Jane Austen employs irony masterfully to critique societal norms and expectations in her novels. Her use of irony often highlights the absurdities and contradictions within the social conventions of her time. For instance, in “Pride and Prejudice,” Austen uses the ironic opening line, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife,” to satirize the societal obsession with marriage and wealth. This statement, while seemingly straightforward, is quickly undermined by the characters’ actions and motivations, revealing the true nature of social pressures and personal desires.

Austen also uses dramatic irony to expose the flaws in characters’ perceptions and judgments. Elizabeth Bennet’s initial misjudgment of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham in “Pride and Prejudice” serves to critique the superficial assessments based on societal status and appearances. The irony in Elizabeth’s evolving understanding of these characters reflects Austen’s commentary on the importance of personal integrity over social reputation.