Montaigne vs. Austen
Every work of literature expresses
one central theme. Though the time period, genre, and style may be different
each author writes with this similar goal in mind. Michel de Montaigne and Jane
Austen contrast each other greatly, yet they both pursue this same concept.
Sometimes
words fail to fully express one’s emotions. Thoughts are often so deep and complex
that it's impossible to put into words. This is what David Foster states
in his quote “What goes on inside is just too fast and huge and all
interconnected for words to do more than barely sketch the outlines of at most
one tiny little part of it at any given instant.” In Essays by Michel de Montaigne, Montaigne supports the meaning
behind this quote all throughout his essay. He reflects on so many different
issues that he fails to reach a certain level of profoundness. Instead he just
skims the surface of each topic, thus leaving his readers to ponder each
subject individually.
On the
other hand in Jane Austen’s Pride and
Prejudice, she goes into great depth, focusing on each conflict that occurs
in the novel. She is able to reach such depth by providing the readers with
insight into each character’s thoughts and emotions. While Montaigne’s style is very straightforward
and serious, Austen’s style is comical and complex. This humorous style of
writing is continuously conveyed throughout her dialogue. Despite their
differences, both Austen and Montaigne write with the same purpose; to address a
certain theme. Austen addresses the fact that class and reputation is not everything.
However, Montaigne’s essays reflect a common theme that surrounds his views on
human nature.
In conclusion, both Montaigne and Austen wrote with completely different styles. The most obvious example
being that Montaigne wrote a series of essays while Austen wrote a structured
novel consisting of the average plot, climax, and resolution. Although these
two authors had very contrasting forms, in the end, they both sought out to leave
their readers contemplating their passionate views on life.
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