Austen's Entire Proposal And Austen example essay topic

Dickens / Austen Prompt Jane Austen and Charles Dickens portray a marriage proposal in their novels which differ in rhetorical strategies. While Austen uses a more condescending and non-intimate proposal, Dickens has a more humble and romantic approach to the proposal. Austen's proposal begins with the phrase that reflects the selfishness and arrogance of his entire proposal: "My reasons". Throughout the proposal Austen lists the reasons why he should marry, rather than listing what he has to offer her. His first reason for matrimony is simply that a clergyman "like [him] self should marry in order to set the example". He later adds that his patroness declared that a "clergy man like [him] must marry".

Apparently, Austen sets himself on a high horse because of his status as a clergyman. Austen blatantly states, "I am convinced that it will add to greatly to my happiness". No where in his proposal does Austen add that he will bring joy to her life as well, proving that while Austen intends to win her hand in marriage, it is not likely that she is impressed by his choice of words. Further, Austen states, "and thirdly-which perhaps I should have mentioned earlier... ". and right when the reader expects Austen to declare his undying love for the woman, he merely reveals that the main reason for his proposal is that his patroness convinced him to do so. Austen's proposal is obviously impersonal and un affectionate because Austen discloses that his proposal is not something that he necessarily wanted but rather something he and his patroness felt that he needed. When Austen adds that his patroness asked him to "chuse properly, chuse a gentlewoman for my sake; and for your own... fund such a woman as soon as you can, bring her to Hunsford, and I will visit her", Austen reveals that this woman will be evaluated under the criteria of his patroness.

The only point at which Austen compliments the woman he is proposing to is when he states "your wit and vivacity I think must be acceptable to [my patroness]". It is almost as if he is recruiting someone for a job rather than proposing to a woman. Clearly, Austen uses a cocky marriage proposal without ever appealing to the woman's emotions. Charles Dickens, on the other hand, uses a humble and emotionally rich proposal to win the heart of the love of his life.

The second sentence in his proposal is simply stated: "I love you". These three words contain more meaning and value than Austen's entire proposal, and Austen elaborates it by detailing the "tremendous attraction" he feels for her. He continues by describing the extent of his love for her by stating, "You could draw me to fire, you could draw me to water, you could draw me to the gallows, you could draw me to any death, you could draw me to anything I have most avoided... ". The repetition of you could draw me and the hyperbolic ideas serve to emphasize Dickens' vulnerability and passion; he would do anything for her love. At this point the woman is likely enthralled and weak at the knees; Dickens is achieving his purpose.

Dickens further convinces the woman of his love for her by stating, "But if you would return a favourable answer to my offer of marriage, you could draw me to good-every good-with equal force". Dickens states that all he needs to be satisfied and content is for her to share her life with him and agree to his proposal. In addition, Dickens explains why he wants to marry her, as well as expresses what he has to offer her, indicating that the selflessness in his proposal. He tells her, "You would want for nothing" in order to convince her of his intentions to satisfy her and make certain that she is fulfilled in their marriage. Dickens also includes that his "reputation is quite high, and it will be a shield for [hers]". Obviously, Dickens is not merely self-interested, but wants her to know of the advantages to marrying him as well.

He appeals to her emotions by stating that he longs for her to feel pride in his work, and that he will "try hard that [she] should". Evidently Dickens puts this woman, rather than himself, on a high horse; he strives to impress her and convince her that he has admirable characteristics. Dickens emphasizes his love for her once again by declaring that the makes the proposal "with all [his] heart". By the end of the proposal Dickens appears to plead, "I only add that if it is any claim on you to be in earnest, I am in thorough earnest, dreadful earnest". The repetition of the word earnest implies that Dickens hopes the woman will understand and respond positively to his sincere proposal. This closing sentence is meant to "seal the deal", or finalize her decision.

Obviously, Dickens' approach to the proposal of is far more touching and emotional than Austen's manner of proposing. Jane Austen unsentimental and cocky proposal and Charles Dickens' passionate and selfless proposal differ enormously in their rhetorical strategies. While a woman who received Austen's proposal would be offended and unsympathetic, a woman who received Dickens' proposal would likely be crying tears of joy and bliss.