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Write a note on element of drama in the novels of Jane Austen with special reference to Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen has adopted the technique of dramatists for her novels. She has great affinity with the dramatists of her age rather than with her contemporary novelists. It may be pointed out that if she lived a century earlier, she would have been one of the greatest dramatists of English literature. If we go through her early novel, Pride and Prejudice’, we will find it in direct tradition of the “Comedy of Manners’. Her novels are structurally dramatic because her genius was essentially dramatic. The great critic, Baker points out that Pride and Prejudice is a drama in five acts with a well knit plot following usual organisation of a good drama. This organisation consists of Exposition, Development, Climax Denouement and Resolution. There is harmonious blending of the main plot and sub-plots and the action proceeds psychologically and inevitabley towards its natural conclusion. There is following a closer look at its movement and purpose:

1. Act I- Exposition: As per the tradition of drama, major characters are introduced. Major character are the Bennets, the Bingleys, the Lucases and Darcy. The opening scene is very significant and similar to the opening scenes of Shakespearean comedies. The opening sentence of the novel sets the tone of the novel. The major conflict between the pride of Darcy and the prejudice of Elizabeth is initiated. The ball at the Netherfield Park, residence of Bingley provides the climax of his opening, expository Act. The hopes of Jane Bingley union are raised and for time being frustrated. This act comprises of chapter I to XVIII.

2. Act II – Development: This act advances the story of the main plot besides providing the comic relief. The sub-plot of Catherine-Collins affair gets underway. Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth, who promptly turns it down. Mr. Collins marries Charlotte. They go to Hunsford where the climax of the story takes place. Wikham’s introduction is instrumental in intensifying the prejudice of Elizabeth against Darcy. The gardeners are also introduced and Jane goes to London. This Act comprises of chapter XIX to Chapter XXVI.

3. Act III – Climax : This Act brings both main plot and main. sub-plot to climax. This act is very significant. Two minor characters Lady Catherine and Col. Fitzwilliam, are introduced. Lady Catherine is a foil to Mr. Bennet and shows that even the high born can be as vulgar as Mrs. Bennet, who is low born. It is a revelation to Darcy.

Similarly, the character of Col. Fitzwilliam provides Elizabeth an opportunity to view Wickham in proper perspective. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth and she turns the proposal down. Caroline Bingley’s duplicity comes to Jane’s notice and she is disillusioned. Both, Darcy and Elizabeth experience a softening of their hostilities towards each other and are shocked about themselves. This Act comprises of chapter XXVII to Chapters XL.

4. Act IV- Denouement: Elizabeth goes to Darcy’s residence, Pemberley, with Gardiner family. The feeling of Elizabeth towards Darcy have undergone further softening with Mrs. Reynold’s testimony and Darye’s letter to Elizabeth. Darcy and Elizabeth meet in a changed atmosphere. This atmosphere is changed from the former hostile attitude to the present favourable attitude. This welcome change appears to bring the union between Elizabeth and Darcy closer, but Lydia’s elopement with Wikham seems to permanently seal Elizabeth’s fate because Darcy is not expected to marry Elizabeth after her sister’s immoral and indiscreet act of elopment with a person who had earlier tried to elope with his own sister. A suspense is created. This act comprises of chapter IXL to chapter L.

5. Act V- Resolution: Darcy’s essential nobility finds expression. He acts gallantly. He finds out Wickham a Lydia and makes them marry. Elizabeth is touched by Darcy’s heroism and fells indebted to him. She feels the emotion of love. Lady Catherine meets Elizabeth to make her vow not to marry Darcy. Elizabeth refuses it. Lady Catherine reports her meeting with Elizabeth to Darcy. This expedites the development of the main story to its logical end. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth and she accepts it immediately. Jane and Bingley are already engaged. Thus, the entire crisis and conflicts are resolved. This act comprises of Chapter L1 to LXI.

In view of above discussion, it can be said that the novel Pride and Prejudice’ has all the dramatic elements and Jane Austen is a dramatist in true sense.