Place: the specific space occupied or allocated by a thing or person.
The definition given by Dictionary.com of the words “place” and “person” is quite interesting. Austen used the objective correlative method extensively in Pride and Prejudice. Her settings reflected the characters of the owners. She uses other techniques that are essential to the understanding of her characters, their relationships, and the many plot points in the novel. What are the techniques used, and what makes them so powerful? Austen’s techniques for incorporating a feeling of place in her novels can help us answer these questions.
This technique is used to establish the character qualities by reflecting them in their surroundings. Austen uses locations and material objects to establish the qualities of her characters. Rosings has been described as ostentatious. The setting is garish compared to Pemberley.
After the servants …. Sir William had never been to St. James’s but was still so intimidated by its grandeur that he could barely bring himself to say a word. His daughter sat on her edge of her seat, scared almost to her core. (p. 121)
The overwhelming opulence of Rosings as Sir William Lucas is intimidated by it, is evident throughout this chapter. In the midst of all this excess, we meet Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She is a creature perfectly suited to her surroundings. It is fascinating to note how she is intimidating and self centered. Her estate and herself also create an uncomfortable atmosphere for those unfortunate to be in her vicinity. It is said that Lady Catherine’s presence makes visitors uncomfortable. When Elizabeth and Charlotte visited, they were told that, “there wasn’t much to do except listen to Lady Catherine talk. She spoke without stopping until the coffee arrived. She gave her opinion about every subject with such decisiveness that it was clear that she didn’t like having her judgement questioned” (p.122). Darcy proposes to Elizabeth at this time of discomfort. Both characters feel worse than they did before. His second proposal, which takes place at Longbourn in a setting where Elizabeth is comfortable, was more successful.
Pemberley was Mr. Darcy’s estate. Rosings has a similar size and grandeur to Rosings but is not as flashy or opulent.
The furniture was elegant and beautiful, but it lacked the splendor of Rosings’ furniture. (p. 182)
Darcy can also be described in the same way. Although he may appear to be haughty and proud at first, he’s actually a nice fellow who is well-dressed, but not too showy. He also has a very good sense of humor. We can see Elizabeth at ease in Pemberley (in contrast to her discomfort in Rosings), as well as later on in the novel, that she is at ease with Darcy. Almost every setting in Pride and Prejudice reflects its owners. Longbourn, for example, is simple and plain, like Mr. and Miss Bennet. Brighton has a lot of flash and noise, which is similar to Wickham.
Austen’s story is balanced by the fact that she has several significant events outside and others, less important, inside. Darcy gives the letter and has numerous encounters with Elizabeth during the walks outside. His infamous proposal also takes place in the garden. The interesting thing is that it’s the events which take place outside in the garden’s vast spaces that lead to Elizabeth’s fate, while less important ones, like Mr. Collins’ proposal, happen inside the recesses. The garden could be a common area where everyone can gather and there is no influence or advantage. The great outdoors encourages honesty amongst the characters who are there. This feeling has a direct impact on the future of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth is trapped inside her home, with her mother and Mr. Collins. It is because of this environment that she feels so uneasy.
It also aids in the plot, as with Lydia’s elopement to Mr. Wickham or Elizabeth’s first and lasting impression of Caroline Bingley when she visits Netherfield. It is because of these different locations that characters have to write to each other. This would explain the existence of many letters found in Pride and Prejudice. This correspondence (of which the novel contains twenty) allows readers to gain an intimate understanding of each character. Their closeness makes it feel almost like they’re reading entries from their own diary. The original title for Pride and Prejudice, “First Impressions”, may have been entirely written in epistolic format. We would not have letters if there were no sense of location. The story would also be bland. This correspondence of vital information also means that the characters’ responses are rarely spontaneous. Only Elizabeth is able to do this, as she responds to letters in a way that sounds like she’s addressing their writer. It is the nature of letters that they require people to think before they write, so when it comes to important matters (like what should be done regarding Lydia’s relationship with Wickham), everyone must take time to consider their response. It allows other things to happen, like misunderstandings, and it delays the action. This way, mistakes can’t be corrected right away. Jane and Elizabeth, for example, would lose a lot of the storyline if they were always together. Elizabeth could tell Jane her misapprehensions and Jane would never be able correct them.
Pride and Prejudice, a novel by Jane Austen, is full of mannerisms and misjudgements. With the use of objective correlatives, readers are able to gain greater insight into Austen’s characters. They can then enjoy the book with a deeper understanding. Austen creates a feeling of balance in her story by having some of the most significant events take place outside and others inside. Austen allows her characters to travel around Great Britain. This allows them to communicate via letters and make mistakes. Austen made excellent use in Pride and Prejudice of the senses and places.
