Irony in Pride and Prejudice Critics have scrutinized Jane Austen's novel, Pride and Prejudice, since its creation. In this novel, Austen uses irony to produce a masterpiece. Austen opens the novel with what appears to be a sarcastic phrase. He writes, “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in need of a wife” (Austen 5). Most readers consider it funny and rather ridiculous. It does not necessarily follow that a man with a large fortune would seek a wife. However, by the end of the first page, the reader may find themselves wondering, "Was Austen being sarcastic or simply stating a fact?" In Pride and Prejudice, the opening line is simply a statement of fact. The text features two men with great fortunes. Furthermore, the end of the novel unites both "good fortune" men with their wives. Austen sealed their ends. What appears to be mere sarcasm becomes ironic when one realizes that "IT is a universally recognized truth." The first character to express sarcasm and irony is Mr. Bennett. Austen brings out the irony of her opening thesis in her sarcastic speech. The opening dialogue between Mr. Bennett and his wife is a worthy example. Comments a man who rents a piece of property, Netherfield Park. Mr. Bennett shows very little interest in his story. His disinterest upsets her and she asks him if he wants to know who rented the property. He replies “You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it” (5). She points out that the man is "a young man of great fortune" (5). Aside from asking his name, the first thing Mr. Bennett wants to know about this man is, "Is he married or single?" "Oh my dear bachelor, of course! A single man of paper size...average...and it seems like utter stupidity to the reader. Yet the most important irony is the irony between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth As the novel progresses , Darcy and Elizabeth put aside their pride and prejudice to join in marriage Furthermore, Mr. Darcy transforms from villain to hero Wickham transforms from hero to villain Finally, Austen's use of authorial intrusion adds a twist ending of sarcasm and irony that completes the novel. WORKS CITED Bower, Reuben A. "Light and Bright and Sparkling: Irony and Fiction in Pride and Prejudice Ed." 388.Mudrick, Marvin "Irony as Discrimination: Pride and Prejudice." Ed. Donald Gray. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1966. 388-409. Wright, Andrew H. "Feelings and Complexity in Pride and Prejudice." . Donald Gray. W. W. Norton & Company, 1966. 410-420.