “you are not serious in your rejection of me, I shall choose to attribute it to your wish of increasing my love by suspense, according to the usual practice of elegant females”.(Austen, 1813: 178) This scene fully displays Jane 中原工学院外国语学院本科毕业论文 5 Austens talent for comedy. Whats more interesting and attractive is that Jane Austen never stops ridiculing Mr. Collins even though he has got married. When Elizabeth calls at his parsonage, she “was prepared to see him in his glory; and she could not help fancying that in displaying the good proportion of the room, its aspect and its furniture, he addressed himself particularly to her, as if wishing to make her feel what she had lost in refusing him.”.(Austen, 1813: 153)Thus, Mr. Collins hypocrisy, self - deception and foolishness are portrayed most vividly. 3.6 Miss. Bingley Miss. Bingley has attractive appearance, but in fact is a jealous, behaved badly, arrogant person. The author portrays her character using satire. She is a self- considered person; she only considers her own interests, ruining her brothers happiness. She writes letters for several times to provoke the relationship between Darcy and Jane. She also slanders Elizabeth in front of her bother for many times. And her interference makes the two couples almost break up. Author, in the description of this kind of characters, not only seizes the opportunity to give the sarcasm, but also lets them have a sharp contrast in appearance and heart, words and actions to expose their hypocrisy. 3.7 Mrs. Catherine Mrs. Catherine was another person to be mocked. For fearing that Darcy would marry Elizabeth, she personally runs to the Bennets to warn Elizabeth not to marry Mr. Darcy. And after being counterattacked by Elizabeth, she goes to Darcy to persuade him not to marry Elizabeth. However, she does not achieve her purpose but contributes to the happy marriage between Elizabeth and Darcy. The contrast between plots achieves the ironic effects. And Mrs. Catherines folly and peremptoriness were portrayed incisively and vividly. Whats worse, Mrs. Catherine was once described as a kind, easy going and generous noblewoman by Mr. Collins. But in fact, she was arrogant, domineering and unreasonable. Mr. Collins and Mrs. Catherine only pay attention to the economic interests. The contrast achieved the goal of irony: Mr. Collins was hypocritical, pea cockish and snobbish and Mrs. Catherine was domineering, overbearing and insolent. In conclusion, Austen used the most refined language to portray characters, This kind of irony is not just mocking words, it also expose peoples relationship around the reality. Therefore it plays a key role in shaping the character. It shows that the author has the most thorough understanding of human nature and makes the novel filled with wit and humor. 4 Application of Irony in the Marriage Plot The novels satire is not only in some characterization, but also in many of the plot，especially about marriage. “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife”. (Austen, 1813:5) Jan Austin uses irony on four couples of young men and women to revealing the marriages at the time of the bourgeois society. 4.1 Mr. Collins Proposal to Marry Elizabeth It is a really big irony when Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth. The proposal process is just like a farce. “Now that he had a home and a considerable income, he had decided to marry. The Bennet girls, who would lose their inheritance because of him, had a reputation fir being attractive and charming, and his idea of making amends to them was to marry one of them. He considered this an excellent plan, and thought himself extremely generous and unselfish in carrying it out.” (Austen, 1813: 193) Besides this, when Elizabeth refuses to marry him, he just thinks that why Elizabeth does so is just for getting more love from him. The result of this farce is totally different from what the overweening Mr. Collins had thought. This made an exhibition of himself. 4.2 The Marriages of Lydia Bennet and Mr. Wickham The marriage of Lydia Bennet and Mr. Wickham is one of the most absurd and the least optimistic marriage. Their marriage is indulging in the erotic feeling. (Wang, 2002:23) Mr. Wickham is Mr.Darcys old housekeepers son. To outward seeming, he is casual and elegant bearing, but actually he is a dandy. Lydia Bennet is the youngest 中原工学院外国语学院本科毕业论文 7 daughter and her behavior is always chameleonic. She doesnt know how to maintain good character and just love to dance, visit the millinery shop, chase officers. She inherited her mothers beauty, but also inherited his mothers stupidity and vanity. Although only 15 years old, she was too preoccupied with l