One important passage in the first chapter of Pride and
Prejudice is the opening line: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single
man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." This opening line is a
perfect example Austen's wit and sets the generally whimsical, gay tone of the novel.
This statement is witty due to the ironic fact that it is not necessarily rich
men who are wanting wives, rather it is
women who are wanting rich men as husbands.
Another important passage is Mr. Bennet's response to Mrs. Bennet's
request that he introduce himself and his daughters to Mr.
Bingley:
I
see no occasion for that. You and the girls may go, or you may send them by themselves,
which perhaps will be still better; for, as you are as handsome as any of them, Mr.
Bingley might like you the best of the
party.
His response is very
amusing and also very enlightening. The lines tell us a great deal about his witty,
sarcastic character, and how he condescends to his wife. The suggestion is of course
ironic because it was very improper for women to introduce themselves to men. Besides
being ironic, this passage actually foreshadows a great deal. Mr. Bennet, his wife, and
his family, especially the youngest daughters, are about to be accused of lacking
discipline and acting with impropriety. More importantly, Mr. Bennet will be blamed for
his family's behavior.
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