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Free Indirect Speech In Jane Austen's Emma

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One of the many intriguing aspects of Jane Austen’s novel Emma is the use of the narration style of free indirect speech, which incorporates a mixture of first person direct speech and some of the characteristics of third person. This method allows for Austen to give the reader some perspective into Emma’s thoughts, while also occasionally floating through other viewpoints whether that be from the mind of another character or simply third person narration. Incorporating this engaging stylistic component of literature lets Austen control one’s sympathy for Emma Woodhouse, because she can reveal things to them that Emma remains unaware of. Jane Austen is able to maintain our sympathy for the main character despite her flaws, because through the majority of the book the audience experiences life through Emma’s eyes, making it as though we are …show more content…

The use of the free indirect discourse method permits Austen to move freely through the thoughts of different character and almost put herself and he own thoughts into the book as well. In doing so we are so closely connected with Emma that we are forced to be sympathetic with her and everything we read is filtered through her mind. We see her learn from her mistakes over the course of the book as she regrets some actions and feels genuine sorrow for the consequences her words can have. Watching her character develop helps the compassion readers have for her and they can see her realizing her blunders and attempting to correct them, dealing with the intense feelings the self-reproach she endures after her errors. Having the chance to see exactly how she is feeling brings out a more advanced understanding of Emma’s character and allows a strong sense of sympathy to establish itself in the audience, leaving readers on Emma’s

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