Ten Utterances of the Voice of God (P&P)

[reposted from wordpress]

It’s a common fiction that Elizabeth Bennet is the narrator of Pride and Prejudice, or that the story is told solely from her perspective.  Those arguing for a nicer, gentler Darcy (or, alternatively, a crueller and less virtuous one), often invoke the argument – e.g., “we only see what Elizabeth sees,” or “we only see him through Elizabeth’s eyes” – ignoring the many occasions when we see his thoughts – or Bingley’s, Mrs Bennet’s, Lydia’s, Jane’s, Georgiana’s, Mrs Gardiner’s, Mr Bennet’s, Caroline’s, etc etc.

Of course, Pride and Prejudice is not told (or seen through the eyes of) any one of these people.  It has – in common with all the Austen novels – an omniscient narrator.  She relates the story – events, thoughts, perceptions – usually as the characters themselves would see/think/perceive them.  Sometimes, however, she reverts to her Voice of God authority, speaking as herself and saying This Is So.

 

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Infinite Use

I've always wondered what exactly went on when Lady Catherine told Darcy about her meeting with Elizabeth. There are a lot of versions of that scene, but none hit quite right. Mostly, they took a serious approach to a scene I'd always imagined as absolutely hysterical. So, with no further ado...

( Lady Catherine has been of infinite use . . . )