Jane Austen’s writing style in “Pride and Prejudice” is characterized by wit, irony, social

commentary, and a keen observation of human nature. Her prose is elegant, precise, and filled
with subtle humor. Here are a few quotes from the novel that exemplify Austen’s writing style:

1. “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune,
must be in want of a wife.”

This iconic opening line showcases Austen’s wit and irony. It satirizes the societal expectation
that wealthy bachelors are automatically seeking a wife. The use of the phrase “universally
acknowledged” adds a humorous exaggeration to the observation.

2. “For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our
turn?”

This quote reflects Austen’s keen social commentary. It highlights the tendency of people to
engage in gossip, judgment, and ridicule of others as a form of entertainment. Austen exposes the
superficiality and pettiness of such behavior through her incisive observation.

3. “To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.”

Here, Austen employs irony to convey her satirical tone. She humorously suggests that an
affinity for dancing automatically leads to romantic entanglements. This quote exemplifies
Austen’s ability to capture societal conventions in a lighthearted and witty manner.

4. “Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously.”

This quote showcases Austen’s precision in language and her ability to dissect social concepts.
She distinguishes between vanity and pride, challenging the reader’s assumptions and
highlighting the complexities of human emotions and motivations.
 5. “A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to
matrimony in a moment.”

This quote demonstrates Austen’s astute characterization and her ability to portray the inner
thoughts and tendencies of her female characters. She humorously depicts the tendency of
women to quickly progress from admiration to thoughts of marriage, satirizing societal
expectations and the romantic inclinations of the time.

6. “It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of
judging properly at first.”

Austen’s writing often includes moral lessons and insights into human behavior. This quote
highlights the importance of open-mindedness and the ability to reassess one’s opinions. Through
concise and impactful phrasing, Austen encourages readers to reflect on the need for intellectual
flexibility.

These quotes illustrate Jane Austen’s distinctive writing style in “Pride and Prejudice.” Her
clever use of language, irony, social commentary, and memorable characters create a rich and
engaging narrative that continues to captivate readers to this day.