In a continuous esssay of not more than 1,000 words, analyse this Essay

In a continuous esssay of not more than 1,000 words, analyse this passage, discussing how narrative voice and dialogue are impor - Essay Example The aforementioned piece is a flawless demonstration of Direct Narrative. One can say so, as in this case, the viewpoint presented to the reader is that of a heterodiegetic narrator, who is not a part of the story, and has complete knowledge of all the happenings in the story. As a result, it gives the reader an opportunity to analyse the situation in the story using a wide pool of thoughts. Charlotte did not stay much longer, and Elizabeth was then left to reflect on what she had heard. It was a long time before she became at all reconciled to the idea of so unsuitable a match. The strangeness of Mr. Collins making two offers of marriage within three days was nothing in comparison of his being now accepted. She had always felt that Charlotte's opinion of matrimony was not exactly like her own, but she could not have supposed it possible that when called into action, she would have sacrificed every better feeling to worldly advantage. Charlotte the wife of Mr. Collins was a most humi liating picture! (Paragraph 4) This fragment very gracefully mingles both Direct and Focalised narrative. The first line has been laid out in pure Direct narrative, with the narrator informing the reader about the departure of Charlotte and the beginning of Elizabeth's train of thoughts. However, from the second line onwards, the narrative shifts to being Focalised, with Elizabeth being the focaliser. The text from here onwards, gives the reader a portrayal of the happening (Charlotte's acceptance of Mr. Collins marriage proposal), solely through Elizabeth's point of view. In a way, the reader 'sees' what Elizabeth sees, and is made to think at the same wavelength as Elizabeth. It ignores all the other aspects of the situation, thus narrowing the scope of understanding and reflection of the reader. However, it also gives the reader the liberty to gather a deep understanding of Elizabeth's character. Moreover, the passage also lays down a brilliant understanding of Free Indirect Spee ch and Dialogue. But Elizabeth had not recollected herself, and making a strong effort for it, was able to assure her with tolerable firmness that the prospect of their relationship was highly grateful to her, and that she wished her all imaginable happiness. (Paragraph 3) The underlined sentences in the above paragraph are a perfect literary example of Free Indirect Speech. It models indirect speech to a certain extent, the only difference being that in this form, there is no introductory clause. For example, in the above sentence, one does not see an expression like 'she said' or 'she exclaimed', which are characteristics of indirect speech. Apart from Free Indirect Speech, the passage also underlines the importance and definitive nature of Dialogue. The steady countenance which Miss Lucas had commanded in telling her story, gave way to a momentary confusion here on receiving so direct a reproach; though, as it was no more than she expected, she soon regained her composure, and ca lmly replied, ?Why should you be surprised, my dear Eliza? Do you think it incredible that Mr. Collins should be able to procure any woman's good opinion, because he was not so happy as to succeed with you?" (Paragraph 2) The sentences within double quotes are Dialogues, said by Charlotte to Elizabeth. Whereas Free Indirect Speech gives the reader an overview of the situation at hand,