It is generally known that Jane Austen uses humor in a
subtle (yet effective) way in her writings. Humor is infused into the story through the
actions of specific characters whose traits are quite salient from the rest. These
characters are often obnoxious (Mr. Collins, Mrs. Bennet, Mary), “full of themselves”
(Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, Darcy, Lady Catherine, and Mr. Collins), or foolish (Lydia,
Charlotte, Sir Lucas).
These secondary characters’ traits
often clash with the main character, creating with their actions a remarkable contrast
that results in humor. A good example of this would be the visit of Mr. Collins to the
Bennet household. After the reader witnesses his mannerisms and his fixation with Lady
Catherine De Bourgh, his aristocratic patroness, it is evident that Mr. Collins and the
main character, Elizabeth, are complete opposites. When he then proposes marriage to
Elizabeth, the weirdness of it all creates a very funny situation in which both
characters end up in a very awkward conversation. The result was that Elizabeth rejected
Collins, and his ego was hurt tremendously.
Therefore, Jane
Austen does not openly break from the flow of the narrative to create a funny situation.
Instead, she presents specific characters whose behaviors are curious, interesting, and
funny. It is through their actions that humor occurs in the
story.
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