"Mini-Essay" discussing DW Harding's view of Jane Austen

DW Harding's perception of Jane Austen's sarcasm in the novel "Pride and Prejudice" is extremely biased in one view but may be correctly stated about Jane Austen's sarcasm which is not easily found by every reader that reads Austen's novel. DW Harding's main argument in his short statement about Jane Austen's use of sarcasm, is that the concealed sarcasm is not very expressive in the novel and that Austen uses delicate sarcasm that may not be true sarcasm, and may not be funny at all. Harding describes her use of delicate sarcasm as extremely delicate and not persuasive for readers. He explains that readers who read "Pride and Prejudice," are not accustomed to the sarcasm used in early 19th century England, and will not see the use of sarcasm that she is trying to portray. Also, Harding accuses Austen of not using the right "didactic intention" of a real satirist and that she is merely trying to use sarcasm to cover up her real intention of trying to explain her critical attitudes of different characters in the novel. Harding also criticizes Austen's use of sarcasm through diction between two characters by saying that her aim was trying to express the criticism one character has over another character, but I believe that Austen expresses her use of sarcasm extremely well in the diction between two characters. This is one idea that I do not agree with because Austen's best use of sarcasm is in her diction especially with diction between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Bennet's great sarcastic attitude, allows the reader to relate with Mr. Bennet as well as learn more about the characters who use a sarcastic attitude through out the novel.