Jane Austen and the reader: rhetorical techniques in Northanger Abbey, Pride and prejudice, and Emma

Abstract

Austen employs a number of rhetorical techniques to shape the responses of the reader. In Northanger Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, and Emma, these techniques work through style, characterization, narrative method, and narrator-reader relationship to interest readers in the novels and to encourage readers to exercise their perception. Two features of Austen's style shape the reader's response. Austen's consistent use of conceptual terms in describing behavior encourages readers to adopt the standards the terms imply and to use the terms to analyze behavior. In addition, Austen's use of ironic language often delights readers and it always encourages them to distinguish between appearance and reality. Austen uses characterization in at least five ways to shape the reader's response. She encourages readers to see character as more important than appearance. She interests readers in realistic characters. She shapes readers' reactions to characters by the manner in which she presents their speech. She deepens readers' understanding of theme by having many characters exemplify sorne aspect of it. She exercises the perception, judgment, and sympathy of readers by allowing them to make their own decisions about some characters. Austen's narrative method creates a double view for readers so that they must sort out their perceptions just as the fallible heroines must. Austen also shapes the reader's responses through the creation of a narrator-reader relationship. The narrator creates this relationship by using irony and by adopting a moral stance. Austen's varied rhetorical techniques entice readers to become involved in the process of distinguishing appearance from reality, and they prepare readers to perceive correctly.