This thesis deals with the use of irony by Jane Austen. Irony is an important factor of her writing style. First, the social background of the novels is outlined, especially the class division of the literary characters, and the role and rights of women in the author's time. It is described how the author ironically comments and sheds light on the shortcomings of society and the individual at the time. The novels Pride and Prejudice and Emma are presented as examples of the author's ironic writing style. Examples of irony of characters, verbal, situational, dramatic and structural irony are pointed out in these two novels. The examples also present and explain what Jane Austen criticizes through irony. In addition to the novels, the thesis also presents the finding of whether the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice also contains irony and uses it in the same way as the author.
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