From the chilling control in Robert Browning’s My Last Duchess to the subtle social commentary in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, literary devices like euphemism and understatement reveal the hidden layers of classic literature. These devices don’t just decorate the text—they shape meaning, deepen character development, and engage readers in uncovering the truths beneath the surface. In this article, we’ll explore how these devices work in both texts, compare their usage, and analyze why they matter.
My Last Duchess: A Masterclass in Literary Devices
Robert Browning’s My Last Duchess is a dramatic monologue that tells the story of a Duke who reveals his controlling and possessive nature while discussing a portrait of his late wife. The poem is rich with literary devices that enhance its themes and characterizations.
Dramatic Monologue: The Duke’s Voice
The poem is written in the form of a dramatic monologue, a literary device where a single character speaks to a silent listener. In this case, the Duke is speaking to an emissary negotiating his next marriage. Through his words, we learn more about the Duke’s character than he intends to reveal.
- Example: The Duke’s casual tone when discussing the Duchess’s behavior (“She had / A heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad”) masks his jealousy and need for control.
- Why it matters: This device allows Browning to show the Duke’s arrogance and possessiveness indirectly, making the revelation of his cruelty more impactful.
Imagery and Symbolism: The Portrait
The portrait of the Duchess is a central symbol in the poem. It represents the Duke’s desire to control and objectify his wife, even in death.
- Example: The Duke describes the painting as a “wonder” and keeps it behind a curtain, suggesting he views the Duchess as a possession rather than a person.
- Why it matters: The imagery of the portrait underscores the theme of control and the dehumanization of the Duchess.
Irony: Politeness and Cruelty
The Duke’s polite and refined language contrasts sharply with the sinister implications of his words. This irony makes his character even more unsettling.
- Example: When the Duke says, “I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together,” he is casually admitting to having his wife killed.
- Why it matters: The irony highlights the Duke’s hypocrisy and the dark reality beneath his polished exterior.
Understatement: Masking the Truth
The Duke frequently uses understatement to downplay his actions, making his cruelty even more chilling.
- Example: His matter-of-fact tone when discussing the Duchess’s death (“This grew; I gave commands”) minimizes the horror of his actions.
- Why it matters: Understatement forces readers to read between the lines, engaging them more deeply with the text.
Euphemism in Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a novel filled with social commentary, and euphemism is one of the key devices she uses to critique the norms of her time. Euphemism allows characters to discuss uncomfortable topics politely, but it also reveals their true feelings and societal pressures.
Definition of Euphemism
A euphemism is a word or phrase used to soften a harsh or uncomfortable truth. It’s often used to maintain social decorum or avoid offense.
- Example: Saying “passed away” instead of “died.”
- Why it matters: In Pride and Prejudice, euphemism reflects the constraints of Regency-era society, where directness was often discouraged.
Examples of Euphemism in Pride and Prejudice
Austen uses euphemism to critique marriage, class, and social expectations. Here are some key examples:
Social Criticism
- Mr. Collins’ Proposal:
- Mr. Collins describes his proposal to Elizabeth as “elegantly phrased,” masking its absurdity and self-importance.
- Why it matters: This euphemism highlights the ridiculousness of his character and the societal pressure to marry for convenience rather than love.
Character Interactions
- Lady Catherine’s Condescension:
- Lady Catherine often cloaks her insults in polite language, such as when she tells Elizabeth, “You have a very small park here.”
- Why it matters: This euphemism reveals her arrogance and disdain for those she considers beneath her.
Marriage and Class
- Charlotte Lucas’s Marriage:
- Charlotte’s pragmatic marriage to Mr. Collins is described as “an establishment,” avoiding the blunt truth of her lack of romantic attachment.
- Why it matters: This euphemism critiques the limited options available to women in Regency England.
Literary Devices Related to Euphemism
Understatement
- Elizabeth’s Description of Mr. Darcy:
- When Elizabeth first meets Mr. Darcy, she describes him as “tolerable,” downplaying her initial attraction.
- Why it matters: This understatement reflects Elizabeth’s wit and independence, as well as her reluctance to conform to societal expectations.
Irony
- Mr. Bennet’s Sarcasm:
- Mr. Bennet often uses sarcastic remarks to critique his wife’s behavior, such as when he says, “You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.”
- Why it matters: This irony highlights the tension in their marriage and Mr. Bennet’s detachment from his family.
Comparing My Last Duchess and Pride and Prejudice
While My Last Duchess and Pride and Prejudice are very different works, they both use literary devices like euphemism and understatement to critique societal norms and reveal character.
Themes of Control and Social Commentary
- My Last Duchess: The Duke’s control over the Duchess reflects the patriarchal power dynamics of his time.
- Pride and Prejudice: Austen critiques the societal pressure to marry for status rather than love.
Use of Indirect Language
- Both works use euphemism and understatement to mask uncomfortable truths.
- Example: The Duke’s polite speech vs. Austen’s characters’ socially acceptable phrasing.
Impact on the Reader
- These devices force readers to read between the lines, engaging them more deeply with the text.
Why These Devices Matter
Enhancing Themes
Euphemism and understatement highlight the tension between appearance and reality, a central theme in both works.
Character Development
These devices reveal characters’ true natures without explicit statements, making them more complex and relatable.
Reader Engagement
By inviting readers to uncover hidden meanings, these devices make the reading experience more interactive and thought-provoking.
Conclusion
From the Duke’s chilling understatements to Austen’s clever euphemisms, literary devices like these enrich our understanding of both My Last Duchess and Pride and Prejudice. They reveal the hidden truths beneath the surface, critique societal norms, and engage readers in a deeper exploration of the text.
Next time you read these classics, pay attention to what’s left unsaid—it’s often where the real story lies.
