Plot devices in Jane Austen's novels : Sense and sensibility, Pride and prejudice and Persuasion : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in English at Massey University
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1981
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Massey University
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Abstract
This thesis evaluates various plot devices occurring in three novels by Jane Austen. The novels studied are Sense and Sensibility (1811) , Pride and Prejudice (1813), and Persuasion (1818). I have chosen novels from different periods of Jane Austen's career as a novelist. One of the novels, Pride and Prejudice is regarded as having a virtually flawless plot, while both Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion are considered to have major plot flaws. To evaluate Jane Austen's use of plot devices, I have isolated the main devices in each novel. Each chapter of the thesis is devoted to one type of plot device. The plot devices analysed come under the headings of Journeys and Character Positioning, Revelations, Elopements, Illnesses, Alternative Suitors, Minor Characters, and Conclusion. At the end of each chapter I have summarised the main points and compared the devices discussed in the chapter. The conclusion is divided into three parts, dealing separately with the three novels. In my analysis of plot devices I have looked particularly for consistency of characterisation, and for plausible events. As I expected, Pride and Prejudice has a very carefully constructed plot. Chance and coincidence play their parts, and Jane Austen does not try to disguise this. In Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen displays her ability to vary the devices used to bring Darcy and Elizabeth together, using holidays, illnesses and social gatherings. Furthermore, Elizabeth and Darcy are not always surrounded by the same characters. As the settings and characters change, so too do the reactions of Elizabeth and Darcy towards each other. Each incident is well realised and consistent with the characters' personalities. Sense and Sensibility has one major plot flaw. The subplot concerning Marianne, Willoughby and Colonel Brandon is far from perfect, and despite some mitigating circumstances (such as the obvious care expended on the description of Marianne's illness) it remains unsatisfactory. However, the novel does not deserve to be disregarded, as some of the plot devices are very well written (and on a par with similar ones found in the other novels studied). Persuasion is also a flawed novel. The revelation made by Mrs Smith has received harsh criticism, yet it plays a very minor role in the plot of the novel, and is unfairly regarded as a clumsy piece of deus ex machina. The least satisfactory part of the plot concerns the elopement of Mr Elliot and Mrs Clay at the end of the novel, and it seems that Jane Austen has sacrificed characterisation to achieve a moral patterning of marriages. There are, however, some very fine plot devices in Persuasion, particularly the renting of Kellynch and the letter from Wentworth to Anne. In conclusion, it seems that Jane Austen is generally very careful to create events which are plausible (even if fortuitous) . On the occasions where some character consistency has been sacrificed, Jane Austen has done so for the sake of the moral pattern. This is not always acceptable, particularly in Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion. However, it does not often occur, and the plots of all three novels are remarkably well constructed.
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Jane Austen, Sense and sensibility (Novel), Pride and prejudice (Novel), Persuasion (Novel), Plots (in fiction), 19th century literature