D.W. Harding

I believe Harding accurately emphasized both the wit and physchology Austen implores in Pride & Prejudice, yet he misjudged her intentions and desire. I agree with him that Austen, whom was surrounded by a conventional society of customs and material social and economic institutions, was a truly remarkable person. For her time and environment, she did an amazing job of discussing and bringing full front the serious evils in societies. Now, i disagree with his proposition that she wrote about these social issues as a sort of self-preservation; rather, i believe that Austen wrote for both theraputic and moral reasons while admist a world of crude complacency. And, although i agree that she did bring satire into her work to discuss the faults of her world- i disagree with Harding that she was merely a "delicate satirist." Austen wasn't writing to simply employ humor into her readers, but rather, to enlighten her readers. I disagree with Harding that Austen exaggerated her characters in efforts of hoping to maintain and or camouflage her hatred so she could still "fit in."Austen doesn't care what so ever about social niches and to imply that she does simply shows Hardings ignorance of that which Austen stands most for. Yet, i agree with him that Austen's ability (through satire) to bring "fake" characters and "real" characters together artistically displays the massive disconnect between them and their worlds. Moreover, Harding claims that she did not have any "didactic intentions", however, i strongly disagree. I believe that through her satire she was trying to inspire and teach her readers of the follies of society and its trivialities. Also, Harding claims that Austen wanted people not to go to her writings as a means of escape but rather one of alliance. In part, i agree that Austen would of liked to have support for her thoughts, however, i believe she did write for people's relief- and more than that, for people's benefits- for knowledge. Austen was trying to expand, open people's consciousness to their embarrassing unconscious social world.