Pride and Prejudice (Grades 9–1) York Notes

Includes abstract nouns referring to moral qualities (‘pride’) and judgmental adjectives (‘a woman of mean intelligence’). Careful choice of words indicates intelligence (‘Can he be a sensible man?’).

Intended to be read aloud as well as privately. Narrator’s ironic comments can undercut a character. Exclamations indicate ignorance (Mrs Bennet) or unusually extreme emotion (Elizabeth).

Polite language inadequate to express private feelings. Feelings shown through movement, change of position (as in a play). Body language (e.g. blushing) reveals physical attraction.

Blends realism and romance (as in later novels, e.g. 'Jane Eyre' ). Comic – irony and caricature. Importance of letters (link to earlier epistolary novels). Novel of manners (analyses behaviour).

Three-volume narrative follows events in chronological (time) order. Letters move action forward. Changes of location prompt plot developments. Various points of view plus omniscient narrator.