Analyzing and Interpreting Literature / Unit 11 AIL 1036 short lesson, about 20 seconds
"Mr. Bennet Replied That He Had Not"
Captions available
The idea
His wife's speech is given in her own words and his answer is reported rather than quoted. The narrator declines to let him speak directly, which enacts his unwillingness to engage. The choice between quoting and reporting is itself characterisation.
In practice
She is quoted; he is reported.
Where people slip
Quoting or reporting is a choice.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
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