Literary devices

Imagery

Jane Austen uses only little imagery in Pride and Prejudice, instead focusing on realism, precision, and dialogue. One example of a simile is when Elizabeth talks about Wickham with Jane: "… ‘Your profusion makes me saving; and if you lament over him much longer, my heart will be as light as a feather.’ '' (p. 157)

In the phrase “Elizabeth made no answer, and walked on, her heart swelling with indignation” (p. 130), the author constructs a metaphor to suggest Elizabeth’s heart was hurt. 

Personification also make up the imagery of the novel. For example: “ ‘His pride,’ said Miss Lucas, ‘does not offend me so much as pride often does’ ” (p. 13). In this case, pride is given human attributes, suggesting the significance of pride in the novel.

Hyperbole

Hyperbole means to exaggerate a situation, character trait etc. A number of characters frequently use hyperbole to express themselves, with Mrs Bennet being the queen of hyperbole: " ‘I am sure,’ she added, ‘if it was not for such good friends I do not know what would become of her, for she is very ill indeed, and suffers a vast deal, though with the greatest patience in t...